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Donate- The Shiur – How much food or drink must one consume to recite a Bracha Achrona?[1]
Unlike the ruling by the before blessing in which we rule that before blessing is mandated upon eating any amount of food [as explained in Chapter 7 Halacha 1], by an after blessing, in order for a person who ate or drank a food or beverage to be obligated in its recital one must eat or drink a certain amount of food or beverage known as the Shiur. Furthermore, this amount of food or beverage must be consumed within a certain amount of time. It is forbidden for one to say an after blessing if less than this amount of food or beverage was consumed.[2] In this Halacha we will discuss the amount of food or beverage that must be consumed while in the coming Halacha’s we will discuss the amount of time in which this amount of food must be consumed within.
- Food – Kezayis:[3]
The amount of food that needs to be eaten [within the amount of time to be discussed] in order to recite an after blessing is a Kezayis.[4] [The precise amount of a Kezayis will be discussed in chapter 22 Halacha 1, although our final conclusion is that one is to be stringent to not say an after blessing until he eats 28.8 grams of the food. Likewise, initially one is to beware not to enter himself into a doubt of a Safek Bracha Achrona, and he is thus not to consume between 17.3 grams and 28.8 grams.]
- Drink – Revius:[5]
In order to be obligated to recite an after blessing after consuming a beverage, one must drink the amount of a Revius[6], within the amount of time to be explained next.[7] This applies to all drinks.[8] [The exact measurement of a Revius is debated amongst the Poskim[9] and will be fully discussed in chapter 22 Halacha 2. Practically, the widespread custom of the world, Sephardim, Chassidim, and Ashkenazim, follows the opinion of Rav Avraham Chaim Na’ah that a Revius is equivalent to 86.4 milliliters or 2.92 fluid ounces. This measurement is the same Gematria as the word כוס. This opinion is known as Shiur Rav Chaim Neah. However, there are some members of Lithuanian Jewry who are stringent like the Shiur Chazon Ish of 150 milliliters. Likewise, some in Chabad are stringent like other measurements.]
Alcohol – except wine:[10] The above measurement of a Revius [within the amount of time to be discussed] applies even towards a strong and sharp beverage which all people are accustomed to consume a small amount, such as an alcoholic drink.[11] [Hence it is quite common that an after blessing is not recited after drinking a shot of whiskey or other strong alcoholic beverage being that one does not drink a Revius within the amount of time to be discussed.]
Wine and grape juice:[12] By wine [and grape juice] some Poskim[13] question whether the shiur for an after blessing is a Kezayis [i.e. 28.8cc] or Revius [86.4 cc].[14] Practically, in order to avoid this question, it is good to beware not to drink between a Kezayis and Revius of wine or grape juice [i.e. 17.3cc-86.4cc] and one is rather to drink either more than a Revius or less than a Kezayis [within the amount of time to be discussed]. Nonetheless, Bedieved, if one already drank [within the amount of time to be discussed] the amount of a Kezayis but drank less then a Revius [i.e. between 17.3cc-86.4cc] of wine [or grape juice], then the after blessing is not to be recited [due to Safek Brachos Lihakel].[Nevertheless, some Poskim[15] rule that if this occurred then he should try to drink another Revius of wine and then saying an after blessing on both drinking sessions. In the event that one also ate a Kezayis of Mezonos or Zayin Minim fruits in addition to the less than a Revius of wine, then it is questionable[16] whether one should include an Al Hagafen in Meiyn Gimel due to the doubt, and some Poskim conclude that one should do so.[17]]
Soup – Is soup considered like a food or beverage regarding Shiur Revius/Kezayis?[18] Soup broth [in contrast to its vegetables, grains, meat, etc] has the status of a drink and not of a food. Accordingly, one who consumed only the broth of the soup is only to recite an after blessing on the soup after consuming a Revius [i.e. 86.4cc], not a Kezayis.
Ice cream and ices – Is soup considered like a food or beverage regarding Shiur Revius/Kezayis: Some Poskim[19] rule it has the Shiur of a Revius just like a drink.
One who sucks a candy or sucks the juice out of a food, is the measurement a Kezayis like a food or Revius like a beverage?[20] It has the status of a beverage.
Is eating a single fig enough for a Kezayis for an after blessing? Fresh figs: An average size fresh fig contains 40 grams of weight and is hence enough for an after blessing if eaten in whole within 4 minutes. If the fig is smaller than average, then simply eat more than one fig within four minutes in order to make up the amount necessary for an after blessing. Dry figs: The average weight of a dried fig is approximately 8 g and hence in order to make up the amount necessary for an after blessing you would need to eat several dry figs within four minutes.
