“And Malki-Tzedek, the king of Shalem, brought out bread and wine...”-- Bereishis 14:18
Yossi was almost finished preparing the table for the Shabbos seuda.
“Oh, one thing is missing,” said Yossi. “I only have one challah on the table. I am missing the second challah for Lechem Mishne.”
While in the dining room, he spotted one small challah roll that was left over from last week. “It is still edible. I can use it for the second challah of Lechem Mishne,” said Yossi to himself. But then, he thought for a moment: “I have a much nicer challah in the kitchen. It’s more fresh and beautiful. Maybe, I should make the extra effort and bring it here to be used as the 2nd challah of Lechem Mishne...”
Question: Should Yossi go to the kitchen and get the nicer challah?
Hints & Answers
HALACHA CHALLENGE: Based on the drasha of the Midrash Mechilta that the mann of erev Shabbos had an exceptionally good taste and smell, R. Moshe Shternbauch [Teshuvos v’Hanhagos, 2, § 170] learns the following lesson: Just like the mann was of high quality taste and smell, so too, it is appropriate (whenever possible), that both challahs used for the mitzva of Lechem Mishne should be of the nicest challahs. This is due to the fact that both challahs used for the mitzva of Lechem Mishne serve as a remembrance of that mann which had good taste and smell.
RHYMES: “need”.
RIDDLES & TRIVIA: In Avraham’s prayer to save the 5 cities of Sedom and Amora (see Rashi to Bereishis 18:32).
*Note: Menucha’s answer are not to be taken as final decisions in halacha, but rather as a springboard for discussions & further study
