Birchot HaTorah: Difference between revisions

# The first bracha Ashkenazim conclude with the words “LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah” and Sephardim conclude with the words “Al Divrei Torah" <ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:5 based on Rif (Brachot 5b), Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Talmedei Rabbenu Yonah (Brachot 5b D”H  Maiy Mevarech) and Arizal (Shaar Kavonot Nusach Hatefilah) have the version of Sephardim - Al Divrei Torah. Rosh (Brachot 1:13) and Tur 47 have the version of the Ashkenazim of LaAsoak BeDivrei Torah. </ref>  

# The second section begins VeHaRev Nah with a Vav. Some Ashkenazim have the custom to say it without a Vav.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:6 based on Tosfot (Brachot 46a s.v. Kol, Ketubot 8a s.v. Shehakol in name of Rabbenu Tam), Rosh (Brachot 1:13), Rabbenu Yonah (5b s.v. Veha), Rashi 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan, and Mordechai 31 hold that Harev Nah of Birchat HaTorah starts with a Vav. This opinion holds that really there are only two brachot of Birkat HaTorah. Rama 47:6 says that the practice is to say it without a Vav but it is better to say it with a Vav to satisfy all opinions. This opinion is sourced in the Rambam (Tefilah 7:10), Rashba (Brachot 11b s.v. VeRabbi Yochanan), Bal HaMor s.v. Maiym, and Avudraham pg 44. This opinion holds that Birkat HaTorah in reality consists of three brachot.</ref>

# The minhag is to say the Pesukim of [[Birkat Cohanim]] and the משניות of Elu Devarim after Birchot HaTorah. If one did not learn then, it is a dispute whether one fulfilled one’s obligation and so one should have intent to fulfill one’s obligation with the bracha of Ahava Rabba. <Ref>Shulchan Aruch 47:9-10, Mishna Brurah 47:19-20 </ref>

# There is a dispute whether the first bracha of Birchot HaTorah includes Haarev Nah or not. In light of this, there is a dispute whether one should answer [[Amen]] if one hears someone finish the bracha of LaAsok BeDivrei Torah, for Ashkenazim, or Al Divrei Torah, for Sephardim. Therefore, some advise saying this bracha quietly so that the listener will not be in doubt whether to answer [[Amen]] or not.<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 7:1</ref>

## Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav… Lasoak B'divrei Torah (Sephardi: Al Divrei Torah).

## VeHaRev Nah Hashem Elokenu… Halomed Torah LeAmo Yisrael.<ref> Shulchan Aruch 47:6 rules that the bracha of HaRev Nah begins with the letter Vav to connect it to the last bracha. The Rama writes that though others hold that one should say it without a Vav, it is better to say it with a Vav. Magen Avraham 47:4 explains that the Vav shows that the first and following brachot are really one long bracha, and the opinion that the Rama quotes who argues that there should be no Vav holds that they are considered two separate brachot. Mishna Brurah 47:11 agrees.</ref>

## Baruch Atta Hashem… Asher Bachar Banu Mekol HaAmim… Baruch Atta Hashem Noten HaTorah <ref> S”A 47:5 </ref>