Halacha: What Blessing to Recite Over Rice Cakes?
Curious about the blessings for rice cakes—the first and final blessings? Find all the information here, including an explanation on the quantity consumed.
- הידברות
- פורסם י"ד חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
On rice cakes, recite the blessing 'Borei Pri Ha'adamah' (first blessing)
At the end of the meal, recite 'Borei Nefashot' (final blessing)
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The required quantity for a final blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef z"l):
For everything a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing," such as the blessing "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a small amount, they must bless, given they intend to eat it. (However, if one only tastes the food to adjust seasoning, for example, they do not bless at all on this eating). Thus, someone who chews flavored gum, even if they swallow only a very small amount, they must bless for enjoying the taste of the gum. Similarly, when drinking something, one must bless even if they drink only a single drop.
This applies specifically to the first blessing. A final blessing is recited only when one eats a "significant amount," which is defined as a "Ke'zayit," approximately twenty-seven grams. In drinking, the amount is a "Revi'it," which is eighty-one grams.
Additionally, the eating or drinking must occur within a timeframe that allows the consumption to be considered continuous. For instance, if a person eats a "Ke'zayit" of bread over an entire day, crumb by crumb, they certainly cannot bless "Birkat Hamazon" afterward. Instead, the eating of the "Ke'zayit" should occur within the timeframe of an "Achilat Pras." Opinions differ on this timeframe—some say five minutes, others say about seven and a half minutes (there are other opinions too). Therefore, it's prudent to always consume the "Ke'zayit" (particularly during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.
Regarding the final blessing on a drink, one must drink a Revi'it of the beverage (which is eighty-one grams) all at once. If one stops between sips, no final blessing is required. Therefore, someone who eats soup with a spoon does not recite a final blessing on it, as they haven't drank a Revi'it all at once. Similarly, someone drinking hot coffee or tea does not recite a final blessing, because they cannot drink it all at once.
