HaGomel When Recovering From Sickness

Halacha Moment
May 8
2 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - Sickness & HaGomel 😷

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

Does a sick person recite HaGomel when healed?

How long does one have to recite the blessing?

Answer:

The custom among Sephardim and Jews of Middle Eastern communities is to recite the “Ha’Gomel” blessing upon recovering from any illness, even if it was not life-threatening, as long as one was bedridden even for one day as a result of the illness. [1] For Ashkenazim, the general custom is to say Birkat HaGomel after recovering from an illness that required being bedridden for three or more days or if the illness was considered serious, even if it was shorter. Some authorities suggest saying it even after a shorter illness if it involved real danger. [2]

However, one needs to recite the blessing in front of ten men. [3]

Preferably, it should be said within three days, if not, within five, if not, within thirty days, but if this also doesn't work out, it has no upper limit, provided that the experience is still somewhat fresh in the mind, and not just a memory. So that being the case one may recite the blessing once one returns to shul. [4]

Sources:

[1]. See Gemara Berachot 54 for the whole discussion of who's required to bless Hagomel. See also Shulchan Aruch 219:8; Yalkut Yosef 219:1, 219:12, 219:23; Halichot Olam, vol. 2 p. 175; Halachah Berurah, vol. 11, p. 211- 216. See Also Chazon Ovadia, Tu Bishvat p. 372; Kaf HaChaim 219:46,47; Or Letzion Vol. 2, 14:44.

[2]. Mishnah Berurah 219:28.

[3] Shulchan Aruch O.C 219:3; Yalkut Yosef 219:10 (Heard this also in the Motzei Shabbat shiur from our Great Rishon Letzion Rav Yitchack Yosef Shlita.)

[4] Shulchan Aruch 219:6; Yalkut Yosef 219:14;

Piskei Teshuvot, Orach Chaim 219, 18, and note 95.

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