Tefillin and Zimmun: Difference between pages

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[[File:Tefillin.jpg|thumb|right|''A pair of Tefillin wrapped in their cases'' ]]
==Shir HaMaalot==
==Putting on Tefillin at home==
# One should say [[Al Neharot Bavel]] before [[benching]] after a meal and on days when there’s no [[tachanun]] one should say [[Shir HaMaalot]] BeShuv Hashem instead.<Ref>Magen Avraham 1:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 42:5, Mishna Brurah 1:10,11</ref> The minhag is to say [[Shir HaMaalot]] at Seudot mitzvah as well.<ref>Byitzchak Yikareh of Rav Nevinsal 1:5, Piskei Teshuvot 181:14 in footnote 60. Piskei Teshuvot cites this minhag based on Hitorerut Teshuva 1:88 and others. See also [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/744860/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Al_Naharos_Bavel_and_Shir_Hama'alos Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on the Ten Minute Halacha].</ref>
# One who is careful to wear a Talit Katan ([[Tzitzit]]) should put on the Talit Katan and Tefillin in one's house and then walk to Shul wearing Tefillin and in Shul put on a Talit Gadol. <Ref> Based on the Zohar Vaetchanan 265, the Shulchan Aruch 25:2 rules that one who is careful to wear a Talit Katan should put on the Talit Katan and Tefillin in one's house and then walk to Shul wearing Tefillin and in Shul put on a Talit Gadol.</ref> However, some say that one should only put on one's Tefilin at home if one had put on a Talit Gadol beforehand. <ref> Halacha Berura (Rav David Yosef, 25:11) quotes the Ari"zal as saying that even if one is wearing a Talit Katan one must put one's Talit Gadol before putting on one's Tefillin at home and adds that it's good to follow this latter opinion. </ref>
# If one will have to pass dirty areas or there are goyim between one’s house and the Shul, one should put on the Tefillin in the hallway next to the Shul itself if possible. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:8+10, Sh"t Rav Pealim OC 1:4  </ref>
# Because the primary concern is to only enter Shul wearing Tefillin, one should have the Tefillin outside Shul from the day before. <Ref> Kaf HaChaim 25:17, Piskei Teshuvot 25:6 </ref>
# Some say that one should also to walk out of Shul wearing Tefillin. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 25:6 </ref>
# Some say it’s preferable to put on Tefillin outside of Shul even if one will not be one of the first ten in the minyan because of it. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera #5, Kaf HaChaim 25:18, Halacha Brurah 25:13, Yalkut Yosef (Tefillin 25 note 36) </ref>


==When to put on Tefillin==
==Obligation of Zimmun==
# The earliest time to put on Tefillin is the time of [[MeSheyakir]]. <ref> S"A 30:1 </ref>
# If three people eat together are obligated to make a Zimmun before [[benching]] (making [[Birkat HaMazon]]). <ref> S”A 192:1 </ref> Chazal based it on the pasuk “גדלו לה" אתי ונרוממה שמו יחדיו” <ref> Tehilim 34 </ref> and “כי שם ה" אקרא הבו גודל לאלוקונו” <ref> Devarim 30. Gemara [[Brachot]] 45 quoted by the Mishna Brurah 192:1. </ref>.
# The minhag is to put on Tefillin after having said [[Birchot Hashachar]] and [[Birchot Hatorah]] but preferably before the Shema in [[korbanot]] and at least before Parshat HaTamid. <ref>Kaf HaChaim 25:3-4 </ref>
# Most authorities consider Zimmun to be a rabbinic obligation. <ref> Pri Megadim (A”A 197:2) writes that most authorities consider zimmun to be of rabbinic obligation. Chaye Adam 48:1 writes that Zimmun is derabbanan and some say it’s Deoritta. Chazon Ish (31:1) argues that Zimmun should be Deoritta. </ref>
# One may not put on Tefillin at night. <ref>S"A 30:2</ref> If one has not put on his tefillin, he still can during the time of bein hashemashot even though generally it is forbidden to wear them at night, as long as he has not recited arvit. <ref> Halichot Olam volume 1 page 29, Mishna Brurah 30:3 </ref>
# Zimmun could be said in any language as the purpose is to introduce the [[benching]] orally and join the group together to praise Hashem. <ref> Zohar (Balak pg 186b) writes that it’s important to precede [[benching]] with “give us a cup to bench” in Hebrew or Aramaic to introduce the [[benching]] to bring the [[kedusha]]. Mishna Brurah 192:2 quotes this and writes the minhag ashkenaz was to say Zimmun in Yiddish “Rabbotei Mir Velin Benchin”. Kol Bo (Siman 25) emphasizes the group merit of the zimmun. </ref>
# Some have the minhag to keep their tefillin on during a brit milah <ref> Mishna Berura 25:55 based on Magen Avraham OC 25:28 and Shach YD 265:24. Rabbi Chaim Jachter http://koltorah.org/ravj/Minhagim_of_Brit_Milah_1.html testifies that this is the minhag of Rav Reuven and Rav Dovid Feinstein, although Rabbi Jachter himself says that the minhag seems to be that only the father and sandek wear it throughout the bris. </ref> while some people remove it before the brit. <ref> Yalkut Yosef p.895, Aruch Hashulchan YD 265:38. Kaf Hachayim 25:92 writes that the minhag is for the father, mohel, and sandak to leave their tefillin on for the brit. </ref>
# Some say that answering Zimmun is considered one of a person’s hundred [[Brachot]] every day. <Ref> Sefer Keysad Mezamnin 1:22 </ref>
==Removing Tefillin==
# When we say the zimmun Sephardim have a practice of starting “הב לן נברך למלכא עילאה קדישא”. Then for Shabbat they insert “ברשות שבת מלכתא” and for Yom Tov “ברשות יומא טבא אושפיזא קדישא”. For Sukkot the practice is to insert “וברשות שבעה אושפיזין עלאין קדישין”.<Ref>Ben Ish Chai Korach n. 1 records the minhag to insert special requests for permission from Shabbat, Yom Tov, and the Ushpizin. Yalkut Yosef 192:1 agrees. He cites the Yafeh Llev 1:192:5 who argues that this is a real minhag and it appears as though one is believing in two gods. Also he is degrading Hashem’s dynasty by comparing it with other entities. Yalkut Yosef defends the minhag that one’s intent isn’t to compare Hashem to anything and it is just for honor to mention them. Mayim Chaim 2:17 agrees.</ref>
# One should wait until at least the kedusha of uva litzion before removing their tefillin. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 25:13. </ref> Preferably though one should wait until after al ken in aleinu lishabeach. <ref> Arizal in Shaar Kavanot derush 5 tefillin, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Chayei Sara: halacha 10. </ref>
# Some say that one should ask permission from the wife of the host in the zimmun as well.<ref>[https://eretzhemdah.org/newsletterArticle.asp?lang=he&pageid=48&cat=1&newsletter=949&article=3637 Mareh Habazak 5:9] writes that one should ask permission from the wife of the host in the zimmun since it is socially appropriate and nice it should be obligatory. He explains that the asking permission in zimmun isn’t really asking permission but just an honor. See the Sephardim practice of mentioning Shabbat and Yom Tov in the zimmun.</ref>
# Ideally, one should learn a little bit of torah with his tefillin on after prayers. <ref> Arizal quoted by Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara 11, Chida in machazik beracha siman 25. </ref>
# Remove tefillin as follows: standing or sitting remove finger, hand, and two windings of forearm. Then stand to take off shel Rosh and sit to take off rest of shel yad. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara: halacha 10. </ref>
# One should remove the shel Rosh with his weaker hand to show his desire to fulfill mitzvot and reluctance to stop. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara: Halacha 10. </ref>
# It is a nice practice to kiss the tefillin upon removing them. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 28:3</ref>
==Talit before Tefillin==
# One should put on Talit before Tefillin.<Ref> S”A 25:1 says that the Talit goes first because we want to increase in Kedusha from Talit to Teffilin. </ref> Even if the Talit is only obligated in Tzitzit Derabbanan it still takes precedence to the Teffilin. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:1, Halacha Brurah 25:7, Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 3 </ref>
# If one puts his talit and Tefillin in the same bag, one should be careful to place the Talit to the side of the Tefillin so that one takes the Talit first and then the Tefillin. <ref>S"A 25:1 writes that one must not place the Tefillin above the Talit because otherwise one may take the Tefillin before the Talit. However, Halacha Brurah 25 writes that it's not respectful to the Tefillin to place the Talit above the Tefillin, therefore it should be placed in a separate bag or to the side of the Tefillin. </ref>
# If one isn’t going to fulfill the mitzvot of Talit and Tefillin one may pass over one and take the other. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:3 writes that the law that one can’t pass up a mitzvah only applies when one intends to do the mitzvah. </ref>Hence if the Tefillin was mistakenly placed above the Talit and one doesn’t plan on fulfilling the mitzvah with them now one may remove both and rearrange it. <ref> This follows clearly from the above Mishna Brurah but is written as an example in Halachot of Tefillin by Rabbi Shlomo Churba (page 7) quoting Or Letzion (vol 2, 44:16). </ref>  
# Similarly, if one has a Talit of [[Shabbat]] in the same bag and above the Talit of the weekday one may take the Talit of the weekday even if it’s below. <Ref> Kaf HaChaim 25:8 writes that since one doesn’t intend to use the Talit of [[Shabbat]] now one is permitted to take the Talit of the weekday even if it’s below. </ref>
# If one has only a Tefillin and not a Talit, according to Ashkenazim one shouldn’t wait but rather one can just put on the Tefillin, however Sephardim hold that if one will but will have Talit available to him before the latest time to say Shema, one should wait to get the Talit before putting on the Tefillin. However, if one will not have a Talit available before the latest time for Shema, one should don the Tefillin in order to say Shema with Tefillin in the time. <ref> Rama 25:1 writes that if one has Tefillin but not Talit one shouldn’t wait for the Talit but rather just put on the Tefillin. The Magan Avraham 25:2 understands that this is the case even if there’s no concern that one will miss Sof Zman Kriyat Shema. Mishna Brurah 25:7 agrees. However, the Machaneh Chaim (Mehudra Kama 2), Sh”t Shenot Chaim 36, Kaf HaChaim 25:10, Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 319), and Halacha Brurah 25:10 argue that one should wait to put on the Talit as long as one will not miss the time for Kriyat Shema. </ref>
# If one takes off one’s Talit and Tefillin momentarily and then returns one should still put on the Talit first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah (Biur Halacha D”H Vayitztarech) writes that the principle that one should put on Talit before Tefillin is true also in a case where one took off the Talit and Tefillin momentarily and now comes to put on Talit and Tefillin. This is quoted in Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 318), Halacha Brurah (Birur Halacha 25:2), Amudei HaShulchan 10:2, and Divrei Shalom (vol 1 pg 15). </ref>
# If one is wearing Tefillin and then a Talit becomes available, one doesn’t have to remove one’s Tefillin, rather one should just put on the Talit while wearing the Tefillin. <Ref> Ben Ish Chai (Vayera 4, Sh”t Rav Poalim 1:4) writes that if someone is only wearing Tefillin and a Talit becomes available, one should remove one’s Tefillin before putting on the Talit. So holds the Sh”t Torah Lishmah 1. However, the Rama 25:1 writes that if one has only Tefillin one should put that on and when one gets a Talit one should don the Talit implying that one doesn’t need to remove the Tefillin in order to put on the Talit. Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 319) agrees. </ref>
# If someone by accident took the Tefillin before the Talit, some say that one should put on the Tefillin since one has it in one’s hands, while others hold one should leave the Tefillin (respectfully), engage in another activity and when one returns one can put on the Talit first. <Ref> The S”A 25:1 writes that one should be careful not to put the Tefillin above the Talit in one bag because then one may take the Tefillin first and have to put them on before the Talit. The S”A here holds that since one picked up the Tefillin the principle of not passing up a mitzvah overrides putting the Talit on before the Tefillin. Most achronim rule in accordance with S”A including Mishna Brurah and Halacha Brurah 25:9. However, the Kaf HaChaim 25:10 writes in name of the Arizal that one should always put on the Talit first even in such a case. Therefore, the Sh”t Or Letzion 2:44:16 writes that one should leave the Tefillin and engage in another activity, so that when one returns to the Tefillin one may put on the Talit first according to all opinions. [This advise of engaging in another activity in order to remove the issue of not passing up a mitzvah is sourced in the Magan Avraham 25:4 and Mishna Brurah 25:3.] Even though the Halacha Brurah 25:9 argues that once one is involved in a mitzvah one isn’t allowed to engage in a non-mitzvah, still the Divrei Shalom (vol 1 pg 23), Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 315-7), Rabbi Eli Mansour http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=504, and Halachot of Tefillin (by Rabbi Shlomo Churba pg 8) rule in accordance with the Or Letzion. </ref>
## The same applies if one only took the Tefillin in their bag before taking the talit. <Ref> Magan Avraham 25:1 argues that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah doesn’t apply if one takes the Tefillin in their bag before taking the Talit. So holds the S”A HaRav 25:3. However, Kitzur S”A 10:2, Maamer Mordechai 25:3, Nehar Shalom 25:1, Nishmat Adam 13:2, Levush 25, Taz 25:10, Eliyah Rabba 25:4, Chaye Adam 13:1, Shalmei Tzibbur (pg 37a), Siddur Bet Ovad (Makom Hanachat Tefillin 1), Kaf HaChaim 25:6, and Mishna Brurah (Biur Halacha 25:1 D”H Shelo Yanichu) rule that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah applies even if the Tefillin are still in their bag. </ref>
## If one has Tefillin in the room that one is in and a Talit in the next room, the principle of not passing up the mitzvah applies and so one should put on the Tefillin first or leave the Tefillin, engage in another activity and then get the Talit first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah 25:4 writes that the principle of not passing up on a mitzvah applies even to when one mitzvah is in the room that one is in and the other mitzvah is in another room. Therefore the same halacha as when one picks up Tefillin before Talit applies as above. </ref>
# If one first made a mistake by taking the Tefillin and then made another mistake by putting down the Tefillin. One should put on the Talit first. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:5, Halacha Brurah (Birur Halach 25:2) </ref>
# There’s a doubt in a situation where one would we embarrassed to put on Tefillin without a Talit whether one can put on the Talit first. <Ref> Mishna Brurah (Buir Halacha 25) writes that if one is embarrassed to put on the Tefillin first there is a doubt whether one may put on the Talit first. Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 318) writes that since we hold that the principle of not passing up a mitzvah is only derabbanan, we override the Derabbanan with Kavod HaBriot. [whether not passing up a mitzvah is derabbanan or deorittah is a dispute in the rishonim and achronim, see Yalkut Yosef (Sherit Yosef 1 pg 317-8).] </ref>
# If one can only afford either a tallit or tefillin, tefillin should be bought. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:3 </ref>


==Kavana (intent) when putting on Tefillin==
==Who Should be Given the Honor of Zimmun?==
# When putting on Tefillin one should have the following Kavana: Hashem commended us to wear these 4 parshiot (in the Tefllin) which speak of the oneness of Hashem and exodus of Egypt in order that we remember the miracles that reflect Hashem’s totally control over the upper and lower worlds. One should also have intent to make one’s Nishama in one’s brain and the heart which is the seat of emotion and thought, subservient to Hashem, and in this way one will remember Hashem and minimize one’s personal pleasures. <Ref> S”A 25:5 </ref>
# If there are guests, the homeowner should honor one of the guests with zimmun and he can even choose one of them who isn't the greatest talmid chacham.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 201:1, Mishna Brurah 201:4. Sefer Vkidashto (p. 173) writes that a host can honor whichever guest he likes even a non-kohen over a kohen. His proofs are Shulchan Aruch Harav 167, Biur Halacha 201, Minchat Elazar 4:49, and Mishna Halachot 3:28.</ref>
# This is certainly an important intent, however one didn’t have such an intent one has still fulfilled their obligation. <ref> Mishna Brurah 25:16 </ref>
# If there's no guests, a talmid chacham should be given first right to lead zimmun, afterwards a kohen should be given the right. If the kohan isn't a talmid chacham and there's also a talmid chacham there the talmid chacham may not say that he's giving the zimmun to the kohan based on rights of a kohan but he may give him permission to do the zimmun.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 201:2. The Gemara Megillah 28a explains that a talmid chacham who gives the zimmun to the kohan as a right of him being a kohen it is a disgrace to the Torah.</ref>
# It’s also important to have intent that is doing the action in order to fulfill a Biblical obligation. <ref> S”A 60:4 </ref>
# There is no difference for zimmun if the person leading zimmun ate a kezayit of bread and isn't full or whether he's full. Similarly, there's no difference if he ate and drank or just ate. That is only for leading zimmun but not if one person is actually being motzei another person their obligation in Birkat Hamazon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 197:23 writes that even though regarding the obligation of Birchat Hamazon it matters if a person only ate a kezayit or is full or whether they drank, if everyone is fulfilling their own obligation it isn't relevant for zimmun.</ref>


