1) The Rambam (Hilchos Brachos Perek 10:26) writes: “...A person should give thanks for the [the good things that happened to him in the] past, and praise [Hashem] as much as his strength allows, and one who abundantly thanks and praises Hashem always, is praiseworthy”
This is an idea that we find in countless Pesukim throughout Tanach, such as in Tehillim Perek 34 where Dovid HaMelech says “Avarcha Es Hashem B’Chol Eis, Tamid TeHilaso B’Fi- I shall bless Hashem at all times; His praise shall be in my mouth always”
Although, one can and should thank and praise Hashem always in his/her own words, there are certain times and situations that require a special Bracha or Tefilah text with which to do so, as per the direction of our holy Chazal. We shall now endeavor to cover as many of these practical situations as we can.
2) A person who was in a dangerous situation (we shall discuss these situations more in detail as we progress B’Ezras Hashem), and survived, needs to express his/her thanks to Hashem for being saved by reciting the following Bracha, commonly referred to as “Birchas HaGomel”:
Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam HaGomel L’Chayavim Tovos SheGmalani Kol Tov- Blessed are You Hashem, our G-d, Master of the World who bestows kindness upon the guilty, for bestowing goodness upon me. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 219:1 and 2. See Mishna Berura S”K 4 where he explains the text to mean that Hashem bestows His infinite kindness even upon those who don’t deserve it)
This Bracha should L’Chatchilah be recited while standing. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
3) Those who hear someone recite Birchas HaGomel should answer Amen, and then say ” Mi SheGmalcha Kol Tov, Hu Yigmalcha Kol Tov Selah- May He who bestowed goodness upon you continue to bestow every goodness upon you forever” (Shulchan Aruch 219:4 and 5. See also Elya Rabbah Siman 141:6 and Aruch HaShulchan 219:5)
For some reason the prevalent Minhag when hearing this Bracha is to skip the “Amen” and immediately respond with “Mi SheGmalcha...” (See Shu”t Hisorerus Teshuva Siman 99 where he tries to find an acceptable defense (Limud Zechus) for this minhag, but says that L’Chatchilah it should definitely be answered, no different than any other Bracha.)
4) Some have the custom, after reciting this Bracha, to recite the chapter of “Mizmor L’Sodah” (Tehillim Perek 100) as this chapter was recited in the Bais HaMikdash whenever someone brought a Korban Todah, the sacrifice of thanks brought after being delivered from danger. (See Chayei Adam Klal 65:4 quoting the Shl”ah HaKadosh. See also Shu”t Teshuvos V’Hanhagos Vol. 1 Siman 195)
Some people have the custom to make a Seudas Hoda’ah (a feast of thanks) after being obligated to recite the Bracha of Hoda’ah. (See Shu”t Mishneh Halachos, Tinyana, Siman 175)
5) If one was in danger and was saved by means of an unnatural method (Nes Gamur), besides for reciting the Birchas HaGomel, the Bracha of “Baruch She’Asah Li Nes B’Makom HaZeh- Blessed is the One Who performed for me a miracle in this spot” is recited the first time he/she returns to the spot where he/she was saved and then again each time that place is passed, provided that 30 days has passed. (We shall discuss more details of this Bracha as we progress in this topic B’Ezras Hashem) (See Sha’ar HaTzion 218:6. See also Mishna Berura 218:31 that Birchas HaGomel does not require an unnatural method of being saved)
If one was in various situations of danger and was saved from all of them, only one Birchas HaGomel is recited for all of them. (Mishna Berura Siman 219:3)
6) If a few people in the congregation are obligated in Birchas HaGomel (common during Bain Hazemanim, when a lot of Bachurim come home from studying overseas, or if Chas V’Shalom a few people were in an accident and all survived), each one can recite their own Birchas HaGomel. This is in fact the prevalent custom.
However, if one wants to be exempted by another’s Bracha, he may do so. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 219:5. See also Halichos Shlomo Perek 23 footnote 26 that doing so gives it the status of B’Rov Am Hadras Melech. See also Shu”t Tzitz Eliezer Vol. 10 Siman 10)
If one is being exempted by another’s Birchas HaGomel, he ideally should be standing near the one reciting the Bracha. (Halichos Shlomo ibid.)
To be continue next week B’Ezras Hashem
