עברית
Prayer and Blessings
If one is in doubt whether they recited the Birkat Hamazon, should they recite it again?
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, In the blessings for enjoyment, if a person is in doubt whether they recited the blessing after food or the initial blessing, they should not recite it again due to the principle of leniency regarding blessings, as established by the sages. However, if this occurs with the Birkat Hamazon, which is a biblical obligation, should one recite it again?
Thank you in advance for your response,
Rotem
Answer
Shalom,
1. One who ate bread to the point of satisfaction, where the obligation for Birkat Hamazon is biblical, and is in doubt whether they recited it, must recite it again. However, if they ate less than the amount that would satisfy them, the obligation for Birkat Hamazon is rabbinic, and therefore in a case of doubt, they revert to the principle of 'safek berakhot lehakel' (lenient approach regarding blessings) (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 174:4 and Mishnah Berurah 15, and Shulchan Aruch 202:3 and Mishnah Berurah 4).
2. Even one who ate bread to the point of satisfaction, who must recite again in case of doubt, should only repeat the first three blessings of Birkat Hamazon, which are biblical, but does not repeat the blessing of 'Hatov v'Hameitiv' that is rabbinic; nevertheless, it is correct for them to contemplate it in order to fulfill the obligation concerning those who disagree (see Sefer Chazon Ovadia Berakhot pages 183-184).
3. A woman who is in doubt whether she recited Birkat Hamazon does not recite it again out of doubt, even if she ate to the point of satisfaction; however, it is good and correct for her to recite Birkat Hamazon in her thoughts only, and if possible, it is preferable that she listen to Birkat Hamazon from a man who has eaten and is satisfied, thus fulfilling her obligation by the principle of 'shomea ke’oneh' (hearing is like answering) (see Igrot Moshe Yoreh De’ah 6:10, and Chazon Ovadia there pages 184-186).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