== Torah Sources ==
== Who has the obligation?==
# The obligation of tefillin is mentioned four times in the Torah. <ref> The torah mentions Tefillin twice when recalling the The Exodus from Egypt as in Exodus 13:9 it reads "And it shall be for a sign for you upon your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the LORD may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand did the LORD bring you out of Egypt." and Exodus 13:16 "And it shall be for a sign upon your hand, and as totafot between your eyes; for with a mighty hand did the LORD bring us forth out of Egypt." and twice in the first two paragraphs of Kriat Shema as in Deuteronomy 6:8 it says "And you shall bind them as a sign upon your arm, and they shall be as totafot between your eyes." and lastly in Deuteronomy 11:18 "You shall put these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall tie them for a sign upon your arm, and they shall be as totafot between your eyes." </ref>
# There is only an obligation to have a zimmun if three or more people eat together. The three conditions to be considered “together” is that those who are eating 1) eat while seated, 2) sit at one table, and 3) start or end the meal together. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 193:2 writes that a third person can join two that already started eating if he is “Koveh” (establishes his place) with them. Mishna Brurah 193:21 writes that if one doesn’t eat while sitting and eat at the same table one isn’t considered as being Koveh with the others. Magen Avraham 195:2 and Mishna Brurah 197:3 also include the requirement of sitting at the same table. </ref> They are considered starting together if they all start to eat the first kezayit of bread while the others are still eating that first kezayit.<ref>Tosfot Brachot 45a s.v. shelosha, Vezot Habracha p. 131 citing Rav Elyashiv and Rav Tzvi Weber. He also quotes Rav Sheinberg who said that if they went to wash at the same time it is like they started together.</ref>
##A person eating with his family is considered one eating together to be obligated in zimmun even if they aren't eating at the same table.<ref>Mishna Brurah 193:18</ref>
##People eating together at a simcha or any other occasion are considered eating together even if they aren't eating at the same table.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 193:7</ref>
## If in a school or yeshiva, the students go to lunch at the same time, the group can make Zimmun together even if they sit at separate tables as long as they can see from one table to another. Even if they don’t have enough at each table to make their own Zimmun of ten, they can join together to make a Zimmun of ten. However, it’s preferable that they one time actual say verbally that they intend to eat together. <ref> Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 375), Piskei Teshuvot 193:7 </ref>
===Zimmun When They Didn't Establish Together===
# If two groups ate in different places in the same house and they could see from one group to another, if they have intent (when they began the meal) to join for Zimmun they may join, however, if if they didn’t have intent, then according to Sephardim they may not join for Zimmun, but according to Ashkenazim it’s a dispute whether they may join for zimmun. <Ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 195:1, Mishna Brurah 195:6 </ref>
# If three people aren’t obligated to make Zimmun as they didn’t join their meals together sitting, on the same table, and starting or finishing together they may not have a zimmun.<ref> Rama 193:3 writes that even if three people aren’t obligated in Zimmun it’s preferable that they make Zimmun because of Berov Am Hadrat Melech, that it’s preferable to honor Hashem in multitudes. Mishna Brurah 193:23 writes that the same would apply if there are more than 3 people. However, Magen Avraham in name of many poskim that since one can’t fulfill the [[Birkat HaMazon]] for another person one is also not allowed to make a zimmun together. Mishna Brurah 193:24 concludes that the Magen Avraham is more logical. Vezot Habracha p. 134 concurs.</ref> Some say that if they sat together but they just started and ended at different times they that they can have a zimmun together.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Minchat Shlomo Brachot 45a cited by Dirshu 193:22)</ref>


==Who is obligated?==
==If a Member of the Zimmun Left or Benched==
# All men above the age of thirteen are required to put on tefillin daily. <ref> The Rambam(Sefer HaMitzvot Mitzvah Aseh 12 and 13) and Sefer HaChinuch (421) record this as a mitzvah that applies to every male individual even nowadays. Rambam there says based on the gemara in Menachot 44a that one who is obligated to wear tefillin but doesn't, transgresses eight commandments (4 for the hand and 4 for the head). </ref>
===If a Member of the Zimmun already Said Birkat Hamazon===
# Tefillin is a [[Mitzvah Aseh SheHaZman Grama]] (time bound mitzvah) and so women are exempt. Even though usually women are allowed to fulfill mitzvot from which they are exempt, by Tefillin it’s preferable that women do not fulfill this mitzvah. <ref> S”A and Rama 38:3, Mitzvat Nashim (pg 35). See Targum Yonatan Ben Uziel on Devarim 22:5 who includes a woman wearing Tefillin in the category of Lo Yehey Kli Gever Al Isha. </ref>
# If three ate together and were obligated in Zimmun and one forgot about Zimmun and said [[Birkat HaMazon]] then the other two can say zimmun with the third. <Ref>Rava Tosfa in Gemara Brachot 50a states that if three people ate together and one said birkat hamazon then the other two can afterwards include him in the zimmun, even though he doesn't fulfill his obligation, they fulfill their obligation. Rambam Brachot 5:14, Rosh Brachot 7:28, and Shulchan Aruch 194:1 codify this as the halacha.</ref> However, if one of the group already answered Zimmun with another group he can’t answer another zimmun of three. <Ref>Rav Hai Goan (cited by Rashba 50a s.v iy nami) understood Rava on 50a to mean that if there were three groups of three people who ate bread together and one from each group joined together for a zimmun the others would be exempted from a zimmun. The reason is that since the original groups only had three people once one of them answered a zimmun he is discounted from their group and as such they can't make a zimmun anymore. The Rashba explains that according to Rav Hai Gaon only if the other person answered a zimmun is he disqualified from joining their group, but if he forgot and say birkat hamazon without a zimun he wouldn't invalidate his group's zimmun and he can join their zimmun although he isn't going to fulfill his obligation. Rama 194:1 holds like Rav Hai Goan. Bet Yosef 193:6 cites it.
* Furthermore, the opinion of Rashi 50b s.v. vlo, Tosfot 50a s.v. aval, and Rambam Brachot 5:11 explain the gemara Brachot 50a to mean that if a person answered a zimmun and then joined another group he can't answer another zimmun. </ref>
# If three people ate bread together, and two forgot to wait for Zimmun, the other one can not do Zimmun with the ones who already Benched. <ref> The Rosh Brachot 7:28 writes that if two of them already said birkat hamazon there's no more obligation of zimmun for any of them. He infers it from the gemara that says only if one already said Birkat Hamazon implying if it was more then there would be no obligation of zimmun anymore. Rashba Brachot 50a s.v. inhu and Hagahot Maimoniyot 5:30 agree. Maamer Mordechai 194:3 and Keysad Mezamnin 194:5 p. 112 codify this.</ref>
# If four ate bread and two forgot and said birkat hamazon the other two can create a zimmun with one of the ones who already said birkat hamazon.<ref>Maamer Mordechai 194:3 explains that although the Rashba explains that one can only create a zimmun if a majority of the original group is there, since two need to say birkat hamazon they would have a zimmun even if only one of those who already said birkat hamazon would join them. Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agrees.</ref>
# If three people ate together, two ate bread and one ate a [[Kezayit]] of something else or drank a [[Revi'it]] of a drink (other than water) are obligated to make Zimmun. <ref> Mishna Brurah 197:20 writes that if one out of three people ate a [[Kezayit]] of a food (other than bread) or drank a reviyat of drinks (other than water), the three people can still make Zimmun. </ref>
# If one of three only had a [[Kezayit]] of another food or a reviyat of drinks, and one of those who ate bread forgot to wait for Zimmun and Benched, the other one who ate bread can no longer make Zimmun. <Ref> Eliya Rabba has a doubt about the case where two ate bread with someone who ate a kezayit of another food and one who ate bread said birkat hamazon if they can still have a zimmun. Perhaps since majority of the group still didn't say a bracha achrona they can have a zimmun or perhaps since only the one who had bread and still didn't say birkat hamazon needs a zimmun the obligation of the zimmun disappeared. He concludes that the latter approach is more reasonable. Birkei Yosef (Shiurei Bracha 194:1), Maamar Mordechai 194:3, Magen Giborim (Elef Hamagen 194:1), and Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agree. Maamer Mordechai elaborates that according to the Rosh the one who already said birkat hamazon is like someone who ate a kezayit of another food so if the other two ate bread that would create a zimmun. But according to the Rambam that someone who ate a kezayit of another food can't join for a zimmun of three the one who already said birkat hamazon is better than someone who ate a kezayit but either way in this case there's no zimmun.</ref>
# If one of three only had a [[Kezayit]] of another food or a reviyat of drinks, and the one who didn’t eat bread forgot to wait for Zimmun and made [[Bracha Achrona]], the other two  who ate bread can no longer make Zimmun. <Ref> Magen Avraham 197:4 quotes the Aguda who writes that if one who didn't eat bread forgot and made a bracha achrona he is no longer included in the zimmun at all and it is unlike someone who ate bread and then forgot and recited birkat hamazon. Maamar Mordechai 194:3 and Mishna Brurah 197:9 agree.</ref>
# If there's a zimmun of ten and one already said birkat hamazon, according to Ashkenazim they can still recite a zimmun with Shem even though the one who already said birkat hamazon doesn't fulfill his obligation everyone else does. In fact this works even if three already said birkat hamazon. According to Sephardim they can not make a zimmun with a shem.<ref>Bet Yosef 193:1 s.v. vchen holds that someone who already said zimmun can join a zimmun of three but not a zimmun of ten. Birkei Yosef 194:1 agrees. Keysad Mezamnin p. 118 explains that a zimmun of ten requires a greater level of establishment to create a zimmun than a zimmun of three (Brachot 45b) and therefore someone who already said birkat hamazon can't join.  However, the Eliya Rabba 194:1 argues. Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agrees.</ref>


== Arrangement of Paragaphs ==
===When is it Permitted to Leave?===
# There is much discussion among the Rishonim (early authorities) about the order in which the biblical passages should be written in the arm and head tefillin. The rabbis most famous for this dispute were Rashi and his grandson Rabbeinu Tam. Rashi held that the order is: Kadesh Li (Shemot 13:1-10), VeHaya Ki Yeviehcha (Shemot 13:11-16), Shema (Devarim 6:4-9), VeHaya Im Shemoa (Devarim 11:13-21). Rabbenu Tam held that the last two passages were switched (thus making the following order Kadesh Li, VeHaya Ki Yeviehcha, VeHaya Im Shemoa, Shema). The custom of the world is to follow Rashi's opinion. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 34:1, Halacha Brurah 34:1 </ref>
# If three people ate in three different groups of three they shouldn't leave their groups and form their own zimmun because doing so will invalidate their original groups.<ref>Rav Hai Goan's understanding of Brachot 50a, Rashba 50a s.v. iy nami, Rama 193:6</ref>
# However, pious individuals have the practice of wearing both Tefillin of Rashi and Rabbenu Tam, with no beracha when putting on the Rabbeinu Tam. <ref> S"A 34:2-3 rules that that the especially pious should wear both sets, but added that only one commonly known to be especially pious may do so, so as not to appear as arrogant in one's piety. However, Halacha Brurah (Rabbi David Yosef, 34:1) writes that since it has become the practice of many common people to wear both Tefillin of Rashi and Rabbenu Tam it's not considered an issue of arrogance to wear both pairs of Tefillin. Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 3:4 writes that if one has this stringency he should remove the Rashi and place the Rabbeinu Tam before the kedusha of uva litzion. </ref>
# If three people ate in three groups of four or more people they can leave their groups and form their own zimmun because their original groups will still have their own zimmun.<ref>Rashba Brachot 50a s.v. iy nami, Rama 193:6</ref>
# Unmarried individuals should not wear Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam unless they know that they are capable of having pure thoughts for as long as the one wears Tefillin. <ref>Halacha Brurah 34:2. Chacham Ben-zion Abba Shaul Sh"t Or Litzion 2:13:11 also writes that sephardim should only wear Rabbeinu Tam tefillin after marriage. </ref>
===If a Member of the Zimmun Left===
# If one mistakenly put on rabbeinu tam first, some poskim say to recite a beracha when putting on the rashi tefillin. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera 24. Rav Ovadia Yosef in Halichot Olam volume 1 page 26 says that this is only if the person has prayed something in between but if he remembers immediately no beracha should be recited. </ref>
# If someone in a group of four and one left and they did zimmun while he wasn't there he is exempt from zimmun and he can't later join a zimmun. The same is true if he was part of a group of three and he left and someone else replaced him and they did a zimmun without him, he lost his obligation of zimmun.<ref>Rosh Brachot 7:29 quotes Rabbenu Yehuda who explains that the gemara meant that if the original groups did zimmun the ones who left lost their obligation of zimmun. Even though the Rosh argues with Rabbenu Yehuda, Rabbenu Yonah 36a s.v gemara and Raavad Brachot 5:11 agree with Rabbenu Yehuda. Rashba 50a s.v. iy nami implies that he agrees. Shulchan Aruch OC 193:6 codifies the opinion of Rabbenu Yehuda.</ref>
# If three ate together and one person left he could be called back and Zimmun could be said even if he’s standing by the door next to them, however he should say [[Birkat HaMazon]] where he ate. However, if ten people ate together and one left he should be called back and everyone should sit down for Zimmun. <Ref>Gemara Brachot 45b, Shulchan Aruch OC 194:2, Mishna Brurah 194:8 </ref>


==Halachot of the Boxes (Batim)==
==A Zimmun of Ten==
# The straps as well as the boxes should be black. <ref> S"A 33:3 </ref>
# If ten people ate bread together, they are supposed to add the word Elokenu in the Zimmun.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 192:1</ref>
# The tefllin boxes must be square. <ref> S"A 32:39 </ref>  
# If seven people ate bread and three people ate a [[kezayit]] of another food or drank a [[reviyit]] of a drink<ref>The Kol Bo 25 cited by Bet Yosef has a doubt whether those joining have to eat a kezayit or reviyit of drink to join or anything is sufficient. Shulchan Aruch rules that a kezayit of food or reviyit of drink is necessary.</ref> other than water, they can join together for a Zimmun with the insertion of Elokenu. If there are only six people who ate bread they can't make a Zimmun with Elokenu. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 197:2. Rav is quoted in Gemara Brachot 48a as saying that if one of the ten ate a vegetable he can join for a zimmun. Tosfot s.v. tisha adds that even drinking counts like eating. Rambam Brachot 5:8, Tur and Shulchan Aruch 197:2 codify this gemara.
# In normal circumstances, a sephardi doesn't fulfill his obligation with tefillin written according to minhag ashkenaz. If there is no choice, a halachic authority should be contacted. <ref> Halacha Berura 32:148 </ref>
* Rabbi Zeira asked whether two or three people who ate a vegetable can join and Rav Yehuda told him that they could. Rabbi Zeira didn't ask whether four who ate vegetables can join because he thought that you need a significant majority. Rabbi Yirmiya argued that four could join which there is still a majority of those who had bread. Rashi understands that Rabbi Zeira didn't ask original because of his idea but really he regretted that he didn't ask about four. The Bet Yosef 197:2 explains for the Rambam and others that Rabbi Zeira was steadfast in his opinion that four can't join. Interestingly, the Or Zaruah 1:197 cited by Bet Yosef in fact holds that four can join. Shulchan Aruch doesn't hold like the Or Zaruah.</ref>
# According to Sephardim, one doesn't have to stand for the word Elokenu in the Zimmun. <ref>Halacha Brurah 192:12</ref> Some Ashkenazim have the custom to stand for the word Elokenu in a zimmun of ten, however those who don't stand have what to rely on.<Ref>Sh"t Bear Moshe 1:2 compares standing for Elokenu of zimmun to standing for barchu and concludes that one should stand but if one doesn't there is what to rely upon. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/897474/rabbi-hershel-schachter/berachos-87-44b-45b-lishmor-chukav-zman-tefillin-muktzeh-mayim-letzmao-zimmun-/ Rav Schachter (Brachot Shiur 87 at the end)] said that Rav Soloveitchik's minhag was not to stand for Elokenu of zimmun of ten but those who do stand think that it is like a dvar shebekedusha (Kesef Mishna Brachot 5:7).
* Is Zimmun a Dvar Shebekedusha? The Rambam Brachot 5:7 writes that even though women can have a zimun on their own they can’t have a zimun of ten with Elokenu. (Interestingly, the Sefer Meorot Brachot 45a argues on the Rambam.) Kesef Mishna Brachot 5:7 explains that a zimun with Elokenu is a dvar shebekedusha. Meiri Brachot 47b s.v. nashim, Bach 199:7, Perisha 199:16, Ateret Tzvi 199:5, and Mishna Brurah 199:15 agree with this statement explicitly. However, Even Haazel Brachot 5:7 and Divrei Yirmiyahu Brachot 5:7 argue that zimun with Elokenu really isn’t a dvar shebekedusha but requires a minyan for the respect of Hashem’s name (Brachot 45b) and that’s why a child can join for zimun. (See Meiri who tries to address this.) Kavod Yom Tov Brachot 5:7 provides a compromise calling it a minor dvar shebekedusha.</ref>


