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We are beginning siman 3. The Chayei Adam writes that if one adds ground matzah into a mixture called med, they need to be careful that the mixture remains a thin mixture (belilah raka) and does not become too thick (belilah avah). Additionally, one should change the order of the placement of the ingredients. If the solid is normally added after the liquid, one should switch the order. The shinui will depend on what is the normal method in that locale.
If there is no normal method for that locale, the standard assumption of the Gemara is that the liquid is added first, and the solid is added afterwards. Thus, the shinui would be to place the solid first, and add the liquid afterwards. If there is no known standardized method in a locale, one can rely on this shinui of the Gemara.
The Chayei Adam continues, and writes that additionally, one cannot stir the mixture with a spoon, but must use a shinui. They could use their finger, shake the container, or pour between two cups. Regarding wearing gloves while mixing with their finger, sometimes the glove can add more resistance, and therefore mixes the liquid better. If that were the case, it would be a problem to use the glove. If it is just a thin glove used to keep hands clean, the surface of the glove does not add to the process, so it would not be a problem.
The next siman, siman 4, deals with a person relieving oneself and potential challenges of losh. Since, baruch Hashem, it is not so relevant to us, we will skip it. Siman 5 deals with items which naturally bind together when they are placed in the same container, without any human intervention. We will begin siman 5 in the upcoming shiur, be’ezras Hashem.
Summary
- When creating a belilah raka, one must change the order of the placement of the ingredients as a shinui. The definition of shinui will depend on the standard practice in that locale. If there is no standard practice, the Gemara says that normally the liquid is added first and then the solid afterwards, so one should do the opposite.
- Part of the shinui necessary for any belilah is not to stir the mixture with a spoon, but with a shinui. Examples include with one’s finger, by shaking the container, or by pouring from one container to another.
