The Blessing on Torah Scholars

Although not widely known, there is a blessing that is to be recited upon seeing a world renowned Torah scholar. The blessing is "Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech Ha'olam Shechalak M'chachmato Lireiav," blessed is He who shared His wisdom with those who fear Him.[1] As we will see, however, this blessing is rarely recited nowadays.

One of the reasons that this blessing has all but disappeared is due to the uncertainly regarding what type of rabbi, in terms of caliber and stature, that the blessing should be recited upon. There is also much discussion as to how learned a rabbi must be in order to qualify as one upon who this blessing may be recited.[2] According to many authorities, the blessing may only be recited upon a rabbi who is revered by the entire generation and known for his sincerity and commitment to Torah with no ulterior motives. He must also be knowledgeable in both the "revealed" and "hidden" areas of Torah.[3]

Some authorities have even questioned whether there exists anyone nowadays who can be defined as a talmid chacham in the classical sense.^[4] Nevertheless, it is argued that even if today’s rabbis are not on the same level of piety, knowledge, and scholarship as rabbis in generations past, the blessing should still be recited on any rabbi whose knowledge is renowned.[5] A number of authorities rule, however, that due to the doubt whether the blessing may be recited upon today’s rabbis, the blessing should be recited without including God's name, as is often done when the requirement to recite a blessing is in doubt.[6] Others argue against making any changes to the traditional wording of the blessing and rule that it should always be recited in full.[7] There is also a view that the recitation of this blessing is subjective, and by extension, optional in our day.[8]  Finally, some authorities rule that the blessing should not be recited at all nowadays, though the halacha is not in accordance with this view.[9]

In recent times, this blessing has been recited upon rabbinic giants such as Rav Yehoshua Leib Diskin, Rav Yitzchak Zev Soloveitchik, Rav Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz, and Rav Yosef Rosen.[10] Rav Asher Bergman, (Rav Menachem Man Shach's grandson), relates that Rav Chaim Kanievsky would visit Rav Shach every thirty days in order to be able to recite the blessing once more. I recited the blessing the first time I merited to meet Rav Ephraim Greenblatt in person after over a decade of corresponding with him. Ultimately, one may recite this blessing upon any rabbi who one feels is a worthy, God-fearing, and renowned Torah scholar.[11]

[1] Berachot 58a; OC 224:6; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 70:9.

[2] Aruch Hashulchan, OC 224:6.

[3] Bach, OC 224; Shevet Halevi 10:13:3.

[4] Rema, YD 243:7.

[5] Chayei Adam 63:8; Yechaveh Daat 4:16; Shevet Halevi 10:13:3.

[6] Ben Ish Chai, Ekev 13; Kaf Hachaim, OC 224:19; Petach Hadvir 224:6; Or L’tzion 2:46:61; Devar Chevron 2:206.

[7] Yechaveh Daat 4:16.

[8] Salmat Chaim 1:54; Yosef Ometz 450.

[9] Yafeh L’lev 224:5; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 224:6.

[10] Piskei Teshuvot 224 note 17; Shevet Halevi 10:13; Halichot Shlomo, Tefilla 23 note 157; Orchot Rabbeinu Vol. 1 p.227. For more on this blessing and when it should be recited, see: Petach Hadvir 2:224 and Ohel Yosef, OC 4.

[11] Salmat Chaim Hashalem 207. See also Rivevot Ephraim 7:292.