Q&A: Birkat HaGomel
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Birkat HaGomel
Question
I seem to remember seeing in Rabbenu Manoach that we recite the blessing of HaGomel with God’s name and kingship, because even though the world operates according to the laws of nature, there is some chance that in fact the Holy One, blessed be He, healed/saved us and we were not healed through nature alone.
A. Do you agree with this reasoning?
B. If not, do you not recite this blessing?
Answer
There can always be some chance. But there is no need for that explanation. In my view, all blessings of thanksgiving are thanksgiving for the creation of the world and its natural order. The occasions to recite them are when a “miracle” happens to me, and the like. That is our psychology. I have already explained this several times in the past.