Halachot and Customs

Is the Seven Blessings Recited When There Are No New Faces?

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Question

We are Sephardim. Should all the blessings be recited at the seven blessings meal when there are no new faces? Thank you!!

Answer

Greetings, If there are no new faces at the seven blessings meal, only "Asher Bara" is recited. Regarding Shabbat, see the sources. Sources: See Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer (Siman 72, Se'if 7). At the first and second meal on Shabbat and Yom Tov, there is no requirement for new faces, as explained in the same section of the Shulchan Aruch (Se'if 8). Regarding the third meal, the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch there is that new faces are required, but the Rema writes that the custom is not to require new faces, and it is possible that the regular attendees count as new faces. Some say that a divrei Torah (Torah discourse) can substitute for new faces, and this is considered as new faces. Blessings, Hillel Meirs

Tags:Sheva BrachotHalacha

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