DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 1.18 MB)
The Beracha on Seeing the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean

The Mishna in the last chapter of Masechet Berachot teaches that upon seeing rivers, one recites the Beracha, "Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit"(Maker of Creation). Rabbi Yehuda says that upon seeing the "Yam HaGadol" (the great sea), one recites, "She'asah Et HaYam HaGadol" (Who Made the Great Sea).

The question is what the "Yam HaGadol" refers to. Maran, in 228:1, based on Rabbenu Yonah, states that it refers to the waters that flow between Israel and Egypt, i.e. the Mediterranean Sea. This is how the Mishna Berura understands Maran, as well. The commentaries explain that while the Mediterranean may not be the largest body of water, but because it's connected to Eres Yisrael, it becomes "Great" by association.

Accordingly, one who has not seen the Mediterranean within thirty days should recite the Beracha with Hashem's name. However, the Bet Yosef cites the Teshubot HaRosh who understands that "Yam HaGadol" refers to the "Oceanus," meaning the Atlantic Ocean.

Thus, there is a Machloket whether this Beracha applies to the Mediterranean. Because of this Safek (uncertainty), Hacham David rules that when seeing the Mediterranean, one should incorporate both Berachot by saying, "Baruch Atah Hashem Elohenu Melech HaOlam SheAsah Et HaYam HaGadol-Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit." Even if the Mediterranean is not the Yam HaGadol, it is no worse than seeing other rivers, whose Beracha is "Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit." If it is Yam HaGadol, the correct Beracha was said. If it's not the Yam HaGadol, then the correction was made "Toch K'deh Dibur"-immediately. This circumvents the problem of Safek Berachot.
According to this, if one sees the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea simultaneously, e.g. from Gibraltar, there is no Safek, as one of them is certainly the Yam HaGadol. In that case, the Beracha of "SheAsah Et HaYam HaGadol could be made with Hashem's name.

Those who live on the East Coast of the United States who see the Atlantic Ocean, even when driving, within a thirty day period, do not recite a Beracha.

SUMMARY

One who sees the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in thirty days, recites the Beracha: "SheAsah Et HaYam HaGadol-Oseh Ma'aseh Bereshit."


 


Recent Daily Halachot...
Hanukah – May One Use the Light of the Hanukah Candles if There’s a Power Failure?
Hanukah – The Order of Preference When Choosing a Menorah; Using Coagulated Oil
Hanukah Candles – The Proper Time for Lighting, and the Suitable Oils and Wicks
Hanukah – May Inedible Olive Oil be Used for Hanukah Candle Lighting?
Hanukah – If One is Unsure Whether the Candles Will Burn for a Half-Hour
Hanukah – Candle Lighting When Staying in a Hotel
If One’s Hanukah Candles Were Extinguished Shortly After Lighting
Hanukah – Extinguishing or Using the Candles After a Half-Hour; Reusing the Previous Night’s Wicks; Lighting One Candle From Another
Chanukah- the Beracha Recited Before Hallel; Women's Recitation of Hallel
Al Ha’nisim – If One Forgot to Recite Al Ha’nisim or Recited it in the Wrong Place
Hanukah – Reciting a Beracha Over Hallel; the Times When Hallel May be Recited; Reciting "Mizmor Shir Hanukat Habayit"
Hanukah Candle Lighting on Ereb Shabbat and Mosa’eh Shabbat
The Hanukah Miracle; Customs Regarding Working and Festive Meals During Hanukah
Hanukah – Where Should a Guest Light if He Will be Returning Home That Night?
Hanukah – The Shamosh
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found