Halacha: What Blessing is Made on Honey?
Curious about the proper blessings for honey? Learn about the first and final blessings and the required consumption amount.
- הידברות
- פורסם א' חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
For honey,the blessing is 'Shehakol' (first blessing)
At the end of the meal, the blessing is 'Borei Nefashot' (final blessing)
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The required amount of consumption to be obligated for a final blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" based on the rulings of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory):
For anything a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing," such as the "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if one eats only a small amount of a food, they are obligated to bless it, if they intend to eat it. (However, if the intention is merely to taste the food to adjust seasoning, no blessing is required at all). Therefore, anyone chewing flavored gum, even if they swallow very little, nevertheless must bless for enjoying the taste of the gum. Likewise, if someone intends to drink even a single drop of a beverage, they must bless it.
This rule applies specifically to the first blessing. A final blessing is only recited when the consumption is considered "significant" — the measure of "Kezayit," which is 27 grams. For drinks, the measure is "Revi'it," which is 81 grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must occur within a time frame such that the consumption accumulates. If a person eats a "Kezayit" of bread throughout an entire day, piece by piece, they certainly cannot recite the Grace After Meals. Instead, the entire "Kezayit" must be eaten within the time of "K'dei Achilat Pras." Authorities differ on this duration, with opinions ranging from five minutes to seven and a half minutes (and there are other views). Therefore, it is advisable to always consume a "Kezayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.
Regarding the final blessing on drinks, one must drink a "Revi'it" (81 grams) in one go. If there is a pause between sips, no final blessing is recited. Therefore, sipping soup with a spoon does not require a final blessing since one doesn’t drink a "Revi'it" in one go, and similarly, drinking hot coffee or tea does not require a final blessing because it cannot be consumed in one go.
