Siman - Berachos Daf 51

  • Forgot to make a berachah

If one forgot to make a berachah before he ate, he should make one when he remembers and continue eating. If he has finished eating, he no longer has the opportunity to make a berachah

  • Ten requirements for the כוס של ברכה

The Gemara lists ten requirements of the כוס של ברכה (the cup of blessing):

It must be washed on the inside – הדחה

and rinsed on the outside – שטיפה

It must be fresh – חי

and full – מלא

It must be crowned – עיטור

Opinion 1 – the one who recites Birkas Hamazon should surround himself with students while doing it

Opinion 2 – the cup must be surrounded with other cups of wine (done during second cup of wine)

The one who recites Birkas Hamazon should cover himself with a cloak while sitting, or spread a scarf over his head – עיטוף

It should be taken with both hands – נוטלו בשבתי ידיו

and then placed in the right hand – ונותנו בימין

It should be raised a tefach off the ground – מגביהו מן הקרקע טפח

One should concentrates his eyes on it while reciting Birkas Hamazon - נותן עיניו בו

  • The מלאך המות teaches three things

The מלאך המות (Angel of Death) told R’ Yehoshua ben Levi three things:

Do not take your shirt in the morning from the hand of the butler.

Do not have your hands washed by someone who has not washed his own hands.

Do not stand in front of women when they are returning from a funeral, because the Angel of Death dances before them with his sword in hand and has permission to harm those he meets.