עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is One Required to Recite a Blessing When Constructing a Fence?
Question
I am building an addition to my home, and I have reached the stage of constructing the fence. I am unsure whether, according to Maran (Rabbi Ovadia Yosef), one is required to recite a blessing over the construction of the fence. Thank you.
Answer
Greetings, One does recite a blessing upon constructing a fence, and the blessing is:
"ברוך... וכו' אשר קדשנו במצוותיו וציוונו לעשות מעקה".
The blessing is said when the laborer finishes his work, before the final hammer blow, which might strengthen the fence. At that point, he transitions from construction to completion.
Sources: Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory, in his work "Hilchos Olam" part 7 (page 176). Although he wrote in his responsa "Yabia Omer," part 8, (Orach Chaim section 22, paragraph 26), that one should not bless over making a fence, and likewise in his approval of the book "Baneh Veitcha" he wrote that in places where there is no clear custom to bless upon making a fence, it is preferable to refrain and not bless. However, what he wrote in "Hilchos Olam" is his final ruling. Also see in "Yalkut Yosef, Shevua Simchot" part 2 (page 779, section 22). Similarly ruled in responsa "Yitzchak Yarin" part 8 (section 41) and responsa "Divrei David" part 4 (Orach Chaim section 11).
Best of success, Hillel Meirs