== Halachot for the Scribe ==
==Two who ate together==
# The passages must be written in order the of the Torah (Kadesh, VeHaya Ki Yiviyecha, Shema, and then VeHaya Im Shamoa). <ref> S"A 32:1 </ref> It is preferable to write the passages for the arm Tefillin before writing the passages for the head Tefillin. <ref>Rama 32:1 </ref>  
# Three who ate together must do Zimmun and each one is not allowed to leave the Zimmun. However, if there’s six or more in the Zimmun, the group is allowed to split into two groups of three. If there’s ten then each one isn’t allowed to leave the Zimmun as they are obligated in Zimmun with a mentioning of Hashem’s name. However, if there’s twenty the group may split into two groups of ten. <Ref>S”A 193:1 </ref>  
# Those in the head Tefillin are written on four separate pieces of parchment, while those in the arm Tefilin are written on one piece of parchment. <ref> S"A 32:2</ref>
# Some say that it’s always preferable to join together in a larger group while others contend that once one is joining in a group of three or ten there’s no obligation to join in a larger group. <Ref>Rama 193:2, Mishna Brurah 193:11 </ref>
# The parchment must be made from the skin of a kosher type of animal or bird. <ref> S"A 32:12 </ref>
# If three people ate together in the beginning or they finished together (and it’s considered as if they finished together if they still would eat something had if be brought to them) then there’s an obligation of Zimmun. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 193:19 </ref>
# The passages must be written with intent that they it should be written for the Kedusha of Tefillin. <ref>S"A 32:19 </ref>
# Two who ate together aren't obligated in Zimmun and therefore, they should say [[Birkat HaMazon]] to themselves.<ref>The Gemara Brachot discusses whether two people can create a zimmun. Rabbi Yochanan holds that two people can't have a zimmun but Rav holds they can. The Rif 33a, Rosh Brachot 7:6, Or Zaruah Brachot n. 184, and Rambam Brachot 5:16 hold like Rabbi Yochanan. Shulchan Aruch 193:1 codifies the opinion of Rabbi Yochanan. </ref> However, if one of them doesn’t know how to say [[Birkat HaMazon]] and the other does, then the one who knows may say it aloud and fulfill the obligation of the one who doesn't know as long as the one saying has intent to fulfill the obligation of the other, and the one listening has intent to fulfill his obligation. <ref>Gemara 45b establishes that if someone doesn't know how to say birkat hamazon he can fulfill his obligation by listening to someone who does know how to say birkat hamazon. Rif 33a, Rosh 6:7, Rambam Brachot 5:15, and Shulchan Aruch 193:1 quote this as the halacha. </ref>
# The passages must be written with one's right hand if one is a right-handed or ambidextrous, however, a left-handed person must write the passages with his left hand. <ref>S"A 32:5. See Mishna Brurah 32:18 who quotes the Pri Megadim that preferably one shouldn't have a sofer who writes with the right hand and does other activities with the left hand or the opposite. </ref>
# According to many opinions it is crucial that the one who is listening understand the [[Birkat HaMazon]]. Some poskim are lenient and add that such was the minhag. <Ref>Tosfot Brachot 45b s.v. shani concludes that if a person doesn't understand the birkat hamazon he can't fulfill his obligation with a zimmun. Mordechai, Or Zaruah Brachot n. 186, Rabbenu Yonah Brachot 33a s.v. vnira, and Rosh Brachot 7:6 agree. However, the Rosh cites Rashi who held that even if those listening don't understand they can fulfill their obligation by listening to birkat hamazon in Hebrew as we find by Megillah 17a. Tur and Shulchan Aruch 193:1 hold like the Tosfot. Darkei Moshe 193:1 writes that the minhag is to rely on Rashi. Magen Avraham 193:2 and Mishna Brurah 193:5 accept the Darkei Moshe.
# The passages must be written with black ink. <ref>S"A 32:3 </ref>
* The Birkat Avraham 9:287 (cited by Olot Tamid 193:2) writes that even Shulchan Aruch would accept that for a zimmun of three it is possible to fulfill the obligation of someone who doesn't understand Hebrew and it is only an issue if there's only two people. However, the Olot Tamid argues that Shulchan Aruch doesn't distinguish. (Tosfot Brachot 45b s.v. shani explicitly is against the Birkat Avraham.) Biur Halacha 193:1 s.v. eino cites the Birkat Avraham.</ref>
# It's good to test out the pen before beginning to write a passage. <ref> S"A 32:22 </ref>  
===Two Who Ate Bread and a Third Ate Other Foods===
# The passages for Tefillin must be written by a literate religious adult male Jew. <ref> S"A 32:30 and S"A 39:1 </ref>
# If two people ate bread and a third person ate a [[kezayit]] of another food, some rishonim hold that they may not join together to make a zimmun, while other rishonim hold that they may join together for a zimmun. Ideally the third person should eat bread and join for a zimmun. If he doesn't want to, they can join for a zimmun of three. <Ref>
# Tefillin written by a gentile or a jew who doesn't believe in the entire torah and its divinity are not kosher. <ref> Rambam Hilchot Tefillin 1:13 </ref>  
* Rif Brachot 35b holds that someone who ate something besides bread can be counted for a zimmun of ten and not for a zimmun of three. Rambam Brachot 5:8, Rashba Brachot 48a s.v. ulinyan, and Sar Mkusi (Tosfot Brachot 48a s.v. tisha) agree. However, the Ri (Tosfot Brachot 48a s.v. tisha), Rabbenu Yonah 35b s.v. vafilu, and Rosh Brachot 7:21 argue that there’s no distinction between a zimun of three and ten and one person who ate something besides bread can join a zimun of three.
* According to Tosfot unlike Rif and Rambam, what do you need to eat? Tosfot 48a s.v. tisha says that anything including a drink is sufficient. Bet Yosef 197:3 cites the Kol Bo 25 who says that you can only join a zimmun of three if you ate mezonot.
* Shulchan Aruch O.C. 197:3 writes that there are three opinions as to whether two who ate bread may join in a zimmun with a third person who didn't eat bread. The first opinion holds that one may not join together for a three person zimmun unless all three people ate bread. The second opinion holds that they may join together as long as the third person ate [[mezonot]]. The last opinion holds that as long as the third person ate anything, they may join together for a zimmun. Shulchan Aruch writes that in order to avoid a dispute one should not allow a third person who doesn't want to eat bread to join with the first two who are eating bread. The Mishna Brurah 197:22, however, writes that the minhag is in accordance with the last opinion allowing a zimmun of three as long as the third person ate something. Halacha Brurah 197:12 also writes that some are lenient. Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:13 (in the footnote) quotes the Knesset HaGedola who says that the minhag is to allow a zimmun of three as long as the third person ate something. He explains that the only reason Shulchan Aruch said one should avoid such a zimmun is because in his day people used to listen to the [[birkat hamazon]] of the leader of the zimmun, however, nowadays since everyone says the [[birkat hamazon]] to themselves such a zimmun is allowed. Mishna Brurah 197:20 notes that the third person must eat at least a [[kezayit]] in order to obligate a bracha achrona. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:10, Shulchan Aruch 196:3, and Ben Ish Chai (Korach n. 5) say that ideally the third person joining two others who ate bread for a zimmun should have at least a kazayit of mezonot or wine but it is permissible to join as long as he had a kazayit of any other fruit, vegetable, or drink besides water. [https://itorah.com/global-search/zimun%20bread Rabbi Mansour] discussed this topic on several occasions. One time ("Can Three People Make a Zimun if One of Them Did Not Eat Bread?" on 11/24/11) he followed the Shulchan Aruch and Rav Moshe Halevi. However, in two later discussions ("What Must the Third Person Eat for Three People to Make a Zimun?" on 5/19/13 and  "Must All Three People Have Eaten Bread in Order to Recite a Zimun?" on 7/9/19) he followed Rav Ovadia Yosef.</ref>
# If two people eat bread together and a third person ate a [[kezayit]] of another food, if one of those who ate bread said [[Birkat HaMazon]] without Zimmun, many poskim hold that there is no obligation of Zimmun.<ref>Beiur Halacha 194:1 s.v. Echad cites the Eliyah Rabba who has a safek about this and concludes that there is no obligation for Zimmin. He quotes the Maamar Mordechai, Birkei Yosef, and Magen Giborim as agreeing. Sefer Keysad Mezamnin (9:22, p. 123) concurs.</ref>
# If two people eat bread together and a third person ate a [[kezayit]] of another food, if the one who ate the other food said a [[Bracha Achrona]] without Zimmun, there is no obligation of Zimmun.<ref>Chaye Adam 48:1 writes that if two people eat bread together and a third person ate a [[kezayit]] of another food, if the one who ate the other food said a [[Bracha Achrona]] without Zimmun, there is no obligation of Zimmun since the one who ate food other than bread had a non-permanent meal to begin with and has already made a bracha achrona. Sefer Keysad Mezamnin (9:20, p. 122) concurs.</ref>


==Halachot of the Straps (Retzuot)==
==Who can join a Zimmun==
# The minimum length of the strap for the tefillin for the arm is at least long enough to wrap around the upper arm and extend downwards to the hand and wrapped around the middle finger three times. Preferably though it should be long enough to wrap around the arm six or seven times. <ref> S:A 27:8. Mishna Berura 27:31 says the custom nowadays is seven times. </ref> 
===Women===
# The minimum length of the strap for the tefillin of the head is at least enough to go around the head plus two tefachim on each side going down. <ref> Mishna Berura 27:44 </ref> The custom is that the right one be longer than the left one and that both go past the midsection. <ref> Mishna Berura 27:41 </ref>
# Women who ate with a group of men who became obligated to make a zimmun are obligated to join in their zimmun.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 199:6, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:22</ref>
# The straps should be colored black. <ref> S"A 33:3 says that this is a halacha limoshe misinai. Mishna Berura 33:19 says they should be as black as a raven and adds that one should be especially careful at the spot where one tightens the tefillin as the paint there wears off easily. </ref>
# Women who ate together can optionally make a zimmun for themselves. The zimmun for women doesn't change whether it is three or ten or more women; either way they do not mention Hashem's name, ''Elokenu'', in the zimmun.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 199:7</ref>
*The coloring should be done for the sake of the mitzva of tefillin. <ref> S"A 33:4. Rama writes that they are not even kosher bidieved if they are not colored black for the sake of the mitzva. Biur Halacha 33:4 "pasul" says they should be repainted with the proper concentration. </ref>
*The coloring can be done by a women, or a child if the child is supervised by an adult who instructs him to paint it for its sake. <ref> Mishna Berura 33:23 </ref>
*The coloring can be done at night. <ref> Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg quoted in Mivakshei Torah volume 4 page 415. </ref>
# One should ensure that the black of the straps is facing outward. <ref> S"A 27:11. Mishna Berura 27:38 says that one really only has to make sure that the part around the head and around the arm muscle has the black on the outside but it looks nicer to make sure the whole thing is that way. </ref>
# The minimum width of the Tefillin straps is the width of a barley kernel, which is approximately a centimeter. <ref>Kitzur S"A 10:13 writes that the minimum width of the Tefillin straps is the width of a barley kernel. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur S"A 10:16) writes that the size of a barley is one centimeter.</ref>


== Process of Putting Tefillin On==
===Children===
# Right handed people wear the tefillin on their left arm and left handed people place it on their right arm. Whether you are right handed or left handed is determined by which hand you write with. Someone who is completely ambidextrous should place it on the left arm. <ref> S"A 27:1, 27:6 based on gemara Menachot 37a. Halacha Berura 27:21 writes that someone who writes with one hand and performs all other activities with another is praiseworthy if he places on the other hand in addition without a beracha. This is also the ruling of Rabbi Eli Mansour http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1101 </ref> One who in the past performed all activities with his right hand but for whatever reason has lost use of it and now his left becomes stronger should place it on the right arm. <ref> Mishna Berura 27:22 </ref>
# The Ashkenazic minhag is not to include children under Bar mitzvah for zimmun<Ref>Rama 199:10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:22 </ref>, while the Sephardic minhag is to include children of age 6 who know to whom they are [[saying Birkat HaMazon]]. Some are Machmir for age 9 in general, or, at least, for zimmun BaShem <ref>
# The Tefillin of the arm is put on before the Tefillin of the head. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 6 says that this order has great kabbalistic significance as well. Chazon Ovadia Chelek 2 page 209 says that the order relates to the idea of naase vinishma (Shemot 24:7, that the Jews accepted to observe the commandments and only afterwards understand them, because the tefillin shel yad represent our actions and the shel rosh represent our understanding </ref> Therefore one should be careful to arrange the Tefillin in the case so that one takes the Tefillin shel yad first.  
====Counting a Kattan in General====
# However, if one did take the Tefillin Shel Rosh first one must pass up that Tefillin and put on the Tefillin Shel yad first. <ref> S"A 25:6, Kaf Hachayim 25:42 </ref>
The Gemara (Berachot 47b-48a) has a series of statements about being able to make a zimmun with two people and a Sefer Torah, Shabbat, or just by virtue of the fact that they're both Talmidei Chachamim who can speak in Halacha. Then, the Gemara quotes R' Yochanan that one can make a zimmun with a Kattan Poreach, and then it brings a Baraita to support that. Afterwards, the Gemara says the Halacha does not follow any of the above statements rather, the Halacha follows Rav Nachman that a Kattan who knows to whom we pray may be counted towards a zimmun. The Gemara continues to bring a story about how Rabbah asked young Abaye and Rava whom we recite Birkat Hamazon to and how they answered correctly.
# The sephardic minhag is to place the tefillin shel yad while seated and the tefillin shel rosh while standing, <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:36, Chesed La'alafim 25:4. </ref> and remain standing while wrapping the tefillin around the hand. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:68, Chesed La'alafim 25:11 </ref> A sephardi who prays in an ashkenazic minyan should place his tefillin according to sephardic minhag. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:36 </ref>
<br><br>
# Sephardim have the custom to recite the passages of "kadesh li" and vihaya ki yiveacha," two of the four passages in tefillin after putting them on. <ref> Od Yosef Chaim Vayera 25 </ref>  
* There are three basic approaches in the Rishonim as to how to read the Gemara, resulting in the following opinions regarding whom we count for a zimmun.
# The beracha of shehecheyanu is not recited the first time someone puts on tefillin. <ref> Chida in Machazik Beracha 22, Kaf Hachaim Palachi 10:8 based on Tosafot Menachot 75, agianst the tosefta Berachot 6:10 which says that when one makes tzitzit or tefillin, to make a shehecheyanu which is brought down by the Rambam Hilchot Berachot 11:9. However, the Biur Halacha 22:1 and Kaf Hachayim 22:2 both suggest to put on a new garment  and say the shehecheyanu on that immediately before putting on tefillin for the first time, while having in mind for the tefillin, as well, to cover the safek. </ref>
# The Rif (Berachot 35a) quotes Rav Hai Gaon who holds one may count any Kattan who knows whom we say Birkat Hamazon to, even from nine or ten years old. Rambam (Bracha 5:7) and Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 35a s.v. aval) agree. He mentions that a child can be counted from eight or nine years old.
# Rabbeinu Chananel (quoted by Rabbenu Yonah) is of the opinion that a twelve year old, similar to a concept we find by [[Nedarim]] (Mufla Samuch LaIsh), may be counted for a Minyan, if he knows to whom we recite Birkat Hamazon. Ramban (Chidushim Brachot 48a) rejects this opinion saying that it is without proof.
# The Rosh (Berachot 7:20) is strict for a Yerushalmi that one may never count anyone below the age of thirteen for a Minyan. Tosfot 48a s.v. leyt agrees. The Beit Yosef (199:10) adds that the Hagahot Maimoniot (Berachot 5:6), Samag (Aseh 27), and Maharik (Shoresh 49) also hold like the Rosh, and Rabbeinu Yonah testifies that many of his contemporary Chachamim acted that way.
# The Raavad (as quoted by Ramban Chidushim Brachot 48a, see Raavad on Rif Brachot 35b) argues that a child can join for a zimmun of ten and not three. Tur 199:10 quotes Rabbenu Peretz and Rav Hai Goan who make such a distinction. Ramban (Milchamot 35b and Chidushim 48a) argues that there's no difference. Also, the Rambam Brachot 5:7 explicitly writes that there's no distinction. Shulchan Aruch 199:10 rules like the Rambam. How many children can join for a zimun of ten? The Bet Yosef 199:10 cites the Kol Bo (ch. 25) who says that we can even have 3 children. The Baal Hameor Brachot 35b holds that you can join even 4 children for a zimun. The Ramban Milchamot 35b argues only one. Also, the Shiltei HaGiborim Brachot 35a n. 5 citing the Riaz says only one child can join. Magen Avraham 199:6 and Birkei Yosef 199:3 hold like the Riaz to only join one child for a zimun of ten.
* In the end, Shulchan Aruch OC 199:10, rules like the Rif and Rambam against the Rosh. Rabbenu Yonah Brachot 35b s.v. aval writes that a child can join for a zimmun but not for a minyan since for zimmun each person can fulfill their own obligation of Birkat Hamazon, however, for minyan the Dvar Shebekedusha is something that only a congregation can say and not an individual. Magen Avraham 199:6 agrees. The Darkei Moshe 199:4 says their Minhag is like the Rosh. (See Yabia Omer OC 4:9:2-3 and OC 1:42:4 regarding the distinction between using a Kattan for zimmun and not for Tefillah).
====A Lower Age Limit====
The Bet Yosef (199:10) discusses according to those who include a child whether there is a specific age limit. The Rif 35a mentions the child has to be nine or ten, Rabbenu Yonah 35a s.v. katan quotes the Rif as holding eight or nine, and Rambam Brachot 5:7 says seven or eight. The Bet Yosef writes that it seems that these ages aren't specific as long as they really know who they are saying Birkat Hamazon to. However, he cites the Rashba (Berachot 48a s.v. vleyt) and Rivash (Siman 451) both hold that the child needs to be a certain age of Chinuch and not just that he knows to whom he is saying Birkat Hamazon. Shulchan Aruch 199:10 writes that we include a child for zimmun and it isn't clear from what age. Gra on 199:10 assumes that he follows the Rivash.
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The Magen Avraham 199:6 writes nine or ten. Birkei Yosef 199:4 writes that even though it seems Shulchan Aruch really a child can be counted even as old as six years old, we should be strict for the Magen Avraham since many opinions don't like like the Rif in the first place and it is possible that he himself would only say it from nine years old specifically. In Shiurei Beracha (199:2) he found the Sefer HaOrah of Rashi ch. 44 who also says from the age of nine or ten. The footnotes of Peat David points out that this quote is from the Rif but certainly wasn't authored by Rashi. Machatzit HaShekel 199:6 agrees with Chida.
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The Maamar Mordechai (199:4) broadens the discussion about this comment of the Magen Avraham. Every child reaches chinuch at a different age, so the Magen Avraham was just picking one and intended for us to be Somech on what it says in Beit Yosef. He disagrees with the Chidah's reading of the Magen Avraham and thinks that it's Lefaresh and not Lachalok, and he finishes by pointing to 284:4.  
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The Kaf HaChaim (199:29) and Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) are Machmir for the Chidah.
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In Yabia Omer (2:OC:13:11), regarding the how old a child must be for one to answer Amen to his Beracha, Rav Ovadia says that the Chidah strayed from the Kav and there's no need to be Machmir as there's no Beracha Levatala. Therefore, he paskens from six. Elsewhere (OC 8:25:8) he adds a Rov that Chareidi kids know whom they're mevarech to and that one can use a Safek Sefeka if he's not sure if the kid is six.
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The Ben Ish Chai (Shanah Rishonah Korach 11) says from age nine, but Rav Ovadia (Yabia Omer 9:OC 91:8:3) says Lo Dak (as is Mashma from his Lashon about Maran and the Minhag of Baghdad following Maran), unlike the Kaf HaChaim (199:29) who took it literally. It seems to be Bedaat Maran, so it would depend how you read the Magen Avraham, (like the Chidah or the Maamar Mordechai). Either way, the Ben Ish Chai recommends finding a Gadol if possible.
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The Ohr Letzion (2:13:11) distinguishes between a zimmun of three and one of ten. For the former, six years old is sufficient, but one should be machmir for a zimmun bashem for nine years. Rav David Yosef (Halacha Berurah 199:13) disagrees on behalf of his father, though there is no Hasaga in Rav Ovadia's Hearot on the volume (9:108).
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Vezot HaBeracha (pg 132) paskens like Chacham Ben Tzion, and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu comments that he disagrees and even allows for zimmun of ten from age six. The latter emphasizes that each Kattan Lifum Chorfeh, everybody reaches that point of understanding at a different age. The fact that Rav Mordechai Eliyahu holds from age six may be a good indication that he read the Ben Ish Chai like Rav Ovadia.
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The Birkat Hashem (2:6:25) is also lenient from age six for both 3 and 10, and in footnote 90, he gives three explanations for why we should not follow the Birkei Yosef's Chumra. Firstly, the Chidah might not have meant it LeHoraah, but rather for Yechidim, as he described in Choshen Mishpat 25:6. Next, it's just not Muchrach, and, lastly, had he seen the other Rishonim and understood the Rif, he would have been Chozer Bo.
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See further in Yechaveh Daat 4:13 and Yitzchak Yeranen 5:11.


