Prayer and Blessings
Do you recite Shehakol every time you drink?
Question
Hello!
I have recently started being careful to recite a blessing over everything I eat and drink, and my question is: on these hot days, I drink every few minutes. Do I need to recite Shehakol over the water every time?
Answer
Hello, Meir
Anyone who drinks water with the intention of quenching thirst must recite Shehakol. And if he has diverted his mind from drinking, and then later wants to drink again, he recites it again; and likewise, if he has diverted his mind and again wants to drink water, he recites it a third time.
However, one who drinks water not in order to quench his thirst [for example, to wash down something that is stuck in his throat, and the like] does not recite Shehakol. However, even if he is not truly thirsty, if he derives any benefit from the water, it is presumed that he is somewhat thirsty and must recite the blessing.
Be well - M.Y.
