עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Do We Recite a Blessing Over Water When Drinking Without Thirst?
Question
Hello, I heard that there is no need to recite a blessing over water unless it is for refreshment. That is, if I am not thirsty, there is no need to recite a blessing. Is that correct? Thank you in advance.
Answer
Hello and blessings,
You heard correctly. One who drinks water recites a blessing only if he drinks to satisfy his thirst. But one who drinks for another purpose, such as to help move food that is stuck in his throat, to swallow a pill, before a fast so that he will not lose fluids during the fast, and the like, does not recite a blessing. (Shulchan Aruch, siman 204, seif 7).
But when the drink has flavor, one recites a blessing even when drinking without thirst. (Mishnah Berurah there, s.k. 42)
With blessings,
Menashe Ben Porat