</ref>
#Those who include Ketanim may do so for both a zimmun of three and a zimmun of ten<ref>The Tur (199:10) quotes a dispute between the Rambam (5:7), who says he can be Mitztaref for both a regular zimmun and a zimmun baShem, and R' Peretz, who holds that it's only for a zimmun of ten. The Beit Yosef adds that the latter is also the opinion of Rav Hai Gaon, Tosafot (48a DH veleit), and the Mordechai (Berachot 172) quoting Rabbeinu Tam. He explains that they holds such because we're more strict about zimmun of three than a zimmun of ten, however, the Mordechai records that the  Rabbeinu Tam didn't want to rely on his opinion in practice. The Orchot Chaim (39) quotes the Raavad (Temim Deim n. 1) as also holding this way because we go out of our way to enable making a zimmun of ten to praise Hashem with His name but a zimmun of three is insufficient reason to for us to accept the minor. The Shulchan Aruch (199:10) paskens like the Rambam.
</ref> but not Panim Chadashot or Sheva Berachot.<ref>The Kaf HaChaim (199:31) quotes Poskim who say that a Kattan may not, however, count towards a Minyan or Panim Chaddashot for Sheva Berachot. This is also the ruling of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (in his comments to Vezot HaBeracha pg. 132). See also Yalkut Yosef.</ref>
#The Kattan should have have bread in order to be counted for three.<ref>The Birkat Hashem (vol. 2 ch. 6:25 fn. 90) says that to join a zimmun of three, he has to eat bread or Mezonot, not just a vegetable based on a Safek Sefeka. Although, for ten, even a vegetable is sufficient.</ref>
# Contemporary Poskim agree that this does not extend including one Kattan regardless of the size of zimmun.<ref>Rav Yosef Karo (Beit Yosef 199:10) quotes the Kol Bo (Siman 25) that there must always be a Rov Nikar of Gedolim, so a regular zimmun can have a maximum of one Kattan and a zimmun of ten can have up to three.
* The Mishnah Brurah 199:25 quotes the Magen Avraham (199:6) quoting the Shiltei HaGibborim (Berachot 35 1:5) that only one Kattan may be counted. In the Shaar HaTziun (199:14) he says the Magen Avraham and Birkei Yosef both say this bedaat Maran. Upon reading the Birkei Yosef (199:3), it's clear that the Chidah felt Maran actually holds like the Kol Bo, who allows one to use many Ketanim as long as there's a Rov Nikar of Gedolim. Rather, the Birkei Yosef was being Machmir for the Riaz, because many poskim sound that way. This really isn't a Shaylah for Ashkenazim.
* The Kaf HaChaim (199:30), Birkat Hashem (vol. 2 ch. 6:25), Halacha Berurah (199:13), Yalkut Yosef 199:4 (199:6 in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch), and Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) all hold say one may only use one Kattan regardless. The Birkat Hashem quotes many Sephardi Poskim, such as the Birkei Yosef, Erech HaShulchan (199:2), Kaf HaChaim ibid, Siddur Beit Menuchah, Chessed LeAlaphim, and Yechaved Daat 4:13.</ref>
#If a Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Kattan (Sephardi) eat bread together, they may make a zimmun if the Sephardi leads. If they're ten total, consisting of eight Sephardim, and Ashkenazi, and a Kattan, they Sephardim may make a zimmun baShem, but the Ashkenazim should answer quietly without Hashem's name in a way that no one will notice the omission.<ref>VeZot HaBeracha (pg. 132) quotes the ruling of R' Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu that if a Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Kattan eat together, they may make a zimmun and the Sephardi should be Mezamen. Moreover, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach holds that if they're eight Sephardim, an Askenazi, and a Kattan, one of the Sephardim should make a zimmun BaShem, but the Ashkenazi should answer quietly without the Shem. This is also the ruling of the Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) and it's quoted in Yalkut Yosef (Heb-Eng) there.</ref>
#Three Ketanim who eat together may not make their own zimmun<ref>The Perishah had a Girsa in the Tur that ketanim could make their own zimmun, but the Kaf HaChaim (199:18) points out from Maamar Mordechai (199:2) and Yafeh LeLev (199:2) that the Turim printed from the times of Maran and the Bach did not have that Girsa. Neither did the Rambam or Shulchan Aruch themselves. Rav David Yosef (Halacha Berurah 199:14) says that three ketanim who eat together should not make their own zimmun.</ref>
# Ashkenazi Ketanim should still answer to a zimmun that they hear according to how much they ate with those bentching.<ref>The Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) says that they should answer as appropriate to other people's zimmun based on [[Chinuch]] if they ate together with those making a zimmun.</ref>
#Some say that two adult women and a female minor who eat together may make a zimmun.<ref>The Kaf HaChaim (199:21) sounds like they have to be three Gedolot. The Hebrew-English Yalkut Yosef in the footnotes quotes a Maayan Omer (pg 305) that says it's permissible.</ref>


==Brachot of Tefillin==
==Safek Zimmun==
# Before the strap of the arm-tefillin is tightened, the blessing of להניח תפילין is said. <ref> S"A 25:8 </ref> If someone forgot to recite the blessing before tightening the arm tefillin he should still recite it, even if he has already placed his head tefillin. <Ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:49 </ref>
# If there’s a doubt whether Zimmun was made or not (or in general a doubt concerning Zimmun) one should be strict to say Zimmun and in a Zimmun of 10 one shouldn’t add Hashem’s name. <ref> Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha 197 s.v. Imahem) quotes the Pri Megadim and Chaye Adam who write that if there’s a safek by zimmun one should say it however by the Zimmun of ten people one shouldn’t say it because it includes Hashem’s name.</ref>
# Upon placement of the head-tefillin, Sephardic and Hasidic authorities are of the opinion that the blessing on laying the head-tefillin is not necessary and the one blessing on laying the arm-tefillin is sufficient. <ref> S"A 25:5 </ref>
==Eating after the Zimmun==
# It is strictly forbidden to talk between the placement of the arm and head-tefillin. <ref> S"A 25:9 </ref>Furthermore, one should not answer Kaddish or Kedusha between putting on Tefillin Shel Yad and Tefillin Shel Rosh, yet one should pause to listen to Kaddish or Kedusha.<ref>S"A 25:10</ref> If he mistakenly answered he doesn't recite a beracha on the head tefillin. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:63-64 </ref>  
# If two of the three people want to have a zimmun and one person isn't finished they can have a zimmun and the one who didn't finish will answer the zimmun and then continue to eat and recite birkat hamazon after he finishes eating. <ref>Gemara Brachot 45b, Shulchan Aruch OC 200:1</ref>  
# However, if one spoke by mistake about things unrelated to the tefillin, he must recite the beracha of al mitzvat tefillin as the Ashkenaz. <ref> S"A 25:9 </ref> If he mistakenly spoke about things related to the tefillin he not need to recite another beracha. <ref> S"A 25:10 </ref>
# How much of Birkat Hamazon does he have to heard before he can start eating again? Ashkenazim need to wait until the mezamen finishes Hazan Et Hakol, but Sephardim can eat immediately after they hear the mezamen say baruch she'achalnu ubituvo chayinu.<ref>Tosfot Brachot 46a s.v. ad understands that the gemara is discussing when you listen to a zimmun and plan to eat again how much of birkat hamazon do you need to listen to and he says we hold like Rav Sheshet that you need to listen until Hazan Et Hakol. However, the Rosh Brachot 7:12 cites Tosfot and then cites the Rif who follows Rav Nachman who says zimun ends at baruch she'achalnu. Shulchan Aruch 200:2 rule like Rav Nachman and Rama like Rav Sheshet.</ref>
# Ashkenazim, however, do recite a second blessing of על מצות תפילין on the head-tefillin, before tightening it around the head‏. <ref> Rama 25:5. Kaf Hachayim 25:40 writes that a sephardi who hears the berachah on the shel rosh is permitted to answer amen in his head. </ref> 
# If one of the three people is finished eating and the other two don't mind they are allowed to be nice and let the one who finished do zimmun and then they'll continue to eat after the zimmun.<ref>Gemara Brachot 45b records the story with Rav Papa and someone else stopped their meal for one other, which the Gemara says isn't necessary but is considered going beyond the letter of the law. Shulchan Aruch 200:1 codifies this.</ref>
# It is also customary to add the phrase ברוך שם כבוד מלכותו לעולם וע‏ד because of the doubt as too the necessity of the beracha. <ref> Rama 25:5 </ref>
# If one removes his tefillin to go to the bathroom he recites a new beracha upon putting them back on. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer 8:2 </ref>


==Where the Tefillin are placed==
==Saying [[Birkat HaMazon]] aloud==
# The arm-tefillin is placed on the biceps of the arm, two finger breadths away from the elbow, with the box facing inward towards the heart. <ref> S"A 27:1 </ref> After the beracha is said, the arm-tefillin is tightened, then wrapped around the arm seven times. The knot formation and arm binding differ considerably between different traditions. The sephardic minhag is to wrap the seven times outward, away from the body while the ashkenazi minhag is to wrap towards the body. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 25:67, Halacha Berurah 27:27 </ref> There is a custom to cover the arm-tefillin with the sleeve, in accordance with the verse "And they will be a sign to you...", i.e. to you and not to others. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Vayera 15 based on Shaar Hakavanot Derush 5 of Tefillin </ref>
# The original establishment was that the one doing Zimmun would read the entire [[Birkat HaMazon]] out loud. Nowadays, the practice is that everyone say it silently to themselves. <Ref> Vezot HaBracha (pg 128, chapter 14) quotes that Panim Meirot that the original establishment was that one person say it aloud and everyone listen. However, S”A 183:7 writes that the practice that should be followed nowadays is that one person say it aloud and everyone to follow along Bracha by Bracha. </ref>
# Next, the head-tefillin is placed on top of the head, "between the eyes" but not lower than the hairline (or if balding, where one's hairline once was). <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sarah Halacha 1 </ref> The knot of the head-tefillin sits at the back of the head, upon the part of the occipital bone that protrudes just above the nape. <ref> S"A 27:10 </ref> The two straps of the head-tefillin are brought in front of the shoulders, with their blackened side facing outwards. <ref> S"A 27:11 </ref>
# According to Ashkenazim it’s preferable to finish the Bracha before the Mezamen (one doing the Zimmun) and then when the Mezamen finishes answer [[Amen]]. According to Sephardim there’s no reason to finish before the Mezamen and if one did, nonetheless, one doesn’t answer [[Amen]]. <Ref>S”A and Rama 183:7, Vezot HaBracha (pg 128, chapter 14) </ref> See further on the [[Birkat HaMazon]] page.
# If it’s difficult to listen to the entire [[Birkat HaMazon]] out loud one should at least listen to the primary part of the Bracha, which according to Sephardim is Birkat Hazimmun (the words “Baruch SheAchalnu…Chayinu”) and according to Ashkenazim is through Birkat HaZan (the first Bracha of [[Birkat HaMazon]]). Therefore according to Ashkenazim the Mezamen (even if he is Sephardi) must say the first Bracha out loud and everyone should say it silently along with the Mezamen. <Ref>S”A and Rama 200:1 identify clearly the crucial part of Zimmun, according to S”A it is the Zimmun of Baruch SheAchalnu and according to the Rama it is including the first Bracha. Mishna Brurah 183:28 holds that Ashkenazim should at least say the first Bracha quietly together with the Mezamen and those who have the minhag that everyone just says it to themselves are mistaken. This is also the opinion of Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) and he warns that not doing so is against the halacha. Vezot HaBracha (pg 335) quotes Rav Wosner in Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5758) who defends the minhag slightly. Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 371) says that a Sephardi who is a Mezamen for Ashkenazim should say the first Bracha out loud. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/897474/rabbi-hershel-schachter/berachos-87-44b-45b-lishmor-chukav-zman-tefillin-muktzeh-mayim-letzmao-zimmun-/ Rav Schachter in Brachot Shiur 87 (min 70)] said that Ashkenazim should have the mezamen say the entire birkat hamazon out loud slowly and everyone say it along with him and if they don't so they aren't fulfilling zimun.</ref>
# According to Ashkenazim, if there’s a large group and those [[benching]] will not hear the Mezamen until the end of the first Bracha it’s preferable for the group to separate into groups of three so that it’s possible to hear the Mezamen until the end of the first Bracha. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 193:17, Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) also quotes the Chazon Ish who argues but still quotes the Mishna Brurah as the primary opinion. </ref>
# It’s preferable that the Mezamen not use a microphone for Zimmun but rather someone with a loud voice do the Zimmun. <Ref>Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) </ref>


