426. Reciting Birkas HaGomeil

61:2 Birkas hagomeil should be recited in front of a minyan of ten, not including the one saying the bracha. (Mishnah Brurah 219:6 allows the one reciting the bracha to be included in the minyan.) Two of the ten optimally should be Torah scholars involved in the study of halacha as per Psalms 107:32 “They will exalt Him in the gathering of the nation and praise Him in the presence of elders.” If there are no scholars present, one does not delay reciting the bracha. The custom is to say the bracha when called to the Torah for an aliyah, following the concluding bracha. One should try to recite the bracha within three days. Therefore, if one was saved from danger on a Monday, he should say the bracha immediately and not wait until Thursday for the next Torah reading. Similarly, a mourner, who is not permitted to be called to the Torah, should recite the bracha immediately, though he should do so standing, in the presence of a minyan. Nevertheless, if one did delay more than three days, he may still recite the bracha.

61:3 One who has had a miracle performed on his behalf should set aside money for charity, the amount appropriate to his means, and divide it among Torah scholars. He should say, “I am donating this money to charity; may it be Your will that it be considered as if I had offered a sacrifice of thanks (korban todah).” (It’s also advisable to recite the Torah portion describing the korban todah – Mishnah Brurah 218:32.) It is appropriate to use the money donated for some communal need. Every year, on the anniversary of the miracle, the person should take some time to give thanks to G-d and to tell of the miracle.