Welcome to the Judaism community on Codidact!
Will you help us build our community of learners? Drop into our study hall, ask questions, help others with answers to their questions, share a d'var torah if you're so inclined, invite your friends, and join us in building this community together. Not an ask-the-rabbi service, just people at all levels learning together.
Blessing on Salt
The Bracha on salt, as listed in Mishneh Torah, Blessings 8:8 is Shehakol. I have found confirmation in modern generally accepted Halachic sources.
According to Mishneh Torah, Blessings 8:7 spices normally have no Bracha at all, before or after, as they are not food.
Salt seems to be in the same category. While salt is, in some ways, an essential part of our diet, added salt - and certainly salt eaten by itself - is not normally needed as we get sufficient salt as part of many different types of cooked and baked foods. Salt added to a food right before eating (i.e., can see and taste it) would never get a Bracha of its own as it is Tofel to the item, as with other spices or condiments.
Why does salt, eaten by itself, get a Shehakol?
1 answer
Rabbi Bodner, in his work Halachos of Brochos (p. 455), cites Mishna Berura 204:5 explaining that while salt is generally not consumed by itself, one does derive a small amount of enjoyment when doing so. This is in contrast to other spices which don't meet that criteria.
Presumably, if it can be demonstrated that a particular spice is enjoyable on its own (culturally, but not on an individual basis due to the principle of Batla Daato), then the same rule should apply. Certainly, one should ask their own local halachic authority before taking that course.
0 comment threads
0 comment threads