==Wrappings around the hand==
==Procedure and Text of Zimmun==
# The Tefillin Shel Yad should be put on the left arm on the area where the muscle bulges in the lower half of the area between the elbow and armpit. <Ref> S”A 27:1, Mishna Brurah 27:4 </ref> One should make sure not to put the Tefillin within two fingerbreadths of one’s elbow. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 quoted Tefillah LeMoshe 7:7 </ref>
# The Mezamen, who is leading the zimmun, should invite everyone to say [[Birkat HaMazon]]. It may be said in any language. If one wants to say this invitation in Hebrew, one should say "Ten Lanu Kos UNivarech" (if one is [[saying Birkat HaMazon]] over a cup of wine) or "Bau UNivarech" (if one isn't [[saying Birkat HaMazon]] over a cup of wine). If one wants to say this invitation in Aramiac, one should say "Hav Lan UNivarech" or an extended version of this is "Hav Lan VeNivrich LeMalka Iylah Kiddisha", which many Sephardim have the custom of saying. If one wants to say this in Yiddush, the phrase one should say is "Rabbotai Mir Velin Benchin". <ref>The Magen Avraham (Intro to 192) quotes the Zohar which says that words of [[kedusha]] require preparation and that is the basis for the minhag to invite everyone to say Birkat Hamazon. The Magen Avraham writes that the Ashkenazic minhag was to say it in Yiddish with the words "Rabbotai Mir Velin Benchin". The Mishna Brurah 192:2 adds that it may be said in Hebrew with either the phrase "Ten Lanu Kos UNivarech" (if one is [[saying Birkat HaMazon]] over a cup of wine) or "Bau UNivarech" (if one isn't [[saying Birkat HaMazon]] over a cup of wine). The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:6 adds that this invitation could be said in Aramiac with the words "Hav Lan UNivarech." Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is to say this invitation in Aramiac with the words "Hav Lan VeNivrich LeMalka Iylah Kiddisha." </ref>
# The Tefillin should be tilted slightly towards the body so that when the arm is bent the Tefillin faces the heart. <Ref> S”A 27:1 </ref>
# Those who are participating in the Zimmun should answer to this invitation, according to Ashkenazim, "Yehey Shem Hashem Mivorach MeAtah VeAd Olam", and according to Sephardim, "Shamayim". <ref>The Magen Avraham (Intro to 192), Mishna Brurah 192:2, and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:6 records the Ashkenazic minhag to answer the invitation with the pasuk "Yehey Shem Hashem Mivorach MeAtah VeAd Olam". Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is that those participating in the [[Birkat HaMazon]] answer "Shamayim," meaning, that this should be done with the permission of heaven.</ref>
detached
# After the invitation, the mezamen should begin the actual zimmun by saying "Nivarech She'achalnu Meshelo" or with an extended version of "Birshut Malka Iylah Kiddisha UBirshutchem, Nivarach She'achalnu Meshelo", as is the custom of some Sephardim. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that the mezamen should begin the zimmun by saying "Nivarech She'achalnu Meshelo". Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is the mezamen starts the zimmun with the words "Birshut Malka Iylah Kiddisha UBirshutchem, Nivarach She'achalnu Meshelo."</ref>
# The knot which looks like a Yud on the Tefillin Shel Yad should be facing inward and touching the main Tefillin box. <Ref> S”A 27:2. Ben Ish Chai Vayera Halacha 15 says that according to Kabbalah the yud should be tocuhing the box even when the tefillin are wrapped in their boxes. Shaare Teshuva OC 27:2 quotes the Shalmei Tzibbur saying the same. </ref>
# Those participating in the zimmun should respond "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu." <ref>Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that those participating in the zimmun should respond "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu." </ref>
# The Minhag is to put the Maavarta (bridge) part of the Tefillin facing the shoulder. <Ref> S”A 27:3 </ref> The Maavarta should also be below halfway between the elbow and armpit. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 inferring from Mishna Brurah 27:34</ref>
# Lastly, the mezamen should conclude "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu."<ref>Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that the mezamen should conclude "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu."</ref>
# It’s better that the Maavarta is placed above halfway between the elbow and armpit and not have the main box of Tefillin be within 2 fingerbreadths of one’s elbow. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:1 quoting Shraga HaMeir 6:46 </ref>
# If one hears Zimmun but didn’t eat should answer “Baruch UMevurach Shemo Tamid Leolam VaEd” - ברוך ומבורך שמו תמיד לעולם ועד - which has an acronym בושת לו. <Ref>S”A 198:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:20, Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) </ref>
# Many authorities are lenient not to require a [[Netilat Yadayim]] if one touches the skin in the area where the Tefillin Shel Yad is placed or rub one’s hair while putting on Tefillin Shel Rosh, <ref> Halichot Shlomo (Tefillah 4:3), Sh”T Shelmat Chaim 39-40, Kaf HaChaim 4:59 </ref> however, some are strict. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 27:2 quoting Dinim Vehanahot LeChazon Ish 3:10 and Chelkat Yehoshua 6:7</ref>
# Nothing can interpose between the Tefillin or the area where the straps wrap around the arm and one’s body, however, in the area of the knot one may have an interposition. <Ref>S”A 27:4, Mishna Brurah 27:16 </ref>
==Physical Separation/Chatzitza==
# One should ensure that there is no interposition between the Tefillin Shel Rosh and one's head or the Tefillin Shel Yad and one's arm. <ref> Bet Yosef 27:4 quotes a dispute between the Rosh (Hilchot Tefillin 18, Sh"t HaRosh 3:4) who says that that there may not be any interposition between the Tefillin Shel Rosh and one's head and the Tefillin Shel Yad and one's arm and the Rashba (Megillah 24b D"H Sipah) who allows putting Tefillin on top of an interposition. [See the Sh"t HaRashba Sh"t 3:282 where at first he acknowledges the explanation of the Rosh but comments that this is the halacha lo lemaaseh and continues to explain his own explanation until he concludes that his approach is the halacha.] S"A 27:4 rules like the Rosh. The Rama 27:4 says that this only applies for the batim (boxes) themselves and not the retzuot (straps) but Mishna Berura 27:16 says that one should not be lenient in this. S"A 27:5 says though that if one needs to lenient for some medical reason and needs a head covering, he can wear them above a thin hat. The Rama there says in that case he can't say a beracha. </ref>
# The following are considered items that separate between the Tefillin and one's body: loose dirt <ref> Mishna Berura 27:14 </ref>, water in your hair <ref> Shaare Teshuva 27:6 says one should make sure to dry his hair well if he wet it before putting on the tfillin, both because it could damage the tfillin, and because the water itself could be considered a separation.</ref>, a wig <ref> Mishna Berura 27:16 </ref> a toupee <ref> Iggerot Moshe OC 4:40:18 says that if removing it in public would embarrass the person that he should put on Tefillin in private with a beracha without the toupee and then go to shul and put it on there over the toupee without a beracha but hair that is transplanted is considered part of the head and is not a problem. see [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=2233 Daily Halacha (by Rabbi Mansour)].</ref>, and long hair.<ref> Machatzit Hashekel 27 and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 10:6 say that although short hair would not be a problem, excessively long hair could be. The Pri Megadim 27 says that hair which is not located in its place of growth but rather has been brushed across from another part of the head, constitutes a chatzitza in tefillin.  Mishna Berura 27:14-15 agrees to this, and says that it also could be hard to keep the Tefillin lined up between the eyes and at the right height with long hair. Aruch Hashulchan 27:14 and Rav Ovadia (Yechave Daat 2:2(22)) hold that there is what to rely on regarding really long hair. The Aruch Hashulchan says only hair moved from another place would be problematic. </ref>.
# A wristwatch does not need to be removed. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 3:2, Sh"t Yabia Omer 2:2 and Rav Ovadia writes that one who is stringent will be blessed. Emes liYaakov OC 27:note 31 says even though the Rama 27:4 based on the Teshuva of the Rashba 1:827 says one doesn't need to worry about barriers except for between the skin and the boxes,  that if one is accustomed to removing it he should continue doing so, as there are some poskim who are stringent on barriers on any part of the arm or head tefillin </ref>
# If one is unable to remove a bandage or a cast he should wear the tefillin without a beracha. This only applies if the separation is between the body and the boxes, but if the separation is only with the straps the beracha should be recited as usual. <ref> Sh"t  Yabia Omer OC 2:2 </ref>


==Proper conduct while wearing Tefillin==
==Sources==
# It is forbidden to laugh or come to lightheartedness while wearing Tefillin because it remove one’s concentration from the Tefillin altogether. <Ref> Chaye Adam 14:15 and  Mishna Brurah 44:3 </ref>
# It’s preferable not to remove one’s thought from the Tefillin at all so as not to come to think bad thoughts. However, during Davening and learning one doesn’t need to keep one’s mind on Tefillin since one will certainly maintain a proper seriousness and fear of Hashem. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 44:3 writes that it’s preferable not to remove one’s mind from the Tefillin at all while wearing them so as not to comet to bad thoughts. Biur Halacha (D”H yashan) explains (based on Or Zaruha 585) that during Tefillah and learning one will certainly have a fear of heaven and not come to lightheartedness. </ref>
# If one is not engaged in learning or praying and is still wearing the Tefillin one should occasionally touch one's Tefillin in order to keep one's attention focused to the Tefillin. <ref>S"A 28:1 writes that occasionally one should touch one's Tefillin in order to make sure that one's attention doesn't shift from thinking about the Tefillin. Mishna Brurah 28:2 writes that while one is praying one doesn't need to touch one's tefillin for this purpose. Mishna Brurah 44:3 adds that the same is true while one is learning. </ref> One should touch one's Tefillin Shel Yad and then the Tefillin Shel Rosh. <ref>S"A 28:1. Mishna Brurah 28:3 explains that this order was chosen in order that when one's hand (the one not wearing Tefillin) touches the Tefillin it doesn't pass over the closer mitzvah of touching the Shel Yad first. </ref>
# Some people write the word tefillin in front of them while they wear like in their siddur, in order to maintain awareness of the tefillin while wearing them. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara Halacha 17 because Menachot 36a says that one must have awareness of his tefillin as long as he wears them because of their great holiness. </ref>
# One shouldn't hold the tefillin by their straps, rather they should be held by the boxes. <ref> S"A 40:1, Ben Ish Chai Chayei Sara 13, Chesed La'alafim 40:1 </ref>
# It is forbidden to go to sleep while wearing Tefillin unless one covered the Tefillin and isn’t with one’s wife. <Ref> S”A 44:1. Halacha Berurah 44:1 says that if you sleep for less than 54 seconds or if you simply rest your head in your lap it is also permitted. </ref> One is permitted to sleep while he is holding tefillin in a bag. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 44:7 </ref>
# It is customary to fast if one's tefillin fall to the floor even if it was accidental. <ref> Mishna Berura 40:3, Iggerot Moshe OC 3:3. Daat Torah 44:1 however quotes poskim who say that fasting is only necessary if they fell because of negligence. Baer Heitev 571:1 and Kaf hachayim 40:6 write that it is preferable for one to fast on the day that the tefillin fell. Kaf Hachayim 40:7 writes that one doesn't need to fast at all if the tefillin fell from less than 3 tefachim high. </ref> In some cases instead of fasting, it is better to give charity, or do a taanit dibur, or learn for additional hours, and therefore a posek should be consulted. <ref> Az Nidberu 8:20 and Rivevos Efrayim 6:14 quoting the Steipler. Daat Torah 44:1 writes that if fasting is too hard for somebody they can be lenient and give charity and this is the case for someone who is physically weak, a torah scholar or teacher as well as somebody who is active in the community. This is also the opinion of the Chida in Chayim Sho’al 12, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Chayei Sarah halacha 18, Sh"t Yabia Omer 2:28 </ref>
 
==Eating while wearing Tefillin==
# It’s permitted to eat a snack while in tefillin even nowadays when we don’t wear the tefillin all day. <Ref>S”A 40:8 writes that it’s permitted to have a snack while wearing tefillin. Mishna Brurah 40:19 quotes the Shulchan Shlomo who has a doubt whether this applies nowadays since we don’t wear tefillin all day. However, the Sh”t Teshurat Shai 215 argues that we shouldn’t extend a prohibition based on our own logic.  </ref> Some are strict not to have even a snack, but permit if one is eating or drinking for in intent to wear the tefillin while learning or Davening extra. <Ref> Piskei Teshuvot 40:8 </ref>
# The size of a snack is a [[KeBaytzah]] of bread or mezonot; so too, one shouldn’t have more than a kebaytzah of intoxsicating drinks. However, drinks that aren’t intoxicating, like coffee and tea, are permitted even more than a kebaytzah. <Ref> Mateh Yehudah quoted in Mishna Brurah, kaf hachaim 40:35 </ref>
 
== When to Wear Tefillin ==
# Originally tefillin were laid all day, but not during the night.
# Nowadays the prevailing custom is to lay them only during the weekday morning service. <ref> S"A Orach Chaim 37:2, Rambam Hilchot Tefillin 4:26 </ref>
# The minimum requirement is to have Tefillin on during Kriyat Shema and [[Shemoneh Esrei]]. <ref> S"A 25:4. The gemara in Berachot 14b says that if a person recites the morning shema without tefillin it is as if he is testifying falsely about himself when he says the pasuk that discusses the obligation to wear tefillin while he is not fulfilling it. The Zohar 93b speaks highly of one who prays the amida with his tefillin. </ref>
# The problem with wearing them all day is the necessity to remove them when encountering an unclean place and the requirement to constantly have in mind the knowledge that they are being worn.
# If one has a choice between praying the amida with the tzibbur or waiting for a pair of tefillin he should wait for the tefillin and pray alone unless the time for praying is going to pass. <ref> Magen Avraham 66:12, Kitzur S"A 10:22, Kaf Hachayim 25:28 </ref>
# If one is waiting for a pair of tefillin and the time to say keriat shema may pass, he should recite shema without tefillin. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 1:4 and he doesn't fall into the category of people criticized by the gemara berachot 14b mentioned above. </ref>
# When one says Vekeshartem LeOt Al Yadecha one should touch one's Tefillin shel Yad and when one says VeHayu VeTotafot Ben Aynecha one should touch one's Tefillin shel rosh. <ref>Yalkut Yosef 28:2</ref>
# Some have the minhag to touch their Tefillin when they say the following prayers: Oter Yisrael BeTifara (Tefillin shel Rosh only), Ozer Yisrael BeGevura (Tefillin shel yad only), Kadesh Li Kol Bechor, at the words Yehe Kavod and Maasbeha Lechol chay ratzon in Hodu, Kadosh Kadosh Kadosh in Birkat Yotzer, Hashem Sifatay Tiftach, Hamivarech Et Amo BaShalom. <ref>Yalkut Yosef 28:2</ref>
# If it is after sunset but before tzet hakochavim and one hasn’t put on tefillin, he still can. <ref> Magen Avraham 30:2. </ref> Once tzet hakochavim passes you cannot. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 30:2, Sh"t Yabia Omer OC 7:7:5. </ref>
==Removing the Tefillin==
# According to Ashkenazim, one should remove one's Tefillin standing, however, the Sephardic minhag is to remove the Tefillin shel yad sitting.<ref>Kitzur S"A 10:20, Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments on Kitzur 10:26)</ref>
# One should remove one's Tefillin shel rosh before one's Tefillin shel yad.<ref>Kitzur 10:20</ref>
# One shouldn't remove one's Talit until one removed one's Tefillin.<ref>Kitzur 10:20</ref>
# One shouldn't remove one's Tefillin until after Uva Letzion.<ref>Kitzur 10:19</ref>
 
==Borrowing Tefillin==
# One may borrow somebody's tefillin without receiving the owner's permission, as long as the owner is not there to ask permission from. <ref> Rama 14:4, Chesed La'alafim 14:4 based on the idea that somebody is happy to have his belongings used for a mitzva. Kaf Hachayim 14:19 says this only applies if the owner is not present to ask permission from him. </ref> This doesn't apply if the owner placed them in a place where it's obvious he doesn't want them being used, or if someone uses them on a permanent basis. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 14:27 </ref> Also, after borrowing the tefillin one must place them back wherever they were. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 14: 22 </ref>
# One may not remove the borrowed tefillin from the synagogue or the owner's home without permission. <ref> Chesed La'alafim 14:4 </ref>
# Obviously one may not damage the tefillin <ref> Kaf Hachayim 14:22 </ref>
# One doesn't however fulfill his obligation with stolen tefillin and cannot recite a beracha on them. <ref> S"A 25:12, Mishna Berura 25:54 </ref>
==Getting Tefillin Checked==
# Even though one is not obligated, it is praiseowrthy to have your tefillin checked every year particularly during the month of elul and the aseret yimei teshuva. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 1:49, http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=356 </ref>
# If one didn't get his tefillin checked for a long time and later found out they were unkosher, he should increase his torah learning and some say he should take upon himself to also wear Rabbeinu Tam tefillin if he hasn't been already. <ref> Sh"t Otzrot Yosef 3:8 </ref>
 
 
==[[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]]==
# Tefillin are not worn on [[Shabbat]] and the major holidays including Pesach, Shavuot, [[Rosh Hashana]]h, [[Yom Kippur]] and Sukkot. The reason given that these holidays are themselves "signs" which render the use of tefillin, which are to serve as "signs" themselves, superfluous. <ref> S"A 31:1, Mishna Berura 31:1 </ref>
 
