Ma'akeh - Bracha Timing

QUESTION: When is the proper time to recite the bracha on building a ma’akeh?

ANSWER: This is a matter of disagreement among poskim. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Maseches Mezuzah – Hilchos Ma’akeh) cites the opinion of many Rishonim and poskim, that the bracha on a ma’akeh should be recited “oveir l’asiyasan” (before the mitzvah is performed) in the same manner as is done for other mitzvos. Therefore, one should recite the bracha before one begins building the ma’akeh, even if this will take an extended amount of time. Apparently, this view considers the entire construction process to be one extended mitzvah. However, the Chasam Sofer (OC 52) argues that only the completion of the ma’akeh is a mitzvah, and the bracha should be recited immediately before it becomes a functional ma’akeh. Typically, this is right before driving in the last nail.

Everyone agrees that after the ma’akeh is completed, the bracha can no longer be recited.

 ____________________________________________________

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.