Ask Hashem: The Power of Prayer, Faith, and Trust

Two halachot a day from the book Halacha Lemaaseh, by Rabbi Yaron Ashkenazi, based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

If someone washed their hands for a meal and, before reciting the blessing of Al Netilat Yadayim, heard someone else reciting a blessing, should they answer Amen?

If a person hears a blessing after washing their hands but before reciting Al Netilat Yadayim, they may answer Amen. However, if they hear a blessing after reciting Al Netilat Yadayim but before drying their hands, they should not answer Amen aloud, but should think Amen silently. If they hear the blessing after drying their hands, they may answer Amen.

Is there a reason to save a small piece of the bread used for Hamotzi and eat it at the end of the meal before Birkat Hamazon?

Doing so demonstrates a special appreciation for the mitzvah. However, someone who saves part of the Hamotzi bread for the end of the meal should make sure to eat it and not allow it to go to waste.

Daily Insight

A young boy went into a store with his father. Before they left, the store owner held out a jar of candy to the boy and said, “Put your hand in and take as many candies as you want.”

The boy stood there and looked at his father.

The store owner tried again. “Go ahead, take a whole handful. They’re free!” But the boy still did nothing. He simply continued looking at his father.

Finally, the father reached into the jar himself, pulled out a large handful of candy, and gave it to his son. Then they left the store.

On the way home, the father asked his son why he had not taken the candy himself.

The boy broke into a wide smile and replied, “I wanted you to take the candy for me, because your hand is bigger than mine.”

The lesson is clear: Whatever you need, ask the Creator of the world to give to you, because His hands are far greater than yours.

You have a Father in Heaven who can give you everything. He is only waiting for you to turn to Him. The Creator loves you and wants to shower you with goodness.

Ask Him for whatever you need. Ask Him to help you grow and change, because you cannot accomplish everything through your own strength alone. Ask Him to help you refine your character and overcome anger. Ask Him to give you the strength to treat your wife and children with patience and love even when things are very difficult.

Just ask.