#82: Covering the Challah During Kiddush (Part 1)
- There is a well-known halacha that one should cover the challah while reciting Kiddush (Shulchan Aruch 271:9). Two main reasons are given for this halacha: A) To commemorate the manna in the desert, which was covered by a layer of dew when the people gathered it, and B) so as not to "embarrass" the challah, which usually would have the berachah recited on it first, but in this case is delayed because we must first sanctify Shabbat with Kiddush.
- One practical difference between the reasons pertains to whether one must continue to cover the challah after Kiddush before Hamotzi is recited. According to the first reason, one should keep the challah covered, while according to the second reason, covering is no longer necessary. In general, it is customary to accommodate both reasons, and the challah should therefore remain covered until Hamotzi as well (see Mishnah Berurah 271:41).
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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.
