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.
Onfalafel (balls), the blessing "Shehakol" (first blessing) is recited.
At the end of eating, say the blessing "Borei Nefashot" (concluding blessing).
* * *
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.
