6. The types of blessings – Birchas Hanehnin, Hamitzvos, Hashevach, Hodah, Hatefila:[1]

There exists a number of different types of blessings which differentiate in purpose, reason, and style. The following is a list of blessings that differentiate in their purpose and reason of institution, which will then be followed with a list of the different styles of blessings:

1. Birchas Hanah or Hanehnin: Blessings that are recited prior or post the receiving of a pleasure of this world.
2. Birchas Hamitzvos: Blessings that are recited prior to performing a Mitzvah.
3. Birchas Hashevach and Hodah: Blessings that are recited out of praise and thanks to G-d upon witnessing certain events and seeing certain locations and items, and on the good or bad that occurs to a person.
4. Birchas Hatefila:[2] Blessings that are recited as a supplication and request from G-d, such as the blessings of Shemoneh Esrei. [Some however rule that this category of blessings is included in the previous category of Birchas Hashevach and Hodah.[3]]

In this volume, we will focus specifically on the laws of Birchas Hanehnin of foods and beverages, while in the next volume, we will cover Birchas Hanehnin over spices and good scents as well as the subjects of Birchas Hamitzvos, Birchas Hashevach and Hodah, and Birchas Hatefila.

1. Birchas Hanehnin – For which pleasures must a blessing be recited question?[4]

Birchas Hanah or Hanehnin refer to blessings that are recited prior or post the receiving of a pleasure of this world. It was instituted to be recited specifically on the occasion of the eating of food, the drinking of beverages, and the smelling of spices. However, it was not established to be recited before every pleasurable activity. [For example, it was not instituted to be recited for the pleasure of breathing air, sleeping, intercourse, enjoying light, taking a bath, going swimming, listening to enjoyable music, relaxation outside, smoking[5], sneezing, or prior to going on a vacation. The general reason for this is because it was only instituted to be recited over pleasures that enter one’s body.[6]] However, blessings were instituted to be recited over the view of certain sites and occurrences, as well as certain general pleasures and benefits [i.e. bathroom], although these are not defined as Birchas Hanehnin but rather as Birchas Hashevach, which are blessings of praise as will be explained next.

1. Birchas Hamitzvos:[8]

Birchas Hamitzvos refer to blessings that are recited prior to performing a Mitzvah. An example of such Mitzvah’s over which we recite a blessing are:

1. Tallis
2. Tefillin
3. Mezuzah
4. Washing hands for bread or in the morning.
5. Lighting Shabbos candles
6. Separating Challah, and Teruma Umaaser
7. Shaking the four species on Sukkos
8. Dwelling in a Sukkah on Sukkos.
9. Blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah.
10. Reading the Megillah
11. Lighting Chanukah candles
12. Pidyon Haben
13. Bris Mila

Mitzvahs that do not receive a blessing: Despite the above general institution to recite a blessing prior to performing a Mitzvah, there exists many Mitzvahs prior to which we do not recite any blessing, due to that a blessing was not instituted for these types of Mitzvahs for one reason or another. An example of such Mitzvahs include:

1. Giving charity
2. Eating Shabbos meals

The details of this matter will be elaborated on in volume 2 in the chapter designated for blessings of Mitzvahs.

1. Birchas Hashevach and Hodah:

Birchas Hashevach and Hodah refers to blessings that are recited out of praise and thanks to G-d upon witnessing certain events and seeing certain locations and items, and on the good or bad that occurs to a person. An example of such blessings are:

1. Birchas Hareiyah – Blessing recited on seeing certain sites and occurrences.
2. Blessings of Hagomel.
3. Blessing on good and bad tidings
4. Asher Yatzar

The details of this matter will be elaborated on in volume 2 in the chapter designated for each of these blessings.

1. Birchas Hatefila:

Birchas Hatefila refers to blessings that are recited as a supplication and request from G-d, such as the blessings of Shemoneh Esrei. [Some however rule that this category of blessings is included in the previous category of Birchas Hashevach and Hodah. ]

[1] See Rambam Brachos 1:4; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Brachos pp. 291

[2] Abudarham Hilchos Brachos

[3] Rambam ibid 10:1; Encyclopedia Talmudit ibid footnote 2

[4] See Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Brachos pp. 330-351

[5] M”A 210:9 leaves this matter in question, although in conclusion no blessing is recited; Mur Uketiza 210; Machzik Bracha 210; M”B 210:17; Kesav Sofer O.C. 24

[6] See M”A 216:1; Ramban Brachos 8; Darkei Moshe 216; Encyclopedia Talmudit ibid

[7] Toras Menachem 5720 Parshas Balak 12^th Tamuz “It is taught in the tractate Berachos:  “It is forbidden for a person to derive benefit from this world without a blessing… as it is stated: ‘The earth and all its fullness belong to G-d,’ and only through a blessing is permission granted to derive benefit from this world… as it is stated: ‘The earth He has given to mankind.’” Now, the recitation of the blessing is not only over food and drink, but over all the enjoyments of this world, since the earth and all that is upon it belong to G-d, and wherever one benefits, it is forbidden to benefit without a blessing. Despite this, the obligation of reciting a blessing is primarily upon specific matters that provide enjoyment (as explained in the laws of blessings on enjoyment), and not on other matters such as breathing oxygen, even though one is obligated to give thanks to God for every single breath that one takes. The reason for this is because it is not possible for one to bless God every single second. Accordingly, the sages only establish blessings to be said over pleasures and benefits that are intermittent and not constant. However, through reciting the blessings over these occasional matters it is considered as if one is also recited a blessing over these constant benefits and pleasures. Accordingly, the benefit of breathing, has its blessing included in the blessing said over the other pleasures during the day.”

[8] See Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Birchas Hamitzvos pp. 514-540