טיבול פרוסת המוציא בדבש

1. The Source for Dipping Hamotzi in Honey

The topic today is from Shulchan Menachem, chapter reish ayin ches—278. This chapter discusses the custom of dipping the piece of hamotzi—the bread over which the blessing is made—into honey. There is a maamar from the Alter Rebbe, which is cited by the Rebbe in Likkutei Sichos, chelek dalet. The maamar begins with the statement: l’hovin inyan achilas dvash im hamotzi me’Rosh Hashana ad achar Hoshanah Rabba—to understand the concept of eating honey with hamotzi from Rosh Hashana until after Hoshanah Rabba. In that maamar, the Alter Rebbe explains the special idea behind this practice of dipping bread into honey during this period.

2. When Does the Custom Apply?

A central question addressed is: when exactly does this custom apply? Is it only on Erev Yom Kippur, Shabbos, and Yom Tov? Or does it extend to weekdays as well? The Rebbe in the sicha notes that this requires further clarification (tzarich iyun). However, it is brought down in Hayom Yom, chelek beis, as well as in Sefer Haminhagim—which are based on talks of the Previous Rebbe from Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5702 and 5708—that this custom is primarily observed on Erev and Motzoi Yom Kippur, as well as on Shabbos and Yom Tov.

3. Exceptions and Uncertainties Regarding Chol Hamoed

It is specifically mentioned not to do this even on Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos. So while it is clear that on all regular Shabboses and Yamim Tovim, as well as Erev and Motzoi Yom Kippur, we dip the challah into honey, there remains some uncertainty about other times. What about Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos or other meals during this period? There are reports from some individuals who witnessed that the Rebbe would dip his challah into honey even on Chol Hamoed, so there appears to be some lack of clarity or consistency regarding this aspect of the custom.

4. Practical Considerations and Personal Observations

From a practical perspective, dipping challah into honey is always enjoyable. When there is doubt about whether to follow this custom at a particular meal or time, one could say that adding a little more honey likely does no harm. However, there are halachic considerations to keep in mind: typically one should dip his challah into salt first. It was observed that the Rebbe would dip his first piece into honey and then another piece into salt. In situations where there is uncertainty about what to do, adding a bit more honey seems harmless—but it’s important to recognize that there are various customs brought down in different sources regarding when exactly to perform this practice.

5. Summary of Minhagim Across Communities

In summary, while there are clear guidelines for dipping hamotzi into honey on Rosh Hashana through Hoshanah Rabba (excluding certain exceptions like Shabbos Chol Hamoed), practices may vary based on community tradition and personal custom. Some rely strictly on what is brought down in Sefer Haminhagim and Hayom Yom, while others may follow observed practices of leaders such as the Rebbe himself. Ultimately, these variations reflect broader differences in minhag across communities regarding how and when to incorporate honey with challah during these special days.