Birkat HaGomel After an Accident, Long Journey, Illness, or Birth
Question
Hello Rabbi, I went through an accident and was saved, thank God. I want to say the Birkat HaGomel. I would like to know the text of the prayer and if I must say it in the synagogue or if I can say it at home? Thank you.
Answer
Hello and blessings.
The blessing is recited in the synagogue after the Torah reading. This is the text of the blessing:
Baruch Ata Hashem Elokinu Melech HaOlam. HaGomel LeChayavim Tovot. SheGomalani Kol Tov.
The congregation answers:
Amen. Mi SheGomalcha Kol Tov. Hu Yigmalcha Kol Tov Selah.
Blessings,
Binyamin Shmueli
In the Talmud (Berachot 54b), it is stated that four types of people need to recite the Birkat HaGomel after being saved from danger, and they are: a freed prisoner, those who travel by sea, a healed sick person, and desert travelers. A hint of this is found in the words of the blessing of thanks in the Amidah prayer: "And all the living shall thank You Selah" - the acronym for living includes: Chavush (prisoner), Yam (sea), Yissurim (afflicted), Midbar (desert). These four are also mentioned in Psalms 107, for whom it is appropriate to give thanks to Hashem in a special manner.\n\n There is a fundamental question regarding the rules of this blessing: Do only these four need to bless HaGomel? And what about someone who was saved from a robbery, a car accident, or a shooting - should they not bless because it is not mentioned in the Talmud, or was the Talmud merely providing examples of different dangers, implying that for any type of salvation, one should bless? There is a dispute among the great poskim on this matter; hence, it is advisable to ask a rabbi each time salvation from danger occurs. The rabbi will rule according to the situation and traditions whether the person is obligated to recite Birkat HaGomel, as there are many opinions in this regard.\n\n HaGomel is not blessed individually, but only in the presence of a minyan (ten). Ideally, the blessing should be recited within three days of the obligation arising (for certain opinions - a woman after childbirth should not bless before a week has passed since the birth). The reason is that within 3 days, the feeling of gratitude still dwells in the heart of the saved person. However, if not possible, this blessing is not time-bound and may be recited even after some time. It should be blessed by day. Women are also obligated to recite this blessing after recovering from an illness, or after childbirth, flights, and more.
The blessing is recited in the synagogue after the Torah reading. This is the text of the blessing:
Baruch Ata Hashem Elokinu Melech HaOlam. HaGomel LeChayavim Tovot. SheGomalani Kol Tov.
The congregation answers:
Amen. Mi SheGomalcha Kol Tov. Hu Yigmalcha Kol Tov Selah.
Blessings,
Binyamin Shmueli
In the Talmud (Berachot 54b), it is stated that four types of people need to recite the Birkat HaGomel after being saved from danger, and they are: a freed prisoner, those who travel by sea, a healed sick person, and desert travelers. A hint of this is found in the words of the blessing of thanks in the Amidah prayer: "And all the living shall thank You Selah" - the acronym for living includes: Chavush (prisoner), Yam (sea), Yissurim (afflicted), Midbar (desert). These four are also mentioned in Psalms 107, for whom it is appropriate to give thanks to Hashem in a special manner.\n\n There is a fundamental question regarding the rules of this blessing: Do only these four need to bless HaGomel? And what about someone who was saved from a robbery, a car accident, or a shooting - should they not bless because it is not mentioned in the Talmud, or was the Talmud merely providing examples of different dangers, implying that for any type of salvation, one should bless? There is a dispute among the great poskim on this matter; hence, it is advisable to ask a rabbi each time salvation from danger occurs. The rabbi will rule according to the situation and traditions whether the person is obligated to recite Birkat HaGomel, as there are many opinions in this regard.\n\n HaGomel is not blessed individually, but only in the presence of a minyan (ten). Ideally, the blessing should be recited within three days of the obligation arising (for certain opinions - a woman after childbirth should not bless before a week has passed since the birth). The reason is that within 3 days, the feeling of gratitude still dwells in the heart of the saved person. However, if not possible, this blessing is not time-bound and may be recited even after some time. It should be blessed by day. Women are also obligated to recite this blessing after recovering from an illness, or after childbirth, flights, and more.
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