Birkat HaGomel: Difference between revisions
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== Source == | == Source == | ||
The Gemara Brachot 54b states: "One who has completed a sea voyage; one who has traveled through the desert; one who has been sick and healed; and one who was imprisoned and freed." | *The Gemara Brachot 54b states: "One who has completed a sea voyage; one who has traveled through the desert; one who has been sick and healed; and one who was imprisoned and freed." | ||
==Bracha== | |||
==Obligation== | |||
*According to the Magen Avraham, <ref>OC 219:1</ref> Birkat Hagomel, like the Korban Todah, is non obligatory but rather optional. The Peri Megadim <ref>OC 219:1</ref> argues that it is obligatory. Nevertheless, all poskim urge one to be careful to fulfill this mitzvah given the opportunity. <ref>Chasam Sofer O.C. 51, Minchas Yitzchok 4:11-9</ref> | |||
==Where== | |||
*Given that Birkat Hagomel is a public expression of gratitude, it cannot be said in private. | |||
==When== | |||
==Who== | |||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 01:35, 5 November 2009
In the times of the Beit Hamikdash, a person who survived a potentially life-threatening situation brought a Korban Todah, a Thanksgiving Offering, to express his gratitude to Hashem.[1] Nowadays, when the Beit Hamikdash no longer stands and offerings cannot be brought on the altar, we substitute a public proclamation of gratitude to Hashem for an offering. A survivor from a life endangering situation as defined by the Gemara recites Birkat Hagomel in gratitude.
Source
- The Gemara Brachot 54b states: "One who has completed a sea voyage; one who has traveled through the desert; one who has been sick and healed; and one who was imprisoned and freed."
Bracha
Obligation
- According to the Magen Avraham, [2] Birkat Hagomel, like the Korban Todah, is non obligatory but rather optional. The Peri Megadim [3] argues that it is obligatory. Nevertheless, all poskim urge one to be careful to fulfill this mitzvah given the opportunity. [4]
Where
- Given that Birkat Hagomel is a public expression of gratitude, it cannot be said in private.
