CCAR RESPONSA
American Reform Responsa
42. Salting Bread Before the Blessing
(1978)QUESTION: Should salt be used during the blessing over bread before a meal? What is the history of this usage? (Mrs. B. Finegold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)ANSWER: The connection of salt with Jewish religious rituals is ancient and can be traced to the Bible. It was considered as absolutely necessary at sacrifices (Lev. 21:22). This applied not only to meal offerings, but also to burnt offerings of animals (Ezekiel 43:24). Salt was also used in the preparation of the show breads (Lev. 24:7). It seems that each of these uses reinforced the covenant between God and Israel, so the expression “salt of the covenant” is used in Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19, and Chronicles 13:5. This means that aside from normal useful connotations, salt possessed a religious meaning. It is, of course, used in other ways in the Bible as well, for example: as wholesome and useful for animals (Isaiah 30:24), as a way of protecting new-born infants from illness, by rubbing them with it (Ezekiel 16:4), and as a means of purifying bad water (II Kings 2:19). On the other hand, too much salt was recognized as bad, so when Abimelech conquered and destroyed Shechem, he sowed it with salt (Jud. 9:45). The Rabbis wished to continue the thought of the sacrifice, i.e., sharing a meal with God and having God present at each meal after the destruction of the Temple. They did so by stating that every table set for a meal was akin to the altar, and, therefore, as salt was used for each sacrifice, it was also to be used for each meal. A meal without salt was not considered a meal at all (Ber. 44a). The law finally stated that when bread of poor quality was used (probably without salt), then salt was to be placed upon it, and a man could even request salt before consuming a portion of bread, but after the recitation of the beracha (a time when there was to be no conversation). If, however, the bread is of good quality, then one need not use salt or interrupt to ask for it (Ber. 40a; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 167.5). This custom of utilizing salt fell into disuse during the time of the Tosafists. The bread was considered of good quality, and the addition of the salt was thought to be unnecessary. One Tosafist (Menahem) was, however, recorded as feeling that it was still necessary to do so (Tosafot to Ber. 40a). Sometime during the Middle Ages the custom was revived, and is frequently part of present-day practice (Isserles in his note to Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 167.5). Although you have asked about eating salt at the beginning of the meal, there are a considerable number of statements as well about eating it at the end of a meal. All of these are utilitarian and without religious overtones. Some rabbis felt that it would cleanse the mouth and prevent unpleasant odors, and so suggested that it be used at the conclusion of every meal (Ber. 40a; Sh.A., Orach Chayim 179.6). They also felt that certain kinds of salt were so strong that it was wise to wash one’s hands after using them (Ker. 6a). Many other uses of salt, as for koshering meat, etc., are recorded, but they are not related to the use about which you have inquired. As far as using it for the blessing before the meal, tradition would state that it is optional, although it has become customary among some Jews.Walter JacobSee also:S.B. Freehof, “Salt for the Bread Blessing,” New Reform Responsa, pp. 247ff.
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.