Q&A: Who Gladdens Zion with Her Children
Who Gladdens Zion with Her Children
Question
Rabbi Michi, hello! A couple asked me that the person reciting the blessing “who gladdens Zion with her sons” should add “and daughters.” I know what was brought here from Avkat Rokhel, but I don’t know whether one can rely on that, especially since I wasn’t able to find it in Avkat Rokhel. That doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t there, but I couldn’t find it. I also wrote to the author of the book to ask, but he didn’t answer. Maybe he has WhatsApp but doesn’t use it.
Answer
Hello. Personally, I’m really not enthusiastic about such a change. “With her sons” is said about everyone, since in Hebrew the masculine form is also used to describe a mixed group of both genders. So the change is silly and unnecessary.
But on the halakhic level, it seems there is room to permit it. First, one who alters the formula established by the Sages fulfills his obligation according to Rabbi Meir against Rabbi Yosei, and most medieval authorities (Rishonim) ruled that way. And even according to Rabbi Yosei, there are opinions that this refers to a significant change in which one alters an essential element of the blessing, not merely a change of wording. Third, according to Rabbenu Tam, the change invalidates only within a closed list of blessings, and this is not one of them. Finally, this is an added word after the blessing, like the practice of the students of the Vilna Gaon to add: “and for the sustenance”—the Gaon said not to say it, and it is doubtful whether that counts as a change. And all of this applies here to a rabbinic law, where in cases of doubt one rules leniently.
I found a nice overview of the topic here: https://www.etzion.org.il/he/halakha/orach-chaim/prayer-and-blessings/%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%9E%D7%9E%D7%98%D7%91%D7%A2-%D7%A9%D7%98%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%95-%D7%97%D7%9B%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%91%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%AA