Lifnei Iver - Bracha Recitation (Cont'd)

QUESTION: I hired a Jewish handyman to do work around my house. He asked me to bring him a drink of water. I know that this man is not religious and will not recite a beracha. Am I permitted to bring him a drink or must I refuse?

ANSWER: Shulchan Aruch (OC 169:2) writes that one may not provide food for one who will not recite a beracha, as this is a violation of “lifnei iver” (causing someone to sin). As such, it would seem that one should refuse his request. However, the Chazon Ish (cited in Pe’er Ha’dor 3:21:121) ruled that one should give food and drink to a worker or guest, even if they are not religious and you know with certainty that they will not recite a beracha. He reasons that if you were to refuse, it will cause animosity and a violation of a more severe prohibition “lo sisna es achicha” (one may not hate their brother), which is a Torah prohibition. One may cause someone to violate not reciting a beracha, which is a Rabbinic violation, to prevent them from hating another Jew, which is an even greater sin. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l (Minchas Shlomo 1:35:1) maintained the same position.

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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.