When does changing location require a blessing to be repeated

Question:

I find myself pondering a question that has long perplexed me regarding the laws of brochos over food—and I hope you can share some clarity. Imagine you are in the midst of enjoying a meal, and circumstances require you to leave the room. Upon your return, must you recite a new brocha before resuming your meal? Furthermore, if you find yourself compelled to exit and re-enter the room multiple times, are you obligated to pronounce a fresh brocha with each return? And does this scenario apply equally to all types of food—both bread and mezonos? The nuances seem endless, and I yearn for understanding.

Answer:

This matter is, indeed, quite complex and hinges upon numerous variables: the type of food being consumed, whether Borei Nefashos or other after blessings; the intention at the outset of the meal; the location of your departure; if you will be eating in your new location or only upon returning to your original location; if you are eating with other people who have remained, and even what you’re eating. Each circumstance may alter the halachic outcome, and therefore, one should consider the details of their situation before drawing any definitive conclusions. We have compiled a full chapter on this subject for proper guidance and for understanding each one of these variables and when they apply. However, do not leave the question completely unanswered, here are some general rules:

1. After blessing: There is a difference in ruling regarding if the after blessing of the food is Borei Nefashos, versus Meiyn Gimel or Birchas Hamazon. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing due to change of location only applies to Borei Nefashos foods or if one eats less than a Kezayis of Meiyn Gimel foods and in certain circumstances, if one eats less than a Kezayis of Hamotzi bread, however not to a Hamotzi or Meiyn Gimel foods when a Kezayis is eaten.
2. The new location: There is a difference in ruling regarding the location that one switched to, whether from inside to outside or outside to inside, or from one room to another room within a building, or from one outside area to another outside area. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing when changing location from one room to another only applies if one did not have prior intent to do so and it is not common for one to do so while eating, while changing locations from inside to outside requires the blessing to be repeated even if one did have prior intent to do so. With regards to sight, Chabura, and Kevius, there is no difference in ruling between one who went from one room to another or from inside to outside.
3. Sight: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one is able to see his original area of eating from his new location. Practically, the requirement to repeat a blessing when changing location only applies if one is unable, or was unable, to see his original location of eating throughout any time of his changing areas. This applies even if one goes from inside to outside.
4. Intent: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one had intent to switch areas at the time that he recited the blessing. Practically, intent only helps when one has switched rooms within the same house and not when one goes from inside to outside or from one house to another.
5. Chabura: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one was eating with a group and left some of the group members in the original area or not. Practically, whenever one has left someone in his original area who was eating with him and awaits his return, then the blessing is not to be repeated when he returns to that area, however, is to be repeated if one wishes to continue eating in the new location.
6. Kevius: There is a difference in ruling regarding whether one was eating a Kevius food, such as wine, tea, and coffee. Practically, we will conclude that whenever one was eating a Kevius food then if he left for a short amount of time, then the blessing is not to be repeated when he returns to that area, however, is to be repeated if one wishes to continue eating in the new location.

Thus, in summary, the before blessing is only to be repeated upon changing locations if all the following conditions apply:

• You are eating foods requiring a Borei Nefashos after-blessing, or you ate less than a Kezayis of bread or mezonos.
• You switched rooms in the same building without prior intent to do so, and it’s not a common practice during the meal, or you moved from inside to outside (or vice versa
• You are unable to see your original eating area from the new location at some time during your move.
• You did not leave someone remaining in the original eating area waiting for your return
• You are not eating Kevius foods like wine, tea, or coffee, or are but have left for a long time or desire to eat in your new area.

Sources: See Seder Birchas Hanehin 9:11-20; Luach Birchas Hanehnin 6:11-20; Admur 178:1-9; Michaber 178:1-7; Rambam Brachos 4:1; Pesachim 101b; M”B 178:1-49; Birchas Habayis Shaar 20:1-15; Kaf Hachaim 1781:1-42; Ketzos Hashulchan 41:1-5 and 57:1-9; Piskeiy Teshuvos 178:1-21: Vezos Habracha 6 pp. 56-65; https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/chapter-20-shinuiy-makom-the-laws-of-blessing-repetition-due-to-change-of-location/

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