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Answer: I understand that most "insect-free" vegetables are not hydroponically grown but use other methods to minimize the chance of insects. We will discuss the cases of hydroponically grown romaine lettuce, but our main focus will be on the correctness of your assumption that the beracha is Shehakol.
The Yerushalmi (Kilayim 7:6) questions whether one recites Hamotzi on bread made from grain that grew in a flowerpot without holes (atzit she’eino nakuv = ashn). Based on this, the Chayei Adam (I, 51:17) instructs to make Mezonot on such bread, and Shehakol on similarly grown vegetables. The issue is the language of "…min ha’aretz" (from the land) and "pri ha’adama" (fruit of the soil), which may not be sufficiently accurate in these cases. Regarding fruit of a tree that grew in an ashn, he is less sure because perhaps that is still called pri ha’etz. Presumably hydroponic produce is less connected to land/soil than that which grows in an ashn. (Note that there are always nutrients in the water, and in some systems (aggregate), there are elements present that could arguably make it considered watery soil.)
We can question the Chayei Adam’s position based on logic and sources. It is logical to argue that foods are categorized for berachot based on the species’ characteristics, irrespective of the specific item one is eating. Regarding sources, the conclusion of the Yerushalmi (ibid.) is disputable, and a different Yerushalmi (Berachot 6:1) indicates Hamotzi for such bread. It says that whatever food gets Birkat Hamazon after it, gets Hamotzi before it, and the gemara (Berachot 47b) assumes we make Birkat Hamazon after bread that originates from an ashn. This encourages some (see S’dei Chemed VI, p. 279) to make Hamotzi on bread from an ashn, as the Rambam (Berachot 3:11) may imply.
How do we pasken? The Chayei Adam is more equivocal elsewhere (Nishmat Adam II, 152:(1)). Some contemporary poskim instruct to make Ha’adama on hydroponic vegetables (Shevet Halevi I:205), even if hydroponics is common, as long as society views it as grown on the ground (Teshuvot V’hanhagot II:149). Others rule to make Mezonot for bread and Shehakol for vegetables (Machazeh Eliyahu I:25,28; Yechaveh Da’at VI:12 views hydroponics as "worse" than ashn). They reason that not only do these berachot not mention land but they are also b’di’eved catch-all berachot making them preferable due to safek berachot l’hakel (in doubt, we avoid berachot that could be l’vatala). Still, Yechaveh Da’at (ibid.) says that if one does not know how a given vegetable was grown, you assume it is from the majority of vegetables, which are grown in the ground. Also, he says that if one made Ha’adama on a hydroponic vegetable, he would not say Shehakol afterward (as safek berachot l’hakel encourages us here to rely on the beracha that was already made). While we do not take a strong stand, we note that "pri ha’adama" seems a fair description of hydroponic vegetables, even if "min ha’aretz" ( from the land) is not for such bread (Teshuvot V’hanhagot ibid.)
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
613 - Ask the Rabbi: Amen on a Non-Beracha
614 - Ask the Rabbi: Halachic Status of Hydroponic Maror
615 - Ask the Rabbi: Indirect Responsibility for Theft
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Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
