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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: Fundamentally, a pull-apart challa is at least one lechem. However, whether even a standard challa with a weak connection between different parts of it is considered complete depends on whether when you lift it by its smaller part, the weight of the heavier part does not cause it to break (Mishna Berura 167:11). Even though "a challa is only as strong as its weakest link" (and here there are many), usually if the challa is not very big, it will pass the test. If it does not, then you will need it to be considered multiple complete lechamim, which we will now discuss.
The Shoel U’Meishiv (I,I:167), discussing a baker whose challot come out stuck together, rules that even if one leaves them connected, they count as multiple challot because the norm is to separate them well before consumption. Orchot Chayim (Spinka, 274:1) brings those who disagree, and the Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata (55:6) does not clearly decide between the opinions. The Shoel U’meishiv apparently did not apply his leniency to one baking special challot whose purpose is to be separated only after making Hamotzi. Therefore, if you want to count this challa as multiple lechamim, you should separate the sections before the beracha (see Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat II, p. 176). Even if one could consider them multiple challot while connected, it is unclear why one would not follow the recommended procedure of having one on top of the other, which is not so feasible when connected (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 274:1).
The remaining question is: if we consider the pull-apart challa one loaf, then if we pull it apart, does it become multiple incomplete loaves? This point is a machloket dating back a couple hundred years. The Machatzit Hashekel (274:1) says it depends on intention. If one did not intend that they should connect during baking but they did, they are separate, complete challot. Presumably, even if they definitely will stick together to some degree, if that is as a matter of circumstance and not desired, it is not a problem. If the intention was that they bake connected and separate them later, he leaves it as an unsolved question whether after separation they are considered complete. Rav Meir Arik (Minchat Pitim, OC 274:1) posits that they are complete even if they were purposely stuck together.
A related application arose with the advent of machine matzot. The matzot were baked as sheets of multiple matzot, perforated before baking to make it easier to cut after the baking. (The contemporary production lines I saw are different.) There is a big machloket as to whether each matza is valid for lechem mishneh or whether the sheet was one lechem and the individual matzot are incomplete pieces (see opinions in Lechem Ish 3:19). In some ways our case is more lenient because each section was at one point a separate piece of dough, which were joined together and will be separated back to the original pieces. On the other hand, the matza is more likely to look fully complete in its final stage.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
591 - Ask the Rabbi: Should Kiddush Levana Be Done with a Minyan?
592 - Ask the Rabbi: Should Kiddush Levana Be Done with a Minyan?
593 - Ask the Rabbi: Wrong Beracha on Tefillin Shel Yad
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If all pieces have something missing or if one wants to be machmir, one can, before Shabbat, return them to the oven to start re-crusting, thereby forming a new loaf unit (see Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchata 55:10).
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
