עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Blessing the Birkat Hagomel Without a Minyan
Question
Hello, we have a non-religious acquaintance of Ashkenazi descent who is expected to cross the Atlantic Ocean (as part of a competitive sport) for three weeks. He is planning to finish at a small island called St. Martin, where there is no Jewish community. He wishes to recite the blessing of Hagomel, and it seems that there will not be a minyan. What can be done? I should mention that he will only reach a place with a Jewish community a month later. I would appreciate an answer as soon as possible. Thank you.
Answer
Greetings,
There is absolutely no possibility to recite the blessing of Hagomel without a minyan of Jewish people—meaning at least nine other people besides the one reciting it (see Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 218, Section 3, and Mishnah Berurah and Shaar Hatziyon there).
Therefore, he must wait until he arrives at a place where there is a minyan. Although ideally one should recite the blessing of Hagomel within three days, in situations where this is not feasible for any reason, one may recite it later without any time limitation.
Sources: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (Siman 218, Section 6) and Responsa Yabia Omer, Part 3 (Orach Chaim Siman 16) and the book Chazon Ovadia on blessings (page 26). However, it is noted there (on page 28) that according to Responsa Shevet HaLevi, Part 1 (Siman 20), if a year has passed, one should not recite Hagomel with the mention of Hashem’s name. It seems that he agrees with this view. However, see Responsa Beitzah Chachmah, Part 5 (Siman 88, Section 2), which states simply that it is possible to recite it even after ten years, and that this obligation does not lapse. Also, see the book Halachic Clarification (Siman 218, Section 25), which notes that the consensus of the poskim suggests that even after several years, one may recite Hagomel with the mention of Hashem’s name.
Blessings,
Hillel Meirs
