The Blessing for Miracles

One is required to recite the blessing "Blessed…Who performed miracles for our fathers at this place" upon visiting a site where a miracle occurred for the Jewish people. For example, one who visits the Jordan river at the place where the Jewish people crossed into Israel, or the ruins of ancient Jericho where the "walls came tumbling down" is required to recite the blessing.[1] Some individuals also recite the blessing at the stone which is frequently identified as the remains of Lot's wife, though its authenticity is questionable.[2] The blessing may be recited anew once thirty days have passed since one's last visit.[3] A mourner should not recite the blessing for miracles.[4]

In order to warrant reciting the blessing, it is necessary for the place to still show signs of the miracle that occurred there.[5] In the event that such a site has been transformed and is no longer recognizable due to construction and the like, then the blessing may only be recited without mentioning God's name.[6] As such, one should not recite the blessing at the alleged site of Beitar where the bodies of those killed by the Romans miraculously did not decay the entire fifteen years they lay abandoned.[7] It is suggested that one bow or even prostrate upon the ground when reciting the blessing for miracles.[8]

In the event that one is unable to stand at the exact location where the miracle occurred, the blessing may still be recited as long as one is able to clearly see the place.[9] Indeed, even one who is only able to see the place with the assistance of binoculars may recite the blessing.[10] It appears that even seeing such a place from the window of an airplane warrants reciting the blessing, as well.[11] One need not recite the blessing immediately upon first sight of such a place, rather one may delay the recitation of the blessing until actually reaching the site.[12] In the event that one is unsure whether or not the blessing should be recited due to a doubt of the exact location of the miracle or the like, the blessing should be recited without mentioning God's name.[13]

Not only is a blessing recited upon visiting a place where a miracle was performed on behalf of the entire Jewish people, but one also recites a blessing upon visiting a place where one experienced a personal miracle.[14] Indeed, one's children and grand-children are also permitted to recite the blessing in one's honor, and some authorities include all of one's future descendants, as well.[15] However, one does not recite a blessing for a personal miracle that occurred to another person[16] though some authorities permit one to recite the blessing for a miracle which occurred to one's rabbi.[17] One who intends to travel to a number of places where one has experienced personal miracles should recite the blessing only once, having in mind that it is to apply to all the sites that one intends to visit.[18] It seems that a "miracle" in this context is defined as an event which caused one serious injury and/or could have easily been fatal.[19] A holocaust survivor recites the blessing on a return visit to the concentration camps.[20]

It is customary to hold a meal or other celebratory gathering for one's friends on the anniversary of such a miracle each year.[21] Such a gathering has the status of a "seudat mitzva".[22] One should also spend additional time in Torah study, prayer, and charitable causes on the anniversary of the day that one experienced a miracle.[23]

[1] OC 218:1,2. But see Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:4; Or L'tzion 2:14:40..

[2] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:34.

[3] O.C. 218:3, Mishna Berura 218:15.

[4] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:9.

[5] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:1.

[6] B'tzel Hachachma 5:63.

[7] Berachot 48b.

[8] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:16.

[9] Piskei Teshuvot 218:2; See Kaftor Vaferach 7

[10] Piskei Teshuvot 218:2.

[11] Piskei Teshuvot 218 note 20.

[12] B'tzel Hachachma 5:27.

[13] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:4.

[14] OC 218:4. Regarding car accidents see Devar Chevron 2:197..

[15] Rivevot Ephraim 2:80:28. See Mishna Berura 218:16; Shaar Hatziun 218:7; Aruch Hashulchan 218:7; Halichot Shlomo 23:9.

[16] OC 218:4.

[17] Mishna Berura 218:16,20.

[18] OC 218:5.

[19] OC 218:9; Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:18. See Piskei Teshuvot 218:10 for an extensive discussion of this topic.

[20] B'tzel Hachachma 5:62.

[21] Kaf Hachaim, OC 218:9; Mishna Berura 218:32; Chayei Adam 155:41.

[22] Mishna Berura 697:2; Chavot Yair 70; Chatam Sofer, YD 233.

[23] Mishna Berura 218:11.