Brachot on Mitzvot

From Halachipedia

Specific Brachot

General laws of Brachot HaMitzvah

  1. As a Brachat HaMitzvah it must be said Over LeAsiyatan, prior to the action of the mitzvah. [1]
  2. One may not make any interruptions between the Bracha and the actual Mitzvah. Nonetheless, an action that's necessary to do the Mitzvah isn't considered an interruption between the Bracha and Mitzvah. For example, after making the bracha on Chanukah candles it's not an interruption to get candles or a match because these are necessary elements for the Mitzvah. [2]
  3. When saying a Brachat HaMitzvah, preferably one should stand, however, after the fact if one said the bracha in any position one fulfilled one's obligation.[3]

Which mitzvot don't require a Bracha

  1. Kibud Av V'Em. See the Kibud Av V'Em page for details and reasons.
  2. Tzedaka. See the Tzedaka page for details and reasons.

Sources

  1. Gemara Pesachim 119b, Halichot Olam 1 pg 68
  2. Halichot Olam 1 pg 68. In regards to Brachot HaNehenin, see Gemara Brachot 40a and Shulchan Aruch 202:3.
  3. Mishna Brurah 8:2 and 585:1. The Avudraham (Birchot Hashachar s.v. keshemitatef) writes that for 6 brachot one should stand: putting on Counting the Omer, Birchat Halevana, Tzitzit, Shofar, Lulav, and Milah. He says that there's a gezerah shava of lachem between each of these cases and counting the omer where there is a derivation from the pasuk to imply that it should be said standing. He adds that some say that if the mitzvah doesn't involve getting benefit the relevant bracha should be said standing.