The Beracha Of HaGomel
- May 8
- 2 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - 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:
What exactly is HaGomel?
Why do we recite the beracha?
Answer:
During the era of the Bet HaMikdash, a person who survived a potentially life-threatening situation was required to bring a Korban Todah, a Thanksgiving Offering, as a way of publicly expressing his deep gratitude to Hashem for saving him from danger. This offering consisted of an animal sacrifice along with forty loaves of bread, a portion of which was given to the Kohanim, while the rest had to be consumed within a short timeframe. This ensured that the individual would invite others to partake in the meal, thereby publicizing the miracle of his survival and inspiring others to recognize Hashem’s kindness and constant involvement in the world. [1]
However, in our times, since the Bet HaMikdash no longer stands and offerings cannot be brought on the altar, we no longer have the ability to express our gratitude through the Korban Todah. Instead, Chazal instituted a verbal proclamation of thanks as a substitute. This takes the form of Birkat HaGomel, a blessing recited in the presence of a minyan to publicly acknowledge Hashem’s salvation. According to the Gemara, [2] those who survive specific life-threatening situations—such as recovering from a serious illness, safely completing a journey by sea or desert, being released from captivity, or surviving a perilous event are obligated to recite this blessing. Through this public expression of gratitude, we continue the tradition of recognizing Hashem’s protection and kindness, even in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash.
In a future Halacha Moment, we will Bzh discuss practical examples when one recite HaGomel.
Sources:
[1]. Vayikra 7:12.
[2]. The Gemara in Berachot (54b) derives this obligation from Tehillim (107:4-5, 26), which describes individuals experiencing perilous situations:
"They strayed in the wilderness, in the desolation of the road… Hungry as well as thirsty… They rise heavenward, they descend to the depths."
These verses illustrate the challenges and dangers encountered by travelers and those facing life-threatening circumstances. The acronym for these four categories in Hebrew is חיים (Chayim), symbolizing life, as these individuals have been granted renewed life through Hashem’s kindness.
This halacha is codified by the Rambam (Berachot 10:8), the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 219:1).
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