עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Is a Blessing Recited Upon Seeing the Dead Sea?
Question
Good afternoon,
Is a blessing recited upon seeing the Dead Sea (for someone who has not seen it in thirty days)?
Thank you in advance for the answer.
Answer
Greetings, One does not recite the "Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit" blessing upon seeing the Dead Sea, as some authorities hold that it is not part of the original creation but formed naturally afterward. Nevertheless, it is advisable to contemplate the blessing in one's heart. Sources: Chazon Ovadia, Berachot (pages 359-365); see also Sefer Achrei HaIsh, Orach Chaim, Part 1 (chapter 38, section 14), and She'elot U'Teshuvot Yitzchak Yernan, Part 8 (siman 8). Blessings, Hillel Meirs