==Rosh Chodesh==
# The tefillin are removed before we recite mussaf on Rosh Chodesh. <ref> S"A 28:13 Kaf Hachayim 25:94. Beit Yosef 25: "ubayom" writes that since in kedusha we recite that the angels should give Hashem a crown it would be improper for us to show our crowns, the tefillin. see Kaf Hachayim 25:94 for Kabbalistic reasons behind the removal of tefillin for mussaf. </ref>
# In the event that one forgot Yaale Viyavo in shacharit but only realized after he removed his tefillin, he should preferably put his tefillin back on and pray shacharit again. If it is too difficult, he can be lenient since he has already fulfilled his obligation. <ref> Sh"t Yechave Daat 6:6. The Chida in Machazik Beracha 25:13 writes that according to kabbalah one may not put his tefillin back on after he recited mussaf unless he hasn't yet put tefillin on that day. </ref>
 
==Purim==
# In the morning, one should wear his tefillin during the megilla reading even if he has already worn them. <ref> Mishna Berura 693:7, Magen Avraham 693:2, Baer Heitev 693:3. This is based on the gemara in Megilla 16b which says that the word viykar in Esther 8:16 relates to the tefillin that after the death of Haman the Jews continued to put on tefillin. Moed Likol Chai 31:88 says that one the word viykar is read one should kiss his tefillin. </ref>
 
==Tisha Be'Av==
 
==Chol Hamoed==
<!--IF YOU WANT TO EDIT THIS SECTION, PLEASE DO SO ON THE CHOL HAMOED PAGE AS WELL-->
See the full in depth discussion about [[Tefillin on Chol HaMoed|Tefillin on Chol HaMoed here]].
# The minhag of some Ashkenazim is to wear Tefillin on [[Chol HaMoed]], however, the minhag in Israel and minhag of Sephardim is not to wear Tefillin on Chol HaMoed. <Ref> S”A and Rama 31:2, Sh”t Yabea Omer 3:5,(3), Ben Ish Chai Parashat Vayera Halacha 12.
* Some rishonim forbid tefillin to be laid on Hol HaMoed as they consider the days have the same status as a festival which in itself constitutes a "sign" making the laying of tefillin unnecessary. These Rishonim include: Baal Halachot Gedolot (cited by Tosafot Moed Katan 19a D"H Rabbi Yosi), Rambam (Hilchot [[Yom Tov]] 7:13; explained by Kesef Mishna),  Rashba (Sh"t HaRashba 1:690), and Ri (cited by the Hagahot Maimoni Hilchot Tefillin 4:9).
* Other rishonim argue and hold that [[Chol HaMoed]] does not constitute a "sign" in which case tefillin must be laid on Hol HaMoed. These Rishonim include: Rambam, Rosh (Hilchot Tefillin 16), Or Zarua 1:589, and Maharam of Rothenburg cited by the Mordechai.
* The Bet Yosef writes that the minhag of Sephardim is not to wear Tefillin on Chol HaMoed based on Kabbalistic sources. This is also the opinion of the Vilna Gaon (Bi'ur ha-Gra Orach Chayim 31:2 s.v. V’yesh Omrim).
* The Tur (Siman 31) quotes some rishonim who are uncertain whether one must lay tefillin on Chol HaMoed and concludes that one should wear Tefillin without a Bracha. These opinions include the Ritva (Eruvin 96a), Smag (Eruvin 153), Meiri (Moed Katan 18b), and Taz 31:2. The Mishna Berura recommends that on Hol Hamoed one make a mental stipulation before donning tefillin: If I am obligated to don tefillin I intend to fulfill my obligation and if I am not obligated to don tefillin, my doing so should not be considered as fulfilling any obligation; and that the blessing not be recited. The Rama writes that the Ashkenazic custom is to wear Tefillin with a Bracha which is to be made in an undertone. See further: [[http://www.koltorah.org/ravj/tefillinONmoed.htm]].</ref>Someone who doesn’t have a minhag should not wear Tefillin on Chol haMoed. <Ref>Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:332 </ref>
# One who wears Tefillin should stipulate before wearing the Tefillin that if there’s an obligation then I wish to fulfill that obligation, and if not, I have no intention of fulfilling the mitzvah with my action. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 31:8 </ref>
# If one wears Tefillin on Chol HaMoed one shouldn’t wear Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam (even if one usually wears Tefillin of Rabbenu Tam). <Ref> Mishna Brurah 31:8 </ref>
# Some authorities hold that if some people in the Shul wear Tefillin and others don’t there’s a violation of Lo Titgodidu (don’t cause factions in observance of Torah) and so they advise that one should either find a shul that has your minhag or pray in different locations in the same shul. <Ref> Kitzur S"A 10:25 writes that there is an issue of Lo titgodedu for some people in the shul to wear Tefillin on chol hamoed and others not to wear Tefillin. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (in the hebrew section pg 39-40) has a letter from Rav Moshe Feinstein, dated Kislev 5737, stating clearly that one should follow the minhag of the Shul and if the minhag is to wear Tefillin one should also. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein in Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 5:24 (pg 79 D”H Al Kol Panim) dated Kislev 5743, writes that in crowded shuls where there’s many who wear Tefillin and many who don’t there’s no issue of Lo Tasu Agudot since it’s clear that there’s two different minhagim. However, Rav Moshe adds that preferably someone who is praying in a shul that wears Tefillin should also wear Tefillin. Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:332 holds that there’s no real issue of Lo Titgodedu but preferably one should be concerned for those who hold that it’s an issue. [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/766048/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#30_-_Yevamos_-_עשו_ב'ש_כדבריהם,_לא_תתגודדו Rabbi Schachter on yutorah.org (min 36-7)] ruled that it is an issue for some people in one minyan to wear Tefillin and others not to wear Tefillin, however, two minyanim in one shul may not be an issue.</ref>
 
==References==
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[[Category:Brachot]]

Revision as of 13:44, 25 March 2022

Shir HaMaalot

  1. One should say Al Neharot Bavel before benching after a meal and on days when there’s no tachanun one should say Shir HaMaalot BeShuv Hashem instead.[1] The minhag is to say Shir HaMaalot at Seudot mitzvah as well.[2]

Obligation of Zimmun

  1. If three people eat together are obligated to make a Zimmun before benching (making Birkat HaMazon). [3] Chazal based it on the pasuk “גדלו לה" אתי ונרוממה שמו יחדיו” [4] and “כי שם ה" אקרא הבו גודל לאלוקונו” [5].
  2. Most authorities consider Zimmun to be a rabbinic obligation. [6]
  3. Zimmun could be said in any language as the purpose is to introduce the benching orally and join the group together to praise Hashem. [7]
  4. Some say that answering Zimmun is considered one of a person’s hundred Brachot every day. [8]
  5. When we say the zimmun Sephardim have a practice of starting “הב לן נברך למלכא עילאה קדישא”. Then for Shabbat they insert “ברשות שבת מלכתא” and for Yom Tov “ברשות יומא טבא אושפיזא קדישא”. For Sukkot the practice is to insert “וברשות שבעה אושפיזין עלאין קדישין”.[9]
  6. Some say that one should ask permission from the wife of the host in the zimmun as well.[10]

Who Should be Given the Honor of Zimmun?

  1. If there are guests, the homeowner should honor one of the guests with zimmun and he can even choose one of them who isn't the greatest talmid chacham.[11]
  2. If there's no guests, a talmid chacham should be given first right to lead zimmun, afterwards a kohen should be given the right. If the kohan isn't a talmid chacham and there's also a talmid chacham there the talmid chacham may not say that he's giving the zimmun to the kohan based on rights of a kohan but he may give him permission to do the zimmun.[12]
  3. There is no difference for zimmun if the person leading zimmun ate a kezayit of bread and isn't full or whether he's full. Similarly, there's no difference if he ate and drank or just ate. That is only for leading zimmun but not if one person is actually being motzei another person their obligation in Birkat Hamazon.[13]

Who has the obligation?

  1. There is only an obligation to have a zimmun if three or more people eat together. The three conditions to be considered “together” is that those who are eating 1) eat while seated, 2) sit at one table, and 3) start or end the meal together. [14] They are considered starting together if they all start to eat the first kezayit of bread while the others are still eating that first kezayit.[15]
    1. A person eating with his family is considered one eating together to be obligated in zimmun even if they aren't eating at the same table.[16]
    2. People eating together at a simcha or any other occasion are considered eating together even if they aren't eating at the same table.[17]
    3. If in a school or yeshiva, the students go to lunch at the same time, the group can make Zimmun together even if they sit at separate tables as long as they can see from one table to another. Even if they don’t have enough at each table to make their own Zimmun of ten, they can join together to make a Zimmun of ten. However, it’s preferable that they one time actual say verbally that they intend to eat together. [18]

Zimmun When They Didn't Establish Together

  1. If two groups ate in different places in the same house and they could see from one group to another, if they have intent (when they began the meal) to join for Zimmun they may join, however, if if they didn’t have intent, then according to Sephardim they may not join for Zimmun, but according to Ashkenazim it’s a dispute whether they may join for zimmun. [19]
  2. If three people aren’t obligated to make Zimmun as they didn’t join their meals together sitting, on the same table, and starting or finishing together they may not have a zimmun.[20] Some say that if they sat together but they just started and ended at different times they that they can have a zimmun together.[21]

If a Member of the Zimmun Left or Benched

If a Member of the Zimmun already Said Birkat Hamazon

  1. If three ate together and were obligated in Zimmun and one forgot about Zimmun and said Birkat HaMazon then the other two can say zimmun with the third. [22] However, if one of the group already answered Zimmun with another group he can’t answer another zimmun of three. [23]
  2. If three people ate bread together, and two forgot to wait for Zimmun, the other one can not do Zimmun with the ones who already Benched. [24]
  3. If four ate bread and two forgot and said birkat hamazon the other two can create a zimmun with one of the ones who already said birkat hamazon.[25]
  4. If three people ate together, two ate bread and one ate a Kezayit of something else or drank a Revi'it of a drink (other than water) are obligated to make Zimmun. [26]
  5. If one of three only had a Kezayit of another food or a reviyat of drinks, and one of those who ate bread forgot to wait for Zimmun and Benched, the other one who ate bread can no longer make Zimmun. [27]
  6. If one of three only had a Kezayit of another food or a reviyat of drinks, and the one who didn’t eat bread forgot to wait for Zimmun and made Bracha Achrona, the other two who ate bread can no longer make Zimmun. [28]
  7. If there's a zimmun of ten and one already said birkat hamazon, according to Ashkenazim they can still recite a zimmun with Shem even though the one who already said birkat hamazon doesn't fulfill his obligation everyone else does. In fact this works even if three already said birkat hamazon. According to Sephardim they can not make a zimmun with a shem.[29]

When is it Permitted to Leave?

  1. If three people ate in three different groups of three they shouldn't leave their groups and form their own zimmun because doing so will invalidate their original groups.[30]
  2. If three people ate in three groups of four or more people they can leave their groups and form their own zimmun because their original groups will still have their own zimmun.[31]

If a Member of the Zimmun Left

  1. If someone in a group of four and one left and they did zimmun while he wasn't there he is exempt from zimmun and he can't later join a zimmun. The same is true if he was part of a group of three and he left and someone else replaced him and they did a zimmun without him, he lost his obligation of zimmun.[32]
  2. If three ate together and one person left he could be called back and Zimmun could be said even if he’s standing by the door next to them, however he should say Birkat HaMazon where he ate. However, if ten people ate together and one left he should be called back and everyone should sit down for Zimmun. [33]

A Zimmun of Ten

  1. If ten people ate bread together, they are supposed to add the word Elokenu in the Zimmun.[34]
  2. If seven people ate bread and three people ate a kezayit of another food or drank a reviyit of a drink[35] other than water, they can join together for a Zimmun with the insertion of Elokenu. If there are only six people who ate bread they can't make a Zimmun with Elokenu. [36]
  3. According to Sephardim, one doesn't have to stand for the word Elokenu in the Zimmun. [37] Some Ashkenazim have the custom to stand for the word Elokenu in a zimmun of ten, however those who don't stand have what to rely on.[38]

Two who ate together

  1. Three who ate together must do Zimmun and each one is not allowed to leave the Zimmun. However, if there’s six or more in the Zimmun, the group is allowed to split into two groups of three. If there’s ten then each one isn’t allowed to leave the Zimmun as they are obligated in Zimmun with a mentioning of Hashem’s name. However, if there’s twenty the group may split into two groups of ten. [39]
  2. Some say that it’s always preferable to join together in a larger group while others contend that once one is joining in a group of three or ten there’s no obligation to join in a larger group. [40]
  3. If three people ate together in the beginning or they finished together (and it’s considered as if they finished together if they still would eat something had if be brought to them) then there’s an obligation of Zimmun. [41]
  4. Two who ate together aren't obligated in Zimmun and therefore, they should say Birkat HaMazon to themselves.[42] However, if one of them doesn’t know how to say Birkat HaMazon and the other does, then the one who knows may say it aloud and fulfill the obligation of the one who doesn't know as long as the one saying has intent to fulfill the obligation of the other, and the one listening has intent to fulfill his obligation. [43]
  5. According to many opinions it is crucial that the one who is listening understand the Birkat HaMazon. Some poskim are lenient and add that such was the minhag. [44]

Two Who Ate Bread and a Third Ate Other Foods

  1. If two people ate bread and a third person ate a kezayit of another food, some rishonim hold that they may not join together to make a zimmun, while other rishonim hold that they may join together for a zimmun. Ideally the third person should eat bread and join for a zimmun. If he doesn't want to, they can join for a zimmun of three. [45]
  2. If two people eat bread together and a third person ate a kezayit of another food, if one of those who ate bread said Birkat HaMazon without Zimmun, many poskim hold that there is no obligation of Zimmun.[46]
  3. If two people eat bread together and a third person ate a kezayit of another food, if the one who ate the other food said a Bracha Achrona without Zimmun, there is no obligation of Zimmun.[47]

Who can join a Zimmun

Women

  1. Women who ate with a group of men who became obligated to make a zimmun are obligated to join in their zimmun.[48]
  2. Women who ate together can optionally make a zimmun for themselves. The zimmun for women doesn't change whether it is three or ten or more women; either way they do not mention Hashem's name, Elokenu, in the zimmun.[49]

Children

  1. The Ashkenazic minhag is not to include children under Bar mitzvah for zimmun[50], while the Sephardic minhag is to include children of age 6 who know to whom they are saying Birkat HaMazon. Some are Machmir for age 9 in general, or, at least, for zimmun BaShem [51]
  2. Those who include Ketanim may do so for both a zimmun of three and a zimmun of ten[52] but not Panim Chadashot or Sheva Berachot.[53]
  3. The Kattan should have have bread in order to be counted for three.[54]
  4. Contemporary Poskim agree that this does not extend including one Kattan regardless of the size of zimmun.[55]
  5. If a Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Kattan (Sephardi) eat bread together, they may make a zimmun if the Sephardi leads. If they're ten total, consisting of eight Sephardim, and Ashkenazi, and a Kattan, they Sephardim may make a zimmun baShem, but the Ashkenazim should answer quietly without Hashem's name in a way that no one will notice the omission.[56]
  6. Three Ketanim who eat together may not make their own zimmun[57]
  7. Ashkenazi Ketanim should still answer to a zimmun that they hear according to how much they ate with those bentching.[58]
  8. Some say that two adult women and a female minor who eat together may make a zimmun.[59]

Safek Zimmun

  1. If there’s a doubt whether Zimmun was made or not (or in general a doubt concerning Zimmun) one should be strict to say Zimmun and in a Zimmun of 10 one shouldn’t add Hashem’s name. [60]

Eating after the Zimmun

  1. If two of the three people want to have a zimmun and one person isn't finished they can have a zimmun and the one who didn't finish will answer the zimmun and then continue to eat and recite birkat hamazon after he finishes eating. [61]
  2. How much of Birkat Hamazon does he have to heard before he can start eating again? Ashkenazim need to wait until the mezamen finishes Hazan Et Hakol, but Sephardim can eat immediately after they hear the mezamen say baruch she'achalnu ubituvo chayinu.[62]
  3. If one of the three people is finished eating and the other two don't mind they are allowed to be nice and let the one who finished do zimmun and then they'll continue to eat after the zimmun.[63]

Saying Birkat HaMazon aloud

  1. The original establishment was that the one doing Zimmun would read the entire Birkat HaMazon out loud. Nowadays, the practice is that everyone say it silently to themselves. [64]
  2. According to Ashkenazim it’s preferable to finish the Bracha before the Mezamen (one doing the Zimmun) and then when the Mezamen finishes answer Amen. According to Sephardim there’s no reason to finish before the Mezamen and if one did, nonetheless, one doesn’t answer Amen. [65] See further on the Birkat HaMazon page.
  3. If it’s difficult to listen to the entire Birkat HaMazon out loud one should at least listen to the primary part of the Bracha, which according to Sephardim is Birkat Hazimmun (the words “Baruch SheAchalnu…Chayinu”) and according to Ashkenazim is through Birkat HaZan (the first Bracha of Birkat HaMazon). Therefore according to Ashkenazim the Mezamen (even if he is Sephardi) must say the first Bracha out loud and everyone should say it silently along with the Mezamen. [66]
  4. According to Ashkenazim, if there’s a large group and those benching will not hear the Mezamen until the end of the first Bracha it’s preferable for the group to separate into groups of three so that it’s possible to hear the Mezamen until the end of the first Bracha. [67]
  5. It’s preferable that the Mezamen not use a microphone for Zimmun but rather someone with a loud voice do the Zimmun. [68]

