Asher Yatzar in the Order of Brachos

Q. Chazal often established an order of priority (in Talmudic literature this is known as “kedima”) for the recitation of berochos. If one completed a meal and used the bathroom, which beracha should be recited first: the beracha achrona on the food or the beracha of Asher Yatzar?

A. The Magen Avrohom (165:3) quotes the Maharshal that if one is required to recite Borei Nifashos (or Al Hamichya) and Asher Yatzar, Asher Yatzar is recited first. This is based on the principle “tadir kodem”, the more common mitzvah takes precedence. The beracha of Asher Yatzar is more common because it is recited multiple times every day, while a person does not necessarily recite Borei Nifashos (or Al Hamichya) on a daily basis. Rebbi Akiva Eiger (annotations to Shulchan Aruch,7:1) is uncertain if this logic applies to Birchas Hamazon and Asher Yatzar as well. Does Birchas Hamazon takes precedence over Asher Yatzar since it is a Torah obligation, or do we recite Asher Yatzar first since it is more common. After a back-and-forth discussion, he leaves the question unresolved. The Kaf Hachaim (7:1) takes a definitive stand and rules that Asher Yatzar should be recited before other berachos, albeit for a totally different reason. When Asher Yatzar is not recited immediately, it is often forgotten and not recited. Therefore, in all situations, Asher Yatzar should be recited first.

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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.