Halacha: What Blessing is Recited Over the Carob?
Curious about which blessings to recite over carob? Both the initial and concluding blessings are explained here, including the required amount for eating.
- הידברות
- פורסם ה' חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
For carob, the blessing is the fruit of the tree (initial blessing)
At the end of eating, recite Borei Nefashot (concluding blessing)
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The amount required to be obligated in the concluding blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef of blessed memory):
For everything a person eats, they must recite the "initial blessing", such as the blessing of "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz". Even if one eats only a small amount, they are required to bless it as long as they intended to eat it. (But if their intent is only to taste it for seasoning, such as adding spices, they do not bless for this tasting.) Therefore, someone chewing flavored chewing gum, even if they swallow very little, must bless for the enjoyment of the taste. Similarly, anyone drinking something should bless it, even if they drink only a single drop.
However, this only pertains to the initial blessing. The concluding blessing is only recited when one has consumed an "important amount", known as a "kezayit", which is approximately 27 grams. In drinking, the amount is a "revi'it", which is 81 grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking should be within a timeframe where the actions combine. For example, if a person eats 27 grams of bread throughout the day, piece by piece, they certainly cannot bless afterwards. The eating of a "kezayit" should occur within the timeframe of "Achilat Pras", where scholars dispute its length, suggesting anywhere from five to seven and a half minutes (with additional opinions). Therefore, it is advisable to consume a "kezayit" (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.
Regarding a concluding blessing over a drink, one should consume a "revi'it" of the beverage (81 grams) at once; if they paused between sips, they do not bless afterwards at all. Therefore, someone consuming soup with a spoon does not recite a concluding blessing as they did not drink it all at once. Similarly, someone sipping hot coffee or tea does not bless afterwards since it cannot be drunk all at once.