|
| Item | Shiur (Amount) | Details | Notes |
| Food | Kezayis | One must eat a Kezayis to recite an after blessing | Be stringent: 28.8 grams; avoid 17.3-28.8 grams to avoid doubt |
| Drink | Revius | One must drink a Revius to recite an after blessing | Rav Chaim Na’ah: 86.4 ml; Chazon Ish: 150 ml |
| Alcohol (except wine) | Revius | Applies even to strong beverages like whiskey | Often not recited after a shot (less than Revius) |
| Wine & Grape Juice | Kezayis or Revius | Some Poskim: Kezayis (28.8cc), others: Revius (86.4cc) | Avoid 17.3cc-86.4cc; if drank 17.3cc-86.4cc, do not recite after blessing |
| Soup Broth | Revius | Broth is considered a drink | After blessing only if 86.4cc broth consumed |
| Ice Cream & Ices | Revius | Some Poskim: same as drink | |
| Sucking Candy/Juice | Revius | Status of beverage |
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[1] Seder 8:1; Luach 2:1; Michaber 210:1; Tur 210:1; Rambam Brachos 3:12; Brachos 39a; Mishneh Sukkah 26b; Tosafus Brachos ibid; Ketzos Hashulchan 59:1
[2] The reason: The reason for this is because an after blessing can only be recited when one has eaten an amount of food which is considered a true eating session as opposed to a mere snack. Likewise, it can only be recited if one has drunk an amount which is fit to be considered a drink. [Seder ibid]
[3] Seder 8:1; Luach 2:1; Admur 184:2; 197:2; Michaber 210:1; Tur 210:1; Rashi Brachos ibid
[4] The reason: As only the amount of a Kezayis is considered a true eating session as opposed to a mere snack. [Seder ibid]
[5] Seder 8:1; Luach 2:1; Admur 184:2; 197:2; Michaber 210:1; Tur 210:1; Rambam Brachos 3:12; Ketzos Hashulchan 59:1 and 5; See Kuntrus by Rav Braun for a lengthy discussion on the subject!
Other opinions: Some Poskim learn that the question applicable by wine and as to whether the Shiur is a Kezayis or Revius applies to all beverages. [M”A 190:4; Hagahos Maimanis Brachos 3:11; Mordechai Keitzad Mevarchim] Practically, we do not rule this way, and the question is limited only to wine. [Ketzos Hashulchan 59 footnote 3] However, some Poskim conclude that one should suspect for this opinion and be careful not to drink between a Kezayis and Revius of any beverage [i.e. 28.8cc-86.4cc]. [Kaf Hachaim 190:10] See Kuntrus by Rav Braun for a lengthy discussion on the subject!
[6] This is opposed to the Shiur of a Kezayis by food, which is approximately 27 grams
[7] The reason: As only the amount of a Revius is considered a true drink. [Seder ibid]
[8] See Admur ibid that it applies to alcohol, and even wine due to doubt
[9] See Admur 472:18; Sheiris Yehuda Y.D. 11; Tzemach Tzedek 102 and 320; Shiureiy Torah 3:6 and in chapter 1 in length; Koveitz Yagdil Torah NY 60 p. 263-264 in a Ksav Yad of Tzemach Tzedek in name of Admur; Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos Miluim p. 18; Tikkunei Mikvaos [Levin] chapter 10 p. 93
[10] Seder 8:1; Luach 2:1; M”A 210:5; Elya Raba 210:5; Beis Yehuda 1:7; Shemesh Tzedaka O.C. 2; Nehar Shalom 190:2; Machzik Bracha 190:3; P”M 190 M”Z 2; Mamar Mordechai 210:2; Shaareiy Teshuvah 190:4; Beis Menucha 190:7; Derech Hachiam 26; Kaf Hachaim 210:12; 190:12; Ketzos Hashulchan 59:1
Other opinions: Some Poskim learn that the Shiur for a strong alcoholic beverage is less than a Revius and follows the amount that people general drink. [Taz 210:1] Practically, the Achronim negate this ruling. [Ketzos Hashulchan 59 footnote 3]
[11] The reason: As the benefit of ones drinking is not given significance if it does not contain the amount of drinking of all other beverages which is a Revius. [Seder ibid]
[12] Seder 8:1; Luach 8:1; Admur 190:6; 472:19; Yeish Mistapkin in Michaber 190:3; 210:1; Tur 190; 210; Rosh Brachos 7:24; Shut Rosh Kelal 4:14; All Poskim in next footnote; So rule regarding all beverages, even not wine: M”A 190:4; Hagahos Maimanis Brachos 3:11; Mordechai Keitzad Mevarchim; Kaf Hachaim 190:10; Ketzos Hashulchan 59:1
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that there is no doubt at all, and even by wine the Shiur is a Revius. [Stam opinion in Michaber 210:1; Rambam Brachos 3:12; Kaf Hachaim 190:11]
[13] Tosafos Sukkah 26b and Yuma 79a; Hagahos Maimanis Brachos 3:11; Mordechai Keitzad Mevarchim;
[14] The reason: As it is questionable whether one is to compare drinking wine which contains a satiating aspect to a food of which its measurement is a Kezayis, or if say that since Torah states the word Visavata which is explained to refer to drinking[see Brachos 49b], therefore one must drink enough wine to satiate himself which is at least a Kebeitza or Revius. [M”A ibid; Kaf Hachaim 190:11]
[15] Kaf Hachaim 190:11
[16] See Halacha 17C! Seder 1:20; Luach 1:19; Taz 208:19; M”A 208:26; Elya Raba 208:27; Terumos Hadeshen 30; Ketzos Hashulchan 59 footnote 3; Rav Alyashvili Seder 8 footnote 15
[17] Ketzos Hashulchan 59 footnote 3
Other opinions: Rav Alyashvili Seder 8 footnote 15 concludes that since there is a doubt as to whether one is obligated at all in an after blessing, it is therefore not similar to the case in Seder ibid and hence the additional stanza is not to be added.
[18] See Teshuvas Ridbaz 518 that the Shiur of Kezayis or Revius is not dependent at all on a Shem Mashkin or Ochel, but on how it is eaten; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 210:2 towards end that says soups follow revius; Yechaveh Daas 5:21; Revios Efraim 4:53; Vezos Habracha p. 40; Shaarei Bracha 14:10
[19] Revivos Efraim 4:53
[20] Ketzos Hashulchan 59 footnote 10
