Yoatzot News

Birkat Hagomel after childbirth

What is the halacha concerning bircat hagomel after giving birth? How long do I have to say it? Can my husband be my proxy at shul and say it for me? Or do I need to go? (Im 2 1/2 weeks post partum and not ready to go back to shul yet)
Thanks!



Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

Mazel tov on your the birth of your baby!

According to many minhagim, a woman recites birkat hagomel for herself in shul.  However, your husband may recite it for you.  Rav Yehuda Henkin, the rabbi of this website, discusses this issue in his book Responsa on Contemporary Jewish Women's Issues in the chapter entitled "Women and Birkat Hagomel."

Ideally, this bracha is made within three days of childbirth.  Failing that, the first thirty days after childbirth are preferred.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.

If you have further questions or comments about this email, please click here to Ask the Yoetzet.

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