Daily Halacha - Laws of Blessings, 12th of Cheshvan 5778

Is it permissible to attend to one's needs while reciting a blessing?

It is forbidden to recite the Grace After Meals while engaged in one's work. For other blessings that are of rabbinic origin, there is no prohibition against working while reciting them, if one can maintain proper concentration on what is being said. Nevertheless, it is proper to be careful about this even with rabbinic blessings. [Yalkut Yosef 183].

Is there an obligation to say "HaRachaman"?

Those who hurry to rise from the table when beginning to say HaRachaman are not acting properly. One should ideally remain seated until completing "Oseh Shalom Bimromav" etc. However, when necessary, such as if one is rushing to study Torah or similar situations, it is permissible to continue reciting HaRachaman elsewhere [ibid].

Can a teacher who blesses with children repeat the blessing for herself?

A teacher or kindergarten teacher who recited the Grace After Meals with the children with Hashem's name in order to educate them, is not permitted to bless again afterward, since some authorities maintain that commandments do not require specific intention [Responsa Chazon Ovadia 2, p. 562].

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