1. Mixing two solid-like foods together into one unit, such as cottage cheese and cream, is subject to debate. Some say it is permitted to mix it normally (Igrot Moshe, O.C. 4:74), while others hold that this is forbidden as a thick mixture (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 8:1), in which case only the leniencies mentioned for thick mixtures would apply (i.e., only allowed in cases of need, and with a shinui for the mixing). Although we learned last week that one may mix two thick mixtures together such as tuna and egg salad, that applies only when the two substances do not naturally stick together. But if they do, then it is more questionable, as in the case here of cottage cheese and cream cheese.

2. We discussed earlier that poskim disagree whether mashing fruit constitutes tochen (grinding), unless one performs a shinui while mashing it.Many poskim hold that mashing fruit, such as a banana, and mixing it in its own juices is not considered losh, since this does not involve mixing together separate liquid and solid substances (Chazon Ish; Igrot Moshe, O.C. 4:74, Losh). If one adds in another liquid, one may need to use 2 shinuim since that is real losh and would only be permitted if it won’t stay well when made the day before.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.