עברית
Faith
Thanksgiving Meal and Cancer
Question
My mother was diagnosed with very aggressive cancer and, thank Hashem, has finished all the treatments and is now taking a pill for prevention.
Is there value in holding a thanksgiving meal? I very much want to. And if so, is there a blessing my mother should say? Is it recommended to do challah separation at the meal?
Answer
Hello and blessings,
It is highly recommended to hold a thanksgiving meal to thank Hashem for His miracles and wonders, and to recite the blessing of HaGomel before ten men if they are present.
The text of the blessing is:
נוסח הברכה בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַגּוֹמֵל לְחַיָּבִים טוֹבוֹת, שֶׁגְּמָלַנִי כָּל טוּב
Those listening respond:
אָמֵן. מִי שֶׁגְּמַלְּךָ כָּל טוּב, הוּא יִגְמָלְךָ כָּל טוּב סֶּלָהDuring the meal, songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Creator of the world should be sung. If possible, it is fitting for one of those present to say words of Torah and words of praise to the Creator of the world for the miracles and wonders that He performed with you and with your dear mother.
With blessings,
Binyamin Shmuali
