Daily Halacha - Important Points for Travelers, 29 Sivan 5777

When seeing a monkey or elephant, should one recite the blessing "Meshaneh HaBriyot"?

When seeing a monkey or elephant, one recites with God's name and kingship the blessing "Meshaneh HaBriyot" (Who makes different creatures). The authorities disagree whether this blessing is recited only the first time one sees them in their life or every 30 days. According to the law, one who recites this blessing every thirty days has support for doing so, but it is better to recite this blessing in thought only [Responsa of the Rishon L'Tzion 1, p. 72].

When meeting a friend on the street, is there an obligation to say hello?

It is obligatory for a person to say "hello" to their friend when they see them, thereby fulfilling the commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself." If one does not say hello, this demonstrates the trait of Sodom, and if one's friend greeted them first and they did not respond, they are considered a robber [Berachot 6b].

And the Sages said [Ketubot 111b], "Better to show white teeth to your friend [smile] than to give him milk to drink," as it says: "And white of teeth more than milk."

But goodness and kindness - Daily Halacha