Halacha: What Blessing Do We Recite for Jam?

On the jam<\/b>, recite "Shehakol" (initial blessing)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

* * *<\/p>\r\n\r\n

The amount necessary to fulfill the obligation of a final blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l):<\/p>\r\n\r\n

For any food a person eats, one must recite an "initial blessing," such as "Shehakol" or "Ha'etz." Even if one eats only a small amount of that food, a blessing is required, as long as the intention is to eat. (However, if the intention is merely to taste the food to adjust seasoning, etc., no blessing is recited.) Therefore, someone who chews flavored gum, even if they swallow very little, must recite a blessing over the flavor of the gum. Similarly, one who drinks anything must recite a blessing even for a single drop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

However, this applies specifically to the initial blessing, but a final blessing is only recited if a significant amount is consumed, which is defined as eating the volume of an "olive" (approximately twenty-seven grams), or for drinking, the volume is a "Revi'it," approximately eighty-one grams.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Furthermore, the eating or drinking must occur within a timeframe that allows the consumption to be combined. For instance, if a person eats an "olive's volume" of bread over an entire day, bit by bit, they cannot recite the Blessing After the Meal. Instead, the consumption of an "olive's volume" must occur within the "K'dei Achilat Pras" period. There is a debate among rabbis about the exact timeframe, with opinions ranging from five minutes to approximately seven and a half minutes (with other opinions as well). Therefore, it is best to ensure an "olive's volume" is consumed within four and a half minutes, especially during Shabbat meals, to satisfy all views.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

For a final blessing after drinking, a "Revi'it" must be consumed at once. If there is a break between sips, no final blessing is said. Thus, someone who eats soup with a spoon does not recite a final blessing on it, as they have not had a "Revi'it" at once. Similarly, one who drinks hot coffee or tea does not recite a final blessing, since it is not consumed all at once.<\/p>\r\n