Women's Obligation In HaGomel

Halacha Moment
May 8
2 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - Women's Obligation In 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:

Are women obligated to recite HaGomel?

Answer:

The Ashkenazic custom is that it is generally accepted that women do not recite Birkat HaGomel after experiencing a situation that warrants it.[1] However, among Sephardic communities, it is customary for women to recite HaGomel in such circumstances.[2] A woman who follows the practice of reciting HaGomel after childbirth should ideally wait seven days after giving birth before saying the blessing. [3]

When reciting HaGomel in a synagogue, a woman may do so from the women's section, provided that it is under the same roof as the men’s section. This allows her to fulfill the requirement of reciting the blessing in the presence of a minyan which is necessary for HaGomel. [4]

Among Ashkenazic authorities, there is some debate regarding whether a woman who has given birth and finds herself in the presence of a minyan may recite HaGomel. Some opinions hold that in such a case, she is permitted to say the blessing, despite the general custom that Ashkenazic women do not do so.[5]

Sources:

[1]. Mishna Berurah 219:3; Sh"t Halachot Ketanot 2:161; Aruch Hashulchan 219:6; Sh"t Beer Moshe 4:22. See also Sh"t Teshuvot Vehanhagot 4:53. See also Igrot Moshe 5:14 where argues with those who claim that she should say it in front of ten women and instead suggests saying it in front of one person. If she is married, it should be her husband.

[2]. Yalkut Yosef 219:7 (and Berachot p. 572); Yechaveh Daat 4:14-15; Yabia Omer 8:23:15.

[3]. Kaf Hachaim 219:7.

[4]. Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15.

[5]. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, in Halichot Shlomo (23:4) and Vezot HaBeracha (pg. 158), discusses the practice regarding women reciting HaGomel after childbirth. Torat HaYoledet (62:5) notes that the custom in Yerushalayim is for a woman who has given birth to recite HaGomel in the presence of ten men. However, there are those who follow the practice of not reciting HaGomel, as it requires a public declaration before a minyan, which some view as inappropriate for women.

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