Lifnei Iver - Bracha Recitation

QUESTION: There is a needy Jewish man that I know who would benefit from my bringing him food, but he is completely unlearned, and does not recite berachos. Am I permitted to bring him food or is this prohibited because “lifnei iver lo sitain michshol” (one may not cause someone to sin)?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 169:2) writes that one may not give food to someone who you suspect will not recite a beracha, as this is a violation of “lifnei iver.” The Rema adds that one may do so if the food is given as charity. The Mishnah Berurah (169:11) explains that the Rema was only lenient in a situation where it is unclear whether the recipient will recite a beracha, but if one knows with certainty that a beracha will not be said, the food may not be given even as charity. However, the Mishnah Berurah makes an important distinction. If the recipient knows how to recite berachos and out of defiance refuses to do so, then one should not send him food even as an act of charity, since by doing so you are causing him to sin. However, if the recipient of the charity will not recite a beracha because he is unlearned, then it is permissible to send him food. The mitzvah to give charity outweighs his responsibility to recite a beracha, since he is viewed as an “oneis” (one who does not know better).

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.