עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Blessing for Rain
Question
Why do we bless for every thunder, lightning, and rainbow but do not have a blessing for rain? (Not a request like 'bless us' or 'who returns the wind,' but a blessing with a name and kingship like for thunder, etc.). Thank you
Answer
Greetings,
It is true that the Sages did not establish a blessing for every time it rains; however, if people were in distress due to a lack of rain, and it rains, there is a blessing for that.
And what does one bless? If one does not own a field, they say: We thank You, Hashem our God, for every drop that You have given us, and if our mouths were full of song as the sea, etc., until they acknowledge and bless Your name, our King, and conclude: Blessed are You, Hashem, the God of thanks.
מודים אנחנו לך ה' אלוקינו על כל טיפה וטיפה שהורדת לנו, ואילו פינו מלא שירה כים וכו' עד הן הם יודו ויברכו את שמך מלכנו, וחותם: ברוך אתה ה' קל ההודאות
If one owns a field in partnership with another, they bless 'Hatov VeHaMetiv,' and if they do not have a partner in the field, they bless 'Shehechiyanu.'
There are also several other details in this halacha, see Shulchan Aruch (Siman 228), Mishnah Berurah there, and Chazon Ovadia Berachot (pages 274-275).
Sincerely,
Hillel Meirs
