Sandwiches

Q. I am planning to eat a bagel and lox sandwich. Is it better to first cut the bagel and prepare it as a sandwich and then wash for Hamotzi, or is it preferable to recite Hamotzi when the bagel is whole, and prepare the bagel afterwards even though this will cause a hefsek (delay) between the beracha and taking the first bite?

A. Whenever possible, it is preferable to recite Hamotzi on a whole loaf of bread. Mishnah Berurah (167:4) explains that the beracha is honored when it is recited on a whole loaf. However, Shulchan Aruch (OC 167:1) also writes that one should begin to cut the loaf (a small incision) even before the beracha is recited to minimize the hefsek between the beracha and the first bite. This is because after reciting the beracha one must take a bite immediately. Mishnah Berurah (167:34) writes that one must not wait more than a “k’dei dibur” (approximately 2 seconds). In the question above, we are faced with two competing concerns. On the one hand, we want to recite the beracha on the bagel when it is still whole. On the other hand, if we wait until after the beracha to cut it open and spread the cream cheese and lox, there will be a significant hefsek. Perhaps one should make a beracha on the bagel when it is whole, take a bite, and then slice it and spread the cream cheese. However, that is not correct. The Mishnah Berurah (167:27) writes that if one recited Hamotzi and then realized that the condiments that they like to eat with the bread were not brought to the table, one should wait until they are brought. This is because eating the first bite of bread with tasty condiments is also an honor for the berecha, Therefore, one should recite Hamotzi when the bagel is whole, cut it open and spread the cream cheese and lox and then take a bite. Even though this will cause a delay, one is permitted to delay, to show honor to the beracha.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.