Procedure and Text of Zimmun

  1. The Mezamen, who is leading the zimmun, should invite everyone to say Birkat HaMazon. It may be said in any language. If one wants to say this invitation in Hebrew, one should say "Ten Lanu Kos UNivarech" (if one is saying Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine) or "Bau UNivarech" (if one isn't saying Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine). If one wants to say this invitation in Aramiac, one should say "Hav Lan UNivarech" or an extended version of this is "Hav Lan VeNivrich LeMalka Iylah Kiddisha", which many Sephardim have the custom of saying. If one wants to say this in Yiddush, the phrase one should say is "Rabbotai Mir Velin Benchin". [69]
  2. Those who are participating in the Zimmun should answer to this invitation, according to Ashkenazim, "Yehey Shem Hashem Mivorach MeAtah VeAd Olam", and according to Sephardim, "Shamayim". [70]
  3. After the invitation, the mezamen should begin the actual zimmun by saying "Nivarech She'achalnu Meshelo" or with an extended version of "Birshut Malka Iylah Kiddisha UBirshutchem, Nivarach She'achalnu Meshelo", as is the custom of some Sephardim. [71]
  4. Those participating in the zimmun should respond "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu." [72]
  5. Lastly, the mezamen should conclude "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu."[73]
  6. If one hears Zimmun but didn’t eat should answer “Baruch UMevurach Shemo Tamid Leolam VaEd” - ברוך ומבורך שמו תמיד לעולם ועד - which has an acronym בושת לו. [74]

Sources

  1. ↑ Magen Avraham 1:5, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 42:5, Mishna Brurah 1:10,11
  2. ↑ Byitzchak Yikareh of Rav Nevinsal 1:5, Piskei Teshuvot 181:14 in footnote 60. Piskei Teshuvot cites this minhag based on Hitorerut Teshuva 1:88 and others. See also Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on the Ten Minute Halacha.
  3. ↑ S”A 192:1
  4. ↑ Tehilim 34
  5. ↑ Devarim 30. Gemara Brachot 45 quoted by the Mishna Brurah 192:1.
  6. ↑ Pri Megadim (A”A 197:2) writes that most authorities consider zimmun to be of rabbinic obligation. Chaye Adam 48:1 writes that Zimmun is derabbanan and some say it’s Deoritta. Chazon Ish (31:1) argues that Zimmun should be Deoritta.
  7. ↑ Zohar (Balak pg 186b) writes that it’s important to precede benching with “give us a cup to bench” in Hebrew or Aramaic to introduce the benching to bring the kedusha. Mishna Brurah 192:2 quotes this and writes the minhag ashkenaz was to say Zimmun in Yiddish “Rabbotei Mir Velin Benchin”. Kol Bo (Siman 25) emphasizes the group merit of the zimmun.
  8. ↑ Sefer Keysad Mezamnin 1:22
  9. ↑ Ben Ish Chai Korach n. 1 records the minhag to insert special requests for permission from Shabbat, Yom Tov, and the Ushpizin. Yalkut Yosef 192:1 agrees. He cites the Yafeh Llev 1:192:5 who argues that this is a real minhag and it appears as though one is believing in two gods. Also he is degrading Hashem’s dynasty by comparing it with other entities. Yalkut Yosef defends the minhag that one’s intent isn’t to compare Hashem to anything and it is just for honor to mention them. Mayim Chaim 2:17 agrees.
  10. ↑ Mareh Habazak 5:9 writes that one should ask permission from the wife of the host in the zimmun since it is socially appropriate and nice it should be obligatory. He explains that the asking permission in zimmun isn’t really asking permission but just an honor. See the Sephardim practice of mentioning Shabbat and Yom Tov in the zimmun.
  11. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 201:1, Mishna Brurah 201:4. Sefer Vkidashto (p. 173) writes that a host can honor whichever guest he likes even a non-kohen over a kohen. His proofs are Shulchan Aruch Harav 167, Biur Halacha 201, Minchat Elazar 4:49, and Mishna Halachot 3:28.
  12. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 201:2. The Gemara Megillah 28a explains that a talmid chacham who gives the zimmun to the kohan as a right of him being a kohen it is a disgrace to the Torah.
  13. ↑ Mishna Brurah 197:23 writes that even though regarding the obligation of Birchat Hamazon it matters if a person only ate a kezayit or is full or whether they drank, if everyone is fulfilling their own obligation it isn't relevant for zimmun.
  14. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 193:2 writes that a third person can join two that already started eating if he is “Koveh” (establishes his place) with them. Mishna Brurah 193:21 writes that if one doesn’t eat while sitting and eat at the same table one isn’t considered as being Koveh with the others. Magen Avraham 195:2 and Mishna Brurah 197:3 also include the requirement of sitting at the same table.
  15. ↑ Tosfot Brachot 45a s.v. shelosha, Vezot Habracha p. 131 citing Rav Elyashiv and Rav Tzvi Weber. He also quotes Rav Sheinberg who said that if they went to wash at the same time it is like they started together.
  16. ↑ Mishna Brurah 193:18
  17. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 193:7
  18. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 375), Piskei Teshuvot 193:7
  19. ↑ Shulchan Aruch OC 195:1, Mishna Brurah 195:6
  20. ↑ Rama 193:3 writes that even if three people aren’t obligated in Zimmun it’s preferable that they make Zimmun because of Berov Am Hadrat Melech, that it’s preferable to honor Hashem in multitudes. Mishna Brurah 193:23 writes that the same would apply if there are more than 3 people. However, Magen Avraham in name of many poskim that since one can’t fulfill the Birkat HaMazon for another person one is also not allowed to make a zimmun together. Mishna Brurah 193:24 concludes that the Magen Avraham is more logical. Vezot Habracha p. 134 concurs.
  21. ↑ Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Minchat Shlomo Brachot 45a cited by Dirshu 193:22)
  22. ↑ Rava Tosfa in Gemara Brachot 50a states that if three people ate together and one said birkat hamazon then the other two can afterwards include him in the zimmun, even though he doesn't fulfill his obligation, they fulfill their obligation. Rambam Brachot 5:14, Rosh Brachot 7:28, and Shulchan Aruch 194:1 codify this as the halacha.
  23. ↑ Rav Hai Goan (cited by Rashba 50a s.v iy nami) understood Rava on 50a to mean that if there were three groups of three people who ate bread together and one from each group joined together for a zimmun the others would be exempted from a zimmun. The reason is that since the original groups only had three people once one of them answered a zimmun he is discounted from their group and as such they can't make a zimmun anymore. The Rashba explains that according to Rav Hai Gaon only if the other person answered a zimmun is he disqualified from joining their group, but if he forgot and say birkat hamazon without a zimun he wouldn't invalidate his group's zimmun and he can join their zimmun although he isn't going to fulfill his obligation. Rama 194:1 holds like Rav Hai Goan. Bet Yosef 193:6 cites it.
    • Furthermore, the opinion of Rashi 50b s.v. vlo, Tosfot 50a s.v. aval, and Rambam Brachot 5:11 explain the gemara Brachot 50a to mean that if a person answered a zimmun and then joined another group he can't answer another zimmun.
  24. ↑ The Rosh Brachot 7:28 writes that if two of them already said birkat hamazon there's no more obligation of zimmun for any of them. He infers it from the gemara that says only if one already said Birkat Hamazon implying if it was more then there would be no obligation of zimmun anymore. Rashba Brachot 50a s.v. inhu and Hagahot Maimoniyot 5:30 agree. Maamer Mordechai 194:3 and Keysad Mezamnin 194:5 p. 112 codify this.
  25. ↑ Maamer Mordechai 194:3 explains that although the Rashba explains that one can only create a zimmun if a majority of the original group is there, since two need to say birkat hamazon they would have a zimmun even if only one of those who already said birkat hamazon would join them. Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agrees.
  26. ↑ Mishna Brurah 197:20 writes that if one out of three people ate a Kezayit of a food (other than bread) or drank a reviyat of drinks (other than water), the three people can still make Zimmun.
  27. ↑ Eliya Rabba has a doubt about the case where two ate bread with someone who ate a kezayit of another food and one who ate bread said birkat hamazon if they can still have a zimmun. Perhaps since majority of the group still didn't say a bracha achrona they can have a zimmun or perhaps since only the one who had bread and still didn't say birkat hamazon needs a zimmun the obligation of the zimmun disappeared. He concludes that the latter approach is more reasonable. Birkei Yosef (Shiurei Bracha 194:1), Maamar Mordechai 194:3, Magen Giborim (Elef Hamagen 194:1), and Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agree. Maamer Mordechai elaborates that according to the Rosh the one who already said birkat hamazon is like someone who ate a kezayit of another food so if the other two ate bread that would create a zimmun. But according to the Rambam that someone who ate a kezayit of another food can't join for a zimmun of three the one who already said birkat hamazon is better than someone who ate a kezayit but either way in this case there's no zimmun.
  28. ↑ Magen Avraham 197:4 quotes the Aguda who writes that if one who didn't eat bread forgot and made a bracha achrona he is no longer included in the zimmun at all and it is unlike someone who ate bread and then forgot and recited birkat hamazon. Maamar Mordechai 194:3 and Mishna Brurah 197:9 agree.
  29. ↑ Bet Yosef 193:1 s.v. vchen holds that someone who already said zimmun can join a zimmun of three but not a zimmun of ten. Birkei Yosef 194:1 agrees. Keysad Mezamnin p. 118 explains that a zimmun of ten requires a greater level of establishment to create a zimmun than a zimmun of three (Brachot 45b) and therefore someone who already said birkat hamazon can't join. However, the Eliya Rabba 194:1 argues. Biur Halacha 194:1 s.v. echad agrees.
  30. ↑ Rav Hai Goan's understanding of Brachot 50a, Rashba 50a s.v. iy nami, Rama 193:6
  31. ↑ Rashba Brachot 50a s.v. iy nami, Rama 193:6
  32. ↑ Rosh Brachot 7:29 quotes Rabbenu Yehuda who explains that the gemara meant that if the original groups did zimmun the ones who left lost their obligation of zimmun. Even though the Rosh argues with Rabbenu Yehuda, Rabbenu Yonah 36a s.v gemara and Raavad Brachot 5:11 agree with Rabbenu Yehuda. Rashba 50a s.v. iy nami implies that he agrees. Shulchan Aruch OC 193:6 codifies the opinion of Rabbenu Yehuda.
  33. ↑ Gemara Brachot 45b, Shulchan Aruch OC 194:2, Mishna Brurah 194:8
  34. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 192:1
  35. ↑ The Kol Bo 25 cited by Bet Yosef has a doubt whether those joining have to eat a kezayit or reviyit of drink to join or anything is sufficient. Shulchan Aruch rules that a kezayit of food or reviyit of drink is necessary.
  36. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 197:2. Rav is quoted in Gemara Brachot 48a as saying that if one of the ten ate a vegetable he can join for a zimmun. Tosfot s.v. tisha adds that even drinking counts like eating. Rambam Brachot 5:8, Tur and Shulchan Aruch 197:2 codify this gemara.
    • Rabbi Zeira asked whether two or three people who ate a vegetable can join and Rav Yehuda told him that they could. Rabbi Zeira didn't ask whether four who ate vegetables can join because he thought that you need a significant majority. Rabbi Yirmiya argued that four could join which there is still a majority of those who had bread. Rashi understands that Rabbi Zeira didn't ask original because of his idea but really he regretted that he didn't ask about four. The Bet Yosef 197:2 explains for the Rambam and others that Rabbi Zeira was steadfast in his opinion that four can't join. Interestingly, the Or Zaruah 1:197 cited by Bet Yosef in fact holds that four can join. Shulchan Aruch doesn't hold like the Or Zaruah.
  37. ↑ Halacha Brurah 192:12
  38. ↑ Sh"t Bear Moshe 1:2 compares standing for Elokenu of zimmun to standing for barchu and concludes that one should stand but if one doesn't there is what to rely upon. Rav Schachter (Brachot Shiur 87 at the end) said that Rav Soloveitchik's minhag was not to stand for Elokenu of zimmun of ten but those who do stand think that it is like a dvar shebekedusha (Kesef Mishna Brachot 5:7).
    • Is Zimmun a Dvar Shebekedusha? The Rambam Brachot 5:7 writes that even though women can have a zimun on their own they can’t have a zimun of ten with Elokenu. (Interestingly, the Sefer Meorot Brachot 45a argues on the Rambam.) Kesef Mishna Brachot 5:7 explains that a zimun with Elokenu is a dvar shebekedusha. Meiri Brachot 47b s.v. nashim, Bach 199:7, Perisha 199:16, Ateret Tzvi 199:5, and Mishna Brurah 199:15 agree with this statement explicitly. However, Even Haazel Brachot 5:7 and Divrei Yirmiyahu Brachot 5:7 argue that zimun with Elokenu really isn’t a dvar shebekedusha but requires a minyan for the respect of Hashem’s name (Brachot 45b) and that’s why a child can join for zimun. (See Meiri who tries to address this.) Kavod Yom Tov Brachot 5:7 provides a compromise calling it a minor dvar shebekedusha.
  39. ↑ S”A 193:1
  40. ↑ Rama 193:2, Mishna Brurah 193:11
  41. ↑ Mishna Brurah 193:19
  42. ↑ The Gemara Brachot discusses whether two people can create a zimmun. Rabbi Yochanan holds that two people can't have a zimmun but Rav holds they can. The Rif 33a, Rosh Brachot 7:6, Or Zaruah Brachot n. 184, and Rambam Brachot 5:16 hold like Rabbi Yochanan. Shulchan Aruch 193:1 codifies the opinion of Rabbi Yochanan.
  43. ↑ Gemara 45b establishes that if someone doesn't know how to say birkat hamazon he can fulfill his obligation by listening to someone who does know how to say birkat hamazon. Rif 33a, Rosh 6:7, Rambam Brachot 5:15, and Shulchan Aruch 193:1 quote this as the halacha.
  44. ↑ Tosfot Brachot 45b s.v. shani concludes that if a person doesn't understand the birkat hamazon he can't fulfill his obligation with a zimmun. Mordechai, Or Zaruah Brachot n. 186, Rabbenu Yonah Brachot 33a s.v. vnira, and Rosh Brachot 7:6 agree. However, the Rosh cites Rashi who held that even if those listening don't understand they can fulfill their obligation by listening to birkat hamazon in Hebrew as we find by Megillah 17a. Tur and Shulchan Aruch 193:1 hold like the Tosfot. Darkei Moshe 193:1 writes that the minhag is to rely on Rashi. Magen Avraham 193:2 and Mishna Brurah 193:5 accept the Darkei Moshe.
    • The Birkat Avraham 9:287 (cited by Olot Tamid 193:2) writes that even Shulchan Aruch would accept that for a zimmun of three it is possible to fulfill the obligation of someone who doesn't understand Hebrew and it is only an issue if there's only two people. However, the Olot Tamid argues that Shulchan Aruch doesn't distinguish. (Tosfot Brachot 45b s.v. shani explicitly is against the Birkat Avraham.) Biur Halacha 193:1 s.v. eino cites the Birkat Avraham.
  45. ↑
    • Rif Brachot 35b holds that someone who ate something besides bread can be counted for a zimmun of ten and not for a zimmun of three. Rambam Brachot 5:8, Rashba Brachot 48a s.v. ulinyan, and Sar Mkusi (Tosfot Brachot 48a s.v. tisha) agree. However, the Ri (Tosfot Brachot 48a s.v. tisha), Rabbenu Yonah 35b s.v. vafilu, and Rosh Brachot 7:21 argue that there’s no distinction between a zimun of three and ten and one person who ate something besides bread can join a zimun of three.
    • According to Tosfot unlike Rif and Rambam, what do you need to eat? Tosfot 48a s.v. tisha says that anything including a drink is sufficient. Bet Yosef 197:3 cites the Kol Bo 25 who says that you can only join a zimmun of three if you ate mezonot.
    • Shulchan Aruch O.C. 197:3 writes that there are three opinions as to whether two who ate bread may join in a zimmun with a third person who didn't eat bread. The first opinion holds that one may not join together for a three person zimmun unless all three people ate bread. The second opinion holds that they may join together as long as the third person ate mezonot. The last opinion holds that as long as the third person ate anything, they may join together for a zimmun. Shulchan Aruch writes that in order to avoid a dispute one should not allow a third person who doesn't want to eat bread to join with the first two who are eating bread. The Mishna Brurah 197:22, however, writes that the minhag is in accordance with the last opinion allowing a zimmun of three as long as the third person ate something. Halacha Brurah 197:12 also writes that some are lenient. Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Sh"t Yechave Daat 4:13 (in the footnote) quotes the Knesset HaGedola who says that the minhag is to allow a zimmun of three as long as the third person ate something. He explains that the only reason Shulchan Aruch said one should avoid such a zimmun is because in his day people used to listen to the birkat hamazon of the leader of the zimmun, however, nowadays since everyone says the birkat hamazon to themselves such a zimmun is allowed. Mishna Brurah 197:20 notes that the third person must eat at least a kezayit in order to obligate a bracha achrona. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:10, Shulchan Aruch 196:3, and Ben Ish Chai (Korach n. 5) say that ideally the third person joining two others who ate bread for a zimmun should have at least a kazayit of mezonot or wine but it is permissible to join as long as he had a kazayit of any other fruit, vegetable, or drink besides water. Rabbi Mansour discussed this topic on several occasions. One time ("Can Three People Make a Zimun if One of Them Did Not Eat Bread?" on 11/24/11) he followed the Shulchan Aruch and Rav Moshe Halevi. However, in two later discussions ("What Must the Third Person Eat for Three People to Make a Zimun?" on 5/19/13 and "Must All Three People Have Eaten Bread in Order to Recite a Zimun?" on 7/9/19) he followed Rav Ovadia Yosef.
  46. ↑ Beiur Halacha 194:1 s.v. Echad cites the Eliyah Rabba who has a safek about this and concludes that there is no obligation for Zimmin. He quotes the Maamar Mordechai, Birkei Yosef, and Magen Giborim as agreeing. Sefer Keysad Mezamnin (9:22, p. 123) concurs.
  47. ↑ Chaye Adam 48:1 writes that if two people eat bread together and a third person ate a kezayit of another food, if the one who ate the other food said a Bracha Achrona without Zimmun, there is no obligation of Zimmun since the one who ate food other than bread had a non-permanent meal to begin with and has already made a bracha achrona. Sefer Keysad Mezamnin (9:20, p. 122) concurs.
  48. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 199:6, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:22
  49. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 199:7
  50. ↑ Rama 199:10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:22
  51. ↑

    Counting a Kattan in General

    The Gemara (Berachot 47b-48a) has a series of statements about being able to make a zimmun with two people and a Sefer Torah, Shabbat, or just by virtue of the fact that they're both Talmidei Chachamim who can speak in Halacha. Then, the Gemara quotes R' Yochanan that one can make a zimmun with a Kattan Poreach, and then it brings a Baraita to support that. Afterwards, the Gemara says the Halacha does not follow any of the above statements rather, the Halacha follows Rav Nachman that a Kattan who knows to whom we pray may be counted towards a zimmun. The Gemara continues to bring a story about how Rabbah asked young Abaye and Rava whom we recite Birkat Hamazon to and how they answered correctly.

