By: Dina Zirkind
When we recite a blessing prior to eating, we acknowledge that the earth and all living things belong to G‑d, and that G-d is the source of all sustenance. Reciting a blessing allows us to infuse a seemingly mundane activity with holiness. We recite blessings on many different occasions—some of them ordinary, and others rare and extraordinary. By learning about them, you’ll be able to express gratitude to G‑d the next time you experience any of the events below.
- Over the Rainbow . . .
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who remembers the Covenant, is faithful to His Covenant, and keeps His promise.
When a person notices a rainbow, he or she recites this blessing. It’s a special reminder that just like the times of Noah, we can correct our ways.
- When the World Shakes . . .
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, whose power and might fill the world.
Thunder, tornadoes and earthquakes are examples of G‑d’s awesome power. By reciting this blessing, we acknowledge that they are indeed G‑dly acts and an expression of the power of our Creator.
- Seeing Lightning or Shooting Stars
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who re-enacts the work of creation.
One recites this blessing upon seeing lightning (the first time during a storm), a shooting star, comet, earthquake, volcano, tornado, hurricane, ocean or mountain (for the first time in 30 days).
- When We Do Something for the First Time That Year
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.
The shehecheyanu blessing is recited, in addition to the regular blessing, whenever doing something for the first time that year, like doing a mitzvah, such as the first lighting the Chanukah candles, reading the Megillah on Purim, and taking the lulav and etrog on Sukkot.
In addition the first time each year one eats a fruit or vegetable which is seasonal, i.e., one which grows only at a certain time of the year, the fruit is considered a “new fruit” and this special blessing is recited.
The shehecheyanu should preferably be said before the regular blessing on the fruit, although some have the custom to say it afterwards. The blessing is said only if the fruit is ripe (not dried). Examples of seasonal fruits over which one can say this blessing: kiwi, fresh figs or dates, pomegranates, cherries, tangerines, cantaloupes, and strawberries.
- For Good News About Ourselves and Others
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who is good and does good.
By reciting this blessing when we hear good news concerning both ourselves and others, we are able to thank G‑d for every detail of our lives—from the ordinary to the most extraordinary.
- When We Hear Bad News (G‑d Forbid)
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, the true judge.
One recites this blessing upon hearing bad news—for example, the demise of a friend or well-known person—or if one personally witnesses bad news.
- Spicing Up Our Lives
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who creates various kinds of spices.
You may be familiar with this blessing because of its presence in the Havdalah ceremony, which marks the end of Shabbat and the return to the ordinary week. Why do we say this blessing prior to smelling besamim—fragrant fruit or spices? According to the teachings of Kabbalah, the soul is affected by only one of our senses: the sense of smell. Thus, smelling fragrant spices comforts the soul as it makes the difficult transition from the holy Shabbat to the regular week. During Havdalah, we traditionally use cloves and say this blessing. During the ordinary week, we differentiate between various pleasant scents with blessings that include “Boray atzay besamim,” “Boray isbay besamim ” and “Hanoten Rey’ach tov bapayrot.”
- The One for Wine (or Grape Juice)
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Wait, why is this famous blessing on the list? Isn’t it this blessing said every week as part of Kiddush and Havdalah? Yes, but not everyone knows that we make this blessing every time we drink wine, even when it is not for ritual purposes. Grape wine is unique among fruit juices. Whereas the juices of other fruits warrant the general Shehakol blessing, the juice of the grape gets its very own special blessing. This is because, as King David says, “it gladdens the heart of G‑d and man.” It was not by accident that this special drink was chosen to be poured on the Temple altar and become so central to so many Jewish rituals.
- A Sigh of Relief (After Escaping From Danger)
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who bestows kindness upon the culpable, for He has bestowed goodness to me.
Upon hearing the blessing, respond Amen, followed by: May He who has bestowed beneficence upon you always bestow every beneficence upon you.
The reasons to thank G‑d for his kindness are broken up into four categories: crossing the ocean (including via a flight); crossing the desert (which includes all life-threatening situations, such as a car accident or burglary); recovering from a serious illness; and being released from prison. One should also say this blessing upon reaching a desired destination safely after traveling through a desert, overseas or via plane. This blessing should be said in the presence of a minyan (a public prayer forum of 10 Jewish men).
- Remembering: ‘Isn’t Spring Wonderful?’
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has made nothing lacking in His world, and created in it goodly creatures and goodly trees to give humankind pleasure.
This blessing is said only one time a year, upon seeing blossoming fruit trees for the first time during the month of Nissan. It is best to say this blessing upon seeing two trees, but it is permissible to say it upon seeing one.
- The Blessing We Say Only Once Every 28 Years
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who re-enacts the work of creation.
Once every 28 years, the sun returns to the position that it was in at the moment when it was created, on the fourth day of creation. Thus, we say a special blessing to mark this rare event, acknowledging that the sun allows for the existence of life on Earth. Its rays shine upon us every single day, allowing plants to grow and producing the very air we breathe.
- Upon Exiting the Restroom
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has formed man in wisdom, and created within him numerous orifices and cavities. It is revealed and known, before the Throne of Your Glory that if but one of them were to be blocked or one of them were to be opened, it would be impossible to exist for even a short while. Blessed are You, L-rd, who heals all flesh and performs wonders.
By saying this blessing, we thank G‑d for allowing our bodies to function properly. (Chabad.org)
