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Cake, Fruit and Wine: A Guide to Al Hamichya and the Other Mei’ein Shalosh

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Spring 2026

While much is written regarding the halachos of Birkas Hamazon, there are also important halachos regarding the recitation of Mei’ein Shalosh. Mei’ein Shalosh is commonly referred to as Al Hamichya because that is the most recited version. Mei’ein Shalosh means “a similar abbreviated version of three” referring to brachos containing snippets of three of the brachos of Birkas Hamazon, which Biblically is three blessings.[1]

Few people realize that there are 238 different variations of Mei’ein Shalosh,[2] a number that has the gematria of the word vayevareich (and he blessed). The various possible combinations of foods (e.g., cake and wine, cake and fruit from Israel) add up to 17 variations. This number is multiplied by 14 possible special day combinations[3] to arrive at 238. Let’s examine the intricacies of the halachos of Mei’ein Shalosh.

The Three Different Mei’ein Shalosh

Al Hamichya – said after eating a shiur […]

For Good Measure: Baking with Gluten-Free Blends, Whole Wheat Flour, Sourdough and at Challah Bakes

By: Rabbi Dovid Heber

Spring 2024 | Updated April 2026

[For a related article on the general laws of hafrashas challah, click here.]

Once upon a time, baking a loaf of bread was simple. Today, when gluten-free blends and processed whole wheat flour are found in many homes, that is no longer the case. Baking with sourdough starters and group baking at “challah bakes” have also become popular. The halachos involved are complex and bear examination.

Let’s begin with a review of the measurements necessary for mitzvos related to regular wheat flour.[1]

Mitzvos Involving Wheat Flour

► Separating Challah (hafrashas challah) Without a Bracha – One should separate challah without a bracha when kneading a dough that contains at least 8 ⅔ cups of wheat flour (on average 2.6 lbs.).[2]

► Separating Challah With a Bracha – There are differences of opinion as to how much flour is needed to recite a bracha. Some individuals do so when kneading at least 12 ¼ cups […]