The Shlo Hakodosh brings that the numerical value of Melach - salt is 78,
which when divided by 3 gives 26 (78/3=26) , which is the gematrio of
Hashems name, thus we dip in three times . There could be a connection with
the discussion regarding the Brocho of Hamotzi- Motzi? from the Toras Chaim, (cited by Rebbi Akiva Eiger in Gilyon Hashas), since the bread has gone through three stages. Once before the
sin of Odon when they grew as whole loaves, secondly at the present time
when we have the harvest, grind, and bake the flour in order to make a loaf
of bread, and thirdly the ultimate when Moshiach comes and we will revert
back to the earth producing complete loaves. Hash-m Melech , Hash-m Moloch
and Hash-m Yimloch.
D. Leitner, Manchester.
I heard in the name of Rabbi kushelevksy, Shlita, that melach in Gematria is 78, which is equal to three times the Gematria of the Tetragrammatron Benjie Gerstman
Thank you! (But why don't we dip the bread 1/3 of a time, to represent 1/3 of Melach, or 26?)
Dear Rabbi Kornfeld,
You mention that dipping the bread into the salt 3 times is
to show that all three meals should be graced with Hashem's mercy. While this is certainly a worthwhile thought, it is fairly clearly all over Shas that they ate only two meals a day except for Shabbos?
I agree with you. I take it back!
Be well, Mordecai