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When to Recite the Bracha of Hagomel

The bracha of Hagomel (the blessing of thanksgiving) is said in the wake of four situations: 1) when a person crossed the ocean; 2) when a person traveled through a desert; 3) when a person who was unwell recovered; and 4) when a person has been released from prison.

The halacha is that hagomel is recited only once the sakana (danger) has completely passed. A person who has crossed the ocean or the desert should bentch (recite the blessing of) gomel upon arriving at their destination. Some poskim maintain that one should wait to bentch gomel until they return home, unless they will be staying at their destination for at least three days. When a person who was unwell is out of danger, but has not totally recovered, they should not bentch gomel until they are fully restored to health.

One only bentches gomel when “chazar l’buryo l’gamrei“(once they have been restored to full health). If they have recovered from their illness, but nevertheless feel a general weakness, some poskim say that they can bentch gomel; however, the words “chazar l’buryo l’gamrei” imply that one should wait until there is no  vestige of their previous illness.

A person who has recovered completely, but is on medication in order to prevent a relapse, should bentch gomel as they are halachically considered cured.

A person who is incarcerated, but is granted permission to go home for a weekend, should not bentch gomel until they have been permanently released; likewise, a person who has escaped from prison does not bentch gomel because of the possibility of being recaptured. In many sources it’s written that a person who has been released from prison should not make the bracha until they have arrived home. Halacha2Go #329

Deer Accident

Does one need to bentch gomel if they were in a car accident with a deer on the highway at night and everyone walked out fine B”H?

Birkas Hagomel is made when there is a chance of sakana. If the deer crashed into the car and there was a chance of danger ch”v to life, then they would make Hagomel. This is similar to a wall falling on a person. #646*

After Flying

I went to Mexico and flew over the Gulf of Mexico. I also went to an island about an hour off of the Mexico coast. Do I bentch gomel?

You should recite Hagomel with Shem U’Malchus when flying over the Gulf of Mexico since one is traveling over an ocean to another country. #2113*

If I fly over water twice between Monday and Thursday, how many times do I say Hagomel?

Only once, on Thursday. This applies even if you stop for a full day in your travels. If however you’ve arrived at your current final destination, even though you’re planning more destinations on the way, a separate Hagomel is required for each destination. #12918*

At what point does a recovering person recite Hagomel?

If someone had an uncontrollable infection, to the point of almost dying and actually saying vidui twice and now is infection free (although there is no saying it won’t come back again) would they say Hagomel?

According to all opinions, one recites Hagomel when healed from an illness which is of potential mortal danger. The definition of mortal danger here is a sickness which requires one potentially to be mechalel Shabbos. Ashkenazim recite Hagomel even if the illness is non-mortal but confines the person to bed for 3 days or more. (According to many Sephardi authorities, Hagomel is recited when healed from any sickness which confines the person to bed for any amount of time). #7038*

Heart Procedure

Are there any limitations to reciting HaGomel after recovering from a heart procedure, or any other illnesses associated with the heart, since one may never be considered to have fully recovered from them?

Once they fully recover to the extent that they feel as strong as before, even if they still have to take medication to prevent the illness from returning, they should recite Hagomel. #14917*

Hernia Repair Surgery

Does one say Hagomel after having a large hernia repair (surgery about an hour, under full anesthesia)?

Yes. [Both the anesthesia and the procedure are grave enough to require a Hagomel. Generally, poskim say that if someone became ill enough that would it be Shabbbs, we would break Shabbos for his sake — choleh she’yesh bo sakana — he is requires to say Hagomel upon healing.] #1589*

Hagomel After Maftir

When the one receiving maftir has to say Hagomel, when exactly should he do so?

He can say it after kaddish [before his aliya] or after the haftorah. #13764*

Is the problem to be mafsik only for the maftir? Meaning, can someone else other than the maftir make hagomel in between maftir and haftorah if he didn’t make it before? Similarly, can the Gabbai make a mi she’beirach at that time?

There should be no hefsek between the reading of maftir and haftorah, even by another person. #19365*

*References are available for this Halacha on: www.Halacha2Go.com and www.AskTheRav.com

Please note that these halachos apply in general situations, if you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rav

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