Prayer and Blessings

How long after childbirth can one recite HaGomel?

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Question

I am about two months after childbirth. How long is it permitted for me to recite HaGomel? 

Thank you.

Answer

Hello, 

You may still recite HaGomel, because although ideally you should have recited it after the passage of a week from childbirth until ten days, in retrospect it may also be recited afterward - with no time limit. 

Sources: See Kaf HaChayim (siman 219, seif katan 7), who wrote that a woman who has given birth does not recite HaGomel until after seven days, when she has fully recovered. So too in Chazon Ovadia, Berachot (page 348). In any case, the Shulchan Aruch (siman 219, seif 6) wrote that although it is proper to recite HaGomel within three days from the time the obligation began, if one did not do so, one may recite it for as long as one wishes. Indeed, in Chazon Ovadia there (page 358), he cited Responsa Shevet HaKeheti, part 1 (siman 100), which states that in any case, if a year has passed, one should not recite HaGomel with Hashem's name and kingship. And he appears to agree with him on this point. However, see Responsa BeTzel HaChachmah, part 5 (siman 88, letter 2), who held it to be self-evident that one may recite it even after ten years, and that this obligation never lapses. Likewise, see also Halacha Berurah (siman 219, in Beirur Halacha, letter 25), who wrote that from the unqualified wording of the poskim, who made no distinction in this regard, it would seem that they hold that even after several years one recites HaGomel with Hashem's name and kingship. 

With blessings, Hillel Meirs


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