Shehakol: Difference between revisions

* S”A (O.C. 202:7) cites the Rambam’s view as authoritative, while the Rama writes that one should be concerned for the Trumat HaDeshen’s understanding of Rashi and recite Shehakol on a pulverized fruit if it is not normal to pulverize it. According to this analysis, chocolate should be HaEitz according to all opinions, because it is perfectly normal to pulverize a cocoa bean and turn it into a candy bar. Nonetheless, common practice is to recite Shehakol. Although Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Minchat Shlomo 1:91) remains flummoxed as to why this practice developed and maintains that chocolate essentially is HaEitz, other Poskim (see Sheivet HaLevi 7:27 and Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:187) defend the practice. Since, though, there is firm basis to recite HaEitz on chocolate, one who did so ex post facto fulfills his obligation (VeZot HaBracha p. 103). For the same reason, one who recited HaAdama fulfills his obligation, since HaAdama covers anything that should properly require HaEitz (see [[Brachot]] 40a and S”A O.C. 206:1).</ref>

# Some Poskim hold that one should recite HaEitz on chocolate covered fruit, while others maintain that the correct Bracha is Shehakol. <Ref> The Laws of B’rachos (pg. 215 note 26) understands that Mishnah Brura (204:51) would consider the fruit to be the Ikar. Rav Hershel Schachter (oral communication; Halachipedia Article 5773 #8), however, explained that since the chocolate companies produce the chocolate covered fruits, it is clear that the chocolate is the Ikar, so the Bracha would be Shehakol. Be’er Moshe 1:7 agrees. </ref> Still others hold that two [[Brachot]] must be recited: Shehakol for the chocolate and HaEitz for the fruit.<Ref> Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe O.C. 3:31) assumes that chocolate is Shehakol and maintains that both parts are significant and thus require separate [[Brachot]]. The Laws of B’rachos (pg. 215 note 29), though, cites Mekor HaBracha (22), who argues that since chocolate essentially should be HaEitz, whether or not the fruit is ikar, the bracha is HaEitz. Rav Shlomo Zalman (cited in Halachos of Brochos p. 417 n. 61), though, explains that because the common practice has emerged to recite Shehakol on chocolate, one should disregard the fact that its bracha essentially is HaEitz. </ref>Finally, others say that one should make the Bracha on the majority. <ref> Halachos of Brochos p. 417 quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach  </ref> If, however, one ingredient is clearly preferred it is considered Ikar and the appropriate Bracha should be recited upon it.<Ref> Halachos of Brochos pg. 417 based on Mishna Brurah 212:1 </ref>

# The bracha on roasted coffee beans and cocoa powder is Shehakol. <Ref>

* Rava in Gemara [[Brachot]] 36b says that dry peppercorn and dry ginger don’t require a bracha, whereas moist peppercorn and moist ginger have a bracha. The Rif ([[Brachot]] 25b) and Rambam ([[Brachot]] 8:7) rule that moist ginger and peppercorn is HaAdama and dry ones don’t have any bracha because they are spices and not food. Tosfot ([[Brachot]] 36b s.v. BeRetivah) agrees that the bracha for the moist spices are HaAdama but they’re reason is that its not commonly eaten while dry.