Asher Yatzar - Basis

QUESTION: What is the basis for the beracha of Asher Yatzar?

ANSWER: The Gemara (Berachos 60b) states that after relieving oneself, the beracha of Asher Yatzar is recited. The actual text of the beracha is recorded in the Gemara. Although the mitzvah of reciting any beracha is fulfilled even if the person does not understand its meaning, one should still make an effort to understand the meaning of every beracha. This is particularly true with the beracha of Asher Yatzar. Rav Yechezkel Levenstein zt"l is quoted as saying that one who recites this beracha with full concentration will be saved from all forms of illness (Tzohar Journal 5759 pg. 457, a similar idea is attributed to Seder Hayom). It is also noteworthy that the Shulchan Aruch (OC 6:1), which is primarily a sefer of halacha, explains the meaning of the beracha of Asher Yatzar in detail. Clearly, Rav Yosef Karo, who authored the Shulchan Aruch, viewed the understanding of Asher Yatzar to be uniquely important.

The main themes of the beracha, as explained by the Shulchan Aruch, are the following: We acknowledge the wisdom of Hashem in creating the human body with all its intricacies (asher yatzar es ha’adam b’chochmah…). We recognize that Hashem watches over us and makes certain that our complex internal organs function properly and that there are no obstructions which could be fatal (galuy ve’yadua lifnei kisei kevodecha…). Hashem is the healer of all and miraculously sustains us (rofei kol basar u’mafli la’asos). In ways that we cannot comprehend, He miraculously binds together the physical and spiritual dimensions of our bodies and souls.

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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.