עברית
Halachot and Customs
From What Date Do We Say 'Veten Tal U'Matar' Abroad?
Question
Shalom, esteemed Rabbi.
I live abroad. Starting from the evening of Shemini Atzeret (if I am not mistaken) we begin to recite the blessing "Meshiv Haruach U'Morid HaGeshem." After "Rofeh Cholim Amo Yisrael," there is a blessing recited in the summer and one recited in the winter. I thought that from the day we begin to say "Meshiv Haruach U'Morid HaGeshem," we also say "Barchenu Avinu Hashem Elokeinu... Veten Tal U'Matar L'vracha." I see now on the calendar that it is only on the 12th of Kislev that we begin to say it. I am confused. I would appreciate an explanation. Thank you and all the best.
Answer
Shalom and blessings,
You are correct that the winter blessing is said only beginning on December 5th abroad. In the Land of Israel, it begins on the 7th of Cheshvan. We never begin saying it immediately on Shemini Atzeret.
With blessing,
Benyamin Shmueli
