עברית
Halachot and Customs
Separation of Challah
Question
Hello, I have questions regarding the separation of challah:
1. Is the separation of challah also required for dough intended for the blessing of mezonot?
2. From what quantity can one separate challah without a blessing? If I am preparing only a quarter kilogram of dough—must I separate? If so, how much should be separated from the dough?
3. Is separating challah without a blessing considered a valid separation? What is its merit? Thank you!
Answer
Hello and greetings
Even from dough that is classified as mezonot, if it contains the proper measure, one must separate challah. From 1.2 kilograms of flour, challah is separated without a blessing, and from 1.666 kilograms of flour, challah is separated with a blessing.
A quarter kilogram of flour does not require any separation at all.
The reason one separates challah without a blessing is due to uncertainty regarding the obligation to separate challah at the measure of 1.2 kilograms, and therefore one cannot recite a blessing since one does not bless when there is a doubt. However, on the other hand, one is obligated to separate challah because it is forbidden to eat dough that requires challah without its separation.
When one is obligated to separate challah without a blessing, it is a mitzvah performed out of doubt, and its merit is indeed great.
With blessings,
Benjamin Shmueli
