Brachos 54- Brachos on Miracles, Lightning, Hagomel Blessing, Shimur - a podcast by Eran Netkin

1. Berachos in places where miracles occurred
All are obligated to make a berachah when seeing a place where miracles were performed
for the masses, but only an individual is obligated to make a berachah on a miracle
performed for him alone.
2. Eight places where miracles occured
A Baraisa enumerates eight places where one is obligated to recite a berachah for the
miracles performed there.
1. Where the Yam Suf was crossed.
2. Where the Jordan was crossed.
3. At the crossing of the Canyons of Arnon )ארנון נחלי מעברות ,)where the Amorites
waiting in ambush were miraculously crushed in the mountains.
4. At the stones of Elgavish in the descent of Beis-Choron. These were the hailstones that
were suspended in midair for the sake of Moshe and later came down for the sake of
Yehoshua when he defended Givon in the battle with the Emori.
5. At the stone that King Og of Bashan wanted to throw at the nation.
6. At the stone that Moshe sat on during the war with Amalek.
7. At the remains of Lot’s wife.
8. At the wall of Jericho, which was swallowed.
The Gemara elaborates on the eight miracles.
3. Bentching gomel and having a shomer (guardian)
Rav Yehudah said in the name of Rav that four types of people must give thanks and bentch
gomel, because they survived dangerous situations:
• One who travels across the sea.
• One who travels through a wilderness.
• One who recovers from an illness.
• One who is freed from prison.
Rav Yehudah further taught that three types of people need protection from mazikin
(demons):
A sick person is more vulnerable, because his mazel has turned for the worse.
A chassan and kallah are also in danger, because they evoke the jealousy of mazikin.
Siman – Noodles
The caterer transporting spaghetti noodles across the desert bentched gomel after finally
delivering them to the well-guarded chassan and kallah, who were busy making berachos in
the eight places where miracles had occurred.
Key Words – miracle place, eight places, gomel and shomer

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