Reply To: Chidushim on Daf Yomi

ברכות נ,א

There is a logic besides the pasuk to Rebbi Yishmoel’s view to add extra praises to the mezumen as the number of people in the group increase. The more people there are,- the greatness of Hashem becomes more evident as people realize all the hidden miracles done to them. So, why does Rebbe Akiva hold that it does not make a difference. Maybe, we know that he emphasizes ואהבת לרעך כמך זה כלל גדול בתורה love your fellow man like yourself is the ultimate rule in the Torah. Before we start davening, the Magen Avraham 46 says to accept on us this mitzva to realize that we are davening for each other. So, if we have less than ten people then Hashem is not really part of the group. However if we have ten people, Hashem becomes part of it and unites us together to become one. If we are more than ten people, Hashem is part of group and it does not matter how many and we get united into one. The Shlah Kakadash explains it says והוא באחד ומי ישיבנו it says באחד in one and not אחד, one indicating that we become one with Hashem. This has such a strength that nothing can stand against it.

ברכות נ,ב

When it comes to misusing food, it is a disgrace by showing that we don’t appreciate what Hashem provides us by stepping on bread or defacing it, besides the destruction of food. See SA O’CH 171 in great detail.
It says וישמן ישורין ויבעט when we become fat (well to do) we kick over the food given to us. We forget who has provided us with that food like a cow when it becomes fat throws over the milk it provided forgetting how well it was fed to produce that milk.