Halacha: What Blessing is Recited on an Apple?
Curious about the blessings for an apple—first and final blessings included? All the information you need is right here, including an explanation of the quantity necessary.
- הידברות
- פורסם כ"ב חשון התשע"ז
#VALUE!
On an apple, recite "ha'etz" (first blessing)
At the end of eating, recite "borei nefashot" (final blessing)
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Required consumption to be obligated in a final blessing (from "Daily Halacha" based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef of blessed memory):
For everything a person eats, a "first blessing" must be recited, such as "shehakol" or "ha'etz". Even if only a small amount is eaten, a blessing is required, whenever the intention is consumption. (If, however, the intention is merely to taste, for example, to adjust seasoning, no blessing is needed). Therefore, someone who chews flavored gum, even if only a small amount is ingested, must recite a blessing for enjoying the gum's taste. Similarly, before drinking anything, a blessing is required, even if only a single drop is intended.
However, this applies only to the first blessing. A final blessing is recited only when a "significant amount" is consumed, defined as a measure of "k'zayit", which is approximately twenty-seven grams for eating, and "revi'it", eighty-one grams for drinking.
Additionally, the consumption or drinking should occur within a timeframe allowing the portions to combine. For example, if one consumes the size of a "k'zayit" of bread slowly over an entire day, he cannot recite the blessing of "Birkat Hamazon" after. The entire "k'zayit" must be eaten within the time known as "achilat pras". Opinions vary, placing this timeframe at either five minutes or about seven and a half minutes (and other opinions exist). Therefore, it is advisable to always consume a "k'zayit" amount (especially during Shabbat meals) within four and a half minutes to fulfill all opinions.
Regarding a final blessing on beverages, the person must drink a "revi'it" (eighty-one grams) in one go. If interruptions occur between sips, no final blessing is said. Consequently, for soup consumed with a spoon, no final blessing is recited, as a "revi'it" is not drunk in one sitting, and the same applies to drinking hot coffee or tea, as it cannot be drunk all at once.