    • There are three basic approaches in the Rishonim as to how to read the Gemara, resulting in the following opinions regarding whom we count for a zimmun.
    1. The Rif (Berachot 35a) quotes Rav Hai Gaon who holds one may count any Kattan who knows whom we say Birkat Hamazon to, even from nine or ten years old. Rambam (Bracha 5:7) and Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 35a s.v. aval) agree. He mentions that a child can be counted from eight or nine years old.
    2. Rabbeinu Chananel (quoted by Rabbenu Yonah) is of the opinion that a twelve year old, similar to a concept we find by Nedarim (Mufla Samuch LaIsh), may be counted for a Minyan, if he knows to whom we recite Birkat Hamazon. Ramban (Chidushim Brachot 48a) rejects this opinion saying that it is without proof.
    3. The Rosh (Berachot 7:20) is strict for a Yerushalmi that one may never count anyone below the age of thirteen for a Minyan. Tosfot 48a s.v. leyt agrees. The Beit Yosef (199:10) adds that the Hagahot Maimoniot (Berachot 5:6), Samag (Aseh 27), and Maharik (Shoresh 49) also hold like the Rosh, and Rabbeinu Yonah testifies that many of his contemporary Chachamim acted that way.
    4. The Raavad (as quoted by Ramban Chidushim Brachot 48a, see Raavad on Rif Brachot 35b) argues that a child can join for a zimmun of ten and not three. Tur 199:10 quotes Rabbenu Peretz and Rav Hai Goan who make such a distinction. Ramban (Milchamot 35b and Chidushim 48a) argues that there's no difference. Also, the Rambam Brachot 5:7 explicitly writes that there's no distinction. Shulchan Aruch 199:10 rules like the Rambam. How many children can join for a zimun of ten? The Bet Yosef 199:10 cites the Kol Bo (ch. 25) who says that we can even have 3 children. The Baal Hameor Brachot 35b holds that you can join even 4 children for a zimun. The Ramban Milchamot 35b argues only one. Also, the Shiltei HaGiborim Brachot 35a n. 5 citing the Riaz says only one child can join. Magen Avraham 199:6 and Birkei Yosef 199:3 hold like the Riaz to only join one child for a zimun of ten.
    • In the end, Shulchan Aruch OC 199:10, rules like the Rif and Rambam against the Rosh. Rabbenu Yonah Brachot 35b s.v. aval writes that a child can join for a zimmun but not for a minyan since for zimmun each person can fulfill their own obligation of Birkat Hamazon, however, for minyan the Dvar Shebekedusha is something that only a congregation can say and not an individual. Magen Avraham 199:6 agrees. The Darkei Moshe 199:4 says their Minhag is like the Rosh. (See Yabia Omer OC 4:9:2-3 and OC 1:42:4 regarding the distinction between using a Kattan for zimmun and not for Tefillah).

    A Lower Age Limit

    The Bet Yosef (199:10) discusses according to those who include a child whether there is a specific age limit. The Rif 35a mentions the child has to be nine or ten, Rabbenu Yonah 35a s.v. katan quotes the Rif as holding eight or nine, and Rambam Brachot 5:7 says seven or eight. The Bet Yosef writes that it seems that these ages aren't specific as long as they really know who they are saying Birkat Hamazon to. However, he cites the Rashba (Berachot 48a s.v. vleyt) and Rivash (Siman 451) both hold that the child needs to be a certain age of Chinuch and not just that he knows to whom he is saying Birkat Hamazon. Shulchan Aruch 199:10 writes that we include a child for zimmun and it isn't clear from what age. Gra on 199:10 assumes that he follows the Rivash.

    The Magen Avraham 199:6 writes nine or ten. Birkei Yosef 199:4 writes that even though it seems Shulchan Aruch really a child can be counted even as old as six years old, we should be strict for the Magen Avraham since many opinions don't like like the Rif in the first place and it is possible that he himself would only say it from nine years old specifically. In Shiurei Beracha (199:2) he found the Sefer HaOrah of Rashi ch. 44 who also says from the age of nine or ten. The footnotes of Peat David points out that this quote is from the Rif but certainly wasn't authored by Rashi. Machatzit HaShekel 199:6 agrees with Chida.

    The Maamar Mordechai (199:4) broadens the discussion about this comment of the Magen Avraham. Every child reaches chinuch at a different age, so the Magen Avraham was just picking one and intended for us to be Somech on what it says in Beit Yosef. He disagrees with the Chidah's reading of the Magen Avraham and thinks that it's Lefaresh and not Lachalok, and he finishes by pointing to 284:4.

    The Kaf HaChaim (199:29) and Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) are Machmir for the Chidah.

    In Yabia Omer (2:OC:13:11), regarding the how old a child must be for one to answer Amen to his Beracha, Rav Ovadia says that the Chidah strayed from the Kav and there's no need to be Machmir as there's no Beracha Levatala. Therefore, he paskens from six. Elsewhere (OC 8:25:8) he adds a Rov that Chareidi kids know whom they're mevarech to and that one can use a Safek Sefeka if he's not sure if the kid is six.

    The Ben Ish Chai (Shanah Rishonah Korach 11) says from age nine, but Rav Ovadia (Yabia Omer 9:OC 91:8:3) says Lo Dak (as is Mashma from his Lashon about Maran and the Minhag of Baghdad following Maran), unlike the Kaf HaChaim (199:29) who took it literally. It seems to be Bedaat Maran, so it would depend how you read the Magen Avraham, (like the Chidah or the Maamar Mordechai). Either way, the Ben Ish Chai recommends finding a Gadol if possible.

    The Ohr Letzion (2:13:11) distinguishes between a zimmun of three and one of ten. For the former, six years old is sufficient, but one should be machmir for a zimmun bashem for nine years. Rav David Yosef (Halacha Berurah 199:13) disagrees on behalf of his father, though there is no Hasaga in Rav Ovadia's Hearot on the volume (9:108).

    Vezot HaBeracha (pg 132) paskens like Chacham Ben Tzion, and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu comments that he disagrees and even allows for zimmun of ten from age six. The latter emphasizes that each Kattan Lifum Chorfeh, everybody reaches that point of understanding at a different age. The fact that Rav Mordechai Eliyahu holds from age six may be a good indication that he read the Ben Ish Chai like Rav Ovadia.

    The Birkat Hashem (2:6:25) is also lenient from age six for both 3 and 10, and in footnote 90, he gives three explanations for why we should not follow the Birkei Yosef's Chumra. Firstly, the Chidah might not have meant it LeHoraah, but rather for Yechidim, as he described in Choshen Mishpat 25:6. Next, it's just not Muchrach, and, lastly, had he seen the other Rishonim and understood the Rif, he would have been Chozer Bo.

    See further in Yechaveh Daat 4:13 and Yitzchak Yeranen 5:11.

  52. ↑ The Tur (199:10) quotes a dispute between the Rambam (5:7), who says he can be Mitztaref for both a regular zimmun and a zimmun baShem, and R' Peretz, who holds that it's only for a zimmun of ten. The Beit Yosef adds that the latter is also the opinion of Rav Hai Gaon, Tosafot (48a DH veleit), and the Mordechai (Berachot 172) quoting Rabbeinu Tam. He explains that they holds such because we're more strict about zimmun of three than a zimmun of ten, however, the Mordechai records that the Rabbeinu Tam didn't want to rely on his opinion in practice. The Orchot Chaim (39) quotes the Raavad (Temim Deim n. 1) as also holding this way because we go out of our way to enable making a zimmun of ten to praise Hashem with His name but a zimmun of three is insufficient reason to for us to accept the minor. The Shulchan Aruch (199:10) paskens like the Rambam.
  53. ↑ The Kaf HaChaim (199:31) quotes Poskim who say that a Kattan may not, however, count towards a Minyan or Panim Chaddashot for Sheva Berachot. This is also the ruling of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (in his comments to Vezot HaBeracha pg. 132). See also Yalkut Yosef.
  54. ↑ The Birkat Hashem (vol. 2 ch. 6:25 fn. 90) says that to join a zimmun of three, he has to eat bread or Mezonot, not just a vegetable based on a Safek Sefeka. Although, for ten, even a vegetable is sufficient.
  55. ↑ Rav Yosef Karo (Beit Yosef 199:10) quotes the Kol Bo (Siman 25) that there must always be a Rov Nikar of Gedolim, so a regular zimmun can have a maximum of one Kattan and a zimmun of ten can have up to three.
    • The Mishnah Brurah 199:25 quotes the Magen Avraham (199:6) quoting the Shiltei HaGibborim (Berachot 35 1:5) that only one Kattan may be counted. In the Shaar HaTziun (199:14) he says the Magen Avraham and Birkei Yosef both say this bedaat Maran. Upon reading the Birkei Yosef (199:3), it's clear that the Chidah felt Maran actually holds like the Kol Bo, who allows one to use many Ketanim as long as there's a Rov Nikar of Gedolim. Rather, the Birkei Yosef was being Machmir for the Riaz, because many poskim sound that way. This really isn't a Shaylah for Ashkenazim.
    • The Kaf HaChaim (199:30), Birkat Hashem (vol. 2 ch. 6:25), Halacha Berurah (199:13), Yalkut Yosef 199:4 (199:6 in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch), and Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) all hold say one may only use one Kattan regardless. The Birkat Hashem quotes many Sephardi Poskim, such as the Birkei Yosef, Erech HaShulchan (199:2), Kaf HaChaim ibid, Siddur Beit Menuchah, Chessed LeAlaphim, and Yechaved Daat 4:13.
  56. ↑ VeZot HaBeracha (pg. 132) quotes the ruling of R' Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu that if a Sephardi, Ashkenazi, and Kattan eat together, they may make a zimmun and the Sephardi should be Mezamen. Moreover, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach holds that if they're eight Sephardim, an Askenazi, and a Kattan, one of the Sephardim should make a zimmun BaShem, but the Ashkenazi should answer quietly without the Shem. This is also the ruling of the Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) and it's quoted in Yalkut Yosef (Heb-Eng) there.
  57. ↑ The Perishah had a Girsa in the Tur that ketanim could make their own zimmun, but the Kaf HaChaim (199:18) points out from Maamar Mordechai (199:2) and Yafeh LeLev (199:2) that the Turim printed from the times of Maran and the Bach did not have that Girsa. Neither did the Rambam or Shulchan Aruch themselves. Rav David Yosef (Halacha Berurah 199:14) says that three ketanim who eat together should not make their own zimmun.
  58. ↑ The Piskei Teshuvot (199:5) says that they should answer as appropriate to other people's zimmun based on Chinuch if they ate together with those making a zimmun.
  59. ↑ The Kaf HaChaim (199:21) sounds like they have to be three Gedolot. The Hebrew-English Yalkut Yosef in the footnotes quotes a Maayan Omer (pg 305) that says it's permissible.
  60. ↑ Mishna Brurah (Beiur Halacha 197 s.v. Imahem) quotes the Pri Megadim and Chaye Adam who write that if there’s a safek by zimmun one should say it however by the Zimmun of ten people one shouldn’t say it because it includes Hashem’s name.
  61. ↑ Gemara Brachot 45b, Shulchan Aruch OC 200:1
  62. ↑ Tosfot Brachot 46a s.v. ad understands that the gemara is discussing when you listen to a zimmun and plan to eat again how much of birkat hamazon do you need to listen to and he says we hold like Rav Sheshet that you need to listen until Hazan Et Hakol. However, the Rosh Brachot 7:12 cites Tosfot and then cites the Rif who follows Rav Nachman who says zimun ends at baruch she'achalnu. Shulchan Aruch 200:2 rule like Rav Nachman and Rama like Rav Sheshet.
  63. ↑ Gemara Brachot 45b records the story with Rav Papa and someone else stopped their meal for one other, which the Gemara says isn't necessary but is considered going beyond the letter of the law. Shulchan Aruch 200:1 codifies this.
  64. ↑ Vezot HaBracha (pg 128, chapter 14) quotes that Panim Meirot that the original establishment was that one person say it aloud and everyone listen. However, S”A 183:7 writes that the practice that should be followed nowadays is that one person say it aloud and everyone to follow along Bracha by Bracha.
  65. ↑ S”A and Rama 183:7, Vezot HaBracha (pg 128, chapter 14)
  66. ↑ S”A and Rama 200:1 identify clearly the crucial part of Zimmun, according to S”A it is the Zimmun of Baruch SheAchalnu and according to the Rama it is including the first Bracha. Mishna Brurah 183:28 holds that Ashkenazim should at least say the first Bracha quietly together with the Mezamen and those who have the minhag that everyone just says it to themselves are mistaken. This is also the opinion of Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) and he warns that not doing so is against the halacha. Vezot HaBracha (pg 335) quotes Rav Wosner in Kovetz MeBet Levi (Nissan 5758) who defends the minhag slightly. Yalkut Yosef (vol 3 pg 371) says that a Sephardi who is a Mezamen for Ashkenazim should say the first Bracha out loud. Rav Schachter in Brachot Shiur 87 (min 70) said that Ashkenazim should have the mezamen say the entire birkat hamazon out loud slowly and everyone say it along with him and if they don't so they aren't fulfilling zimun.
  67. ↑ Mishna Brurah 193:17, Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14) also quotes the Chazon Ish who argues but still quotes the Mishna Brurah as the primary opinion.
  68. ↑ Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14)
  69. ↑ The Magen Avraham (Intro to 192) quotes the Zohar which says that words of kedusha require preparation and that is the basis for the minhag to invite everyone to say Birkat Hamazon. The Magen Avraham writes that the Ashkenazic minhag was to say it in Yiddish with the words "Rabbotai Mir Velin Benchin". The Mishna Brurah 192:2 adds that it may be said in Hebrew with either the phrase "Ten Lanu Kos UNivarech" (if one is saying Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine) or "Bau UNivarech" (if one isn't saying Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine). The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:6 adds that this invitation could be said in Aramiac with the words "Hav Lan UNivarech." Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is to say this invitation in Aramiac with the words "Hav Lan VeNivrich LeMalka Iylah Kiddisha."
  70. ↑ The Magen Avraham (Intro to 192), Mishna Brurah 192:2, and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:6 records the Ashkenazic minhag to answer the invitation with the pasuk "Yehey Shem Hashem Mivorach MeAtah VeAd Olam". Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is that those participating in the Birkat HaMazon answer "Shamayim," meaning, that this should be done with the permission of heaven.
  71. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that the mezamen should begin the zimmun by saying "Nivarech She'achalnu Meshelo". Rav Mordechai Eliyahu (comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:12) writes that the Sephardic minhag is the mezamen starts the zimmun with the words "Birshut Malka Iylah Kiddisha UBirshutchem, Nivarach She'achalnu Meshelo."
  72. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that those participating in the zimmun should respond "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu."
  73. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 192:1 writes that the mezamen should conclude "Baruch She'achlnu Meshelo Ubituvo Chayinu."
  74. ↑ S”A 198:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:20, Vezot HaBracha (pg 129, chapter 14)
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