Number of Panim Chadashos

Q. How many Panim Chadashos are required to recite Sheva Berachos?

A. The term Panim Chadashos (new guests) is plural. This would seem to imply that one must have at least two new guests at each meal in order to recite the special Berachos for the Chassan and Kallah. However, the Bach (EH 62) writes that it is clear from the wording of many Rishonim that even one new guest is enough to enable Sheva Berachos. The position of the Bach is cited by all the major Ashkenazi poskim as the accepted ruling. However, many Sefardi poskim rule that there must be two new guests. This was the position of the Rambam (as cited by his son Rav Avraham, Teshuvos, Siman 86). Beis Oveid (Dinei Chasanim 13) writes that this was the custom of Sefardim in Israel (19th century), and Rav Ovadia Yosef zt”l (Yabia Omer EH 3:11) writes that it is still the minhag today.

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