Halacha: What Blessing to Say on Falafel Balls?
Curious about the blessing for falafel balls - both the initial and concluding blessings? Here's all the information you need, including details on the quantity required.
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- פורסם ח' חשון התשע"ז

#VALUE!
Onfalafel (balls), the blessing "Shehakol" (first blessing) is recited.
At the end of eating, say the blessing "Borei Nefashot" (concluding blessing).
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The amount of food needed to be consumed for the concluding blessing (from "Halacha Yomit" based on the rulings of the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef):
For any food a person eats, a "first blessing" must be said, such as "Shehakol" or "Haetz". Even if eating only a small amount, a blessing is necessary when eating with intent to consume it. (However, if tasting just to adjust seasoning, a blessing is not required.) Thus, someone who chews flavored gum, though ingesting a very small amount, must bless due to the taste enjoyed. Similarly, a person should bless before drinking even a single drop.
However, this mainly applies to the first blessing. A concluding blessing is only said when a significant amount, a "kezayit" (twenty-seven grams), is eaten, or "revi'it" (eighty-one grams) for drinks.
Moreover, the food or drink must be consumed within a time frame where portions combine into one. Eating a "kezayit" of bread slowly throughout the day doesn't warrant a concluding blessing. It should be eaten in the "kedei achilat pras" time frame, with some opinions varying from five to seven and a half minutes (among other views). It's advisable to eat a "kezayit" within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions, especially during Shabbat meals.
Regarding the concluding blessing for drinks, one must drink a "revi'it" (eighty-one grams) at once. If sipped between intervals, no concluding blessing is given. Hence, sipping soup with a spoon or sipping hot coffee or tea doesn't allow for a concluding blessing due to the inability to consume it in one go.