What Blessing Do You Say for Thunder and Lightning? A Guide to Jewish Law

Thunder and lightning are awe-inspiring reminders of the power and majesty of Hashem's creation. Jewish law prescribes special blessings to recite when witnessing these natural phenomena, acknowledging both the wonders of creation and Hashem's infinite strength.

What Blessing Do We Recite Over Lightning and Thunder?

Upon seeing lightning, one recites: "Baruch Atah Hashem, Elokeinu Melech HaOlam, Oseh Ma'aseh Bereishit." Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, Who performs the works of Creation.

Upon hearing thunder, one recites: "Baruch Atah Hashem, Elokeinu Melech HaOlam, Shekocho U'Gevurato Malei Olam." Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, Whose power and might fill the world.

Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef explains that when a person sees lightning, it is preferable to wait until hearing thunder and then recite the blessing Shekocho U'Gevurato Malei Olam, intending for it to cover both the thunder and the lightning. In this case, there is no need to recite the separate blessing of Oseh Ma'aseh Bereishit over the lightning.

However, someone who recites Oseh Ma'aseh Bereishit upon seeing lightning and Shekocho U'Gevurato Malei Olam upon hearing thunder also has a valid halachic basis for doing so.

How Quickly Must the Blessing Be Recited?

The blessing must be recited immediately after seeing lightning or hearing thunder, within the brief period known in halachah as toch kedei dibbur. This is approximately the amount of time needed to say the Hebrew words Shalom Alecha Rebbe ("Peace be upon you, my teacher").

If this short interval has already passed, one should not recite the blessing over the lightning or thunder that has passed. Instead, one must wait until another flash of lightning or clap of thunder occurs and then recite the appropriate blessing within the required time.

Can the Blessing Be Repeated During the Same Day?

Generally, the blessing is recited only once per day. However, if the storm clouds completely disperse, the sun comes out, and new clouds subsequently gather, one should recite the blessing again upon hearing thunder.

After the night has passed, the blessing may be recited again upon hearing thunder, even if the clouds have remained in place throughout the entire period without dispersing.

What If Thunder Wakes You Up at Night?

If a person wakes up to the sound of thunder and does not have enough time to get out of bed and wash their hands before the period of toch kedei dibbur expires, or finds it difficult to get up in the darkness, there is a practical alternative.

The person should rub their hands against a blanket or bedsheet and immediately recite the blessing Shekocho U'Gevurato Malei Olam, including Hashem's name and kingship, provided it is still within the required interval after hearing the thunder.

These blessings offer an opportunity to recognize Hashem's presence in the natural world. Whether witnessing a brilliant flash of lightning or hearing a powerful clap of thunder, we are reminded to pause and acknowledge the greatness of the One Who created and sustains the universe.