Sheva Brachot

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Sheva Brachot (heb. שבע ברכות; lit. seven blessings) refers to the set of seven blessings recited in conjunction with the marriage ceremony. These brachot are also recited at meals eaten in honor of the new couple during the first week of their marriage. Colloquially, this term is also used to refer to the meal at which these brachot will be recited. Technically, only six of these blessings are actually unique to the marriage celebration, as the seventh bracha is the hagefen made on a cup of wine. The text of the brachot can be found in most siddurim and bentchers immediately after birkat hamazon. Here's a sample text: Text of Sheva Brachot (Chabad.org). In some circumstances, only “Hagefen” and “Asher Bara” are recited.

General Laws

  1. The couple traditionally honors attendees by appointing them to recite the Sheva Brachot. Because these blessings are meant especially for the bride and groom, it is better that the groom himself not recite them.[1] Considering that the brachot are recited for the new couple, the person reciting the blessings should face the couple.[2] However, if nobody else present is able to say the brachot, the groom may do so.[3]
  2. Many poskim believe that the same person must recite all of the brachot,[4] but the near-universal practice is to divide the brachot up and honor various people to each recite a bracha.[5]
  3. The order of the brachot is not critical, meaning, that if one made a mistake and skipped a bracha, he should recite the bracha that was skipped.[6]

Minyan

  1. One needs a minyan, ten Jewish men, for the sheva brachot, both when it is recited the chuppah as well as when it is recited during the week after the wedding.[7]
  2. This minyan does not have to be standing under the actual chuppah,[8] but must be able to hear the brachot directly. Some poskim hold that they should not be recited through a microphone.[9] See Brachot Through a Microphone page for details.
  3. If only the final bracha of “Asher Bara” will be recited (see below), only three men need to have joined the meal and be present at Birkat Hamazon.[10]
  4. If the Sheva Brachot was started while a minyan was present, but then some of the people left before all of the brachot were recited, they may continue to recite the remaining brachot.[11]
  5. If there is no minyan at the chuppah, Sephardic poskim hold that the couple should delay the marriage until they are able to find one[12] while Ashkenazic poskim hold that it is better to get married as planned and recite the brachot later.[13]
  6. If it is necessary, a mourner who is in the twelve months of mourning for a parent may complete the minyan for sheva brachot even though it is a joyous occasion.[14]

Who is Included?

  1. The groom is included in the minyan necessary for sheva brachot.[15] A groom's relatives, the mesader kiddushin, and the eidei kiddushin also count for the minyan.[16]
  2. Women do not count towards the minyan for sheva brachot.[17]
  3. A minor does not count for the minyan of sheva brachot.[18]

Cup of Wine

  1. The sheva brachot should be recited over a cup of wine, both when it is recited the chuppah as well as when it is recited during the week after the wedding.[19] If wine is not available, another alcoholic beverage may be used.[20]
  2. There is a dispute as to whether or not the brachot may be recited under the chuppah if there is no cup of wine or similar drink.[21]
  3. Regarding the cup under the chuppah, those reciting the brachot do not need to drink from the cup, but the bride and groom should at least taste from it.[22]
  4. Regarding sheva brachot after a meal, the Rama writes that two cups of wine should be used: one that is held up during birkat hamazon, and another that is held up during the recitation of the other six brachot made for the couple.[23] However, this opinion is not unanimous, and the Shulchan Aruch writes that the custom is to use one cup.[24] This opinion may be relied upon if only one cup of wine is available.[25]

Under The Chuppah

  1. After reading the ketubah, all seven brachot are recited under the chuppah, regardless of whether it is a first or second marriage[26] as long as a minyan is present.
  2. The custom has developed in almost all Jewish communities for these brachot to be recited while the bride and groom are under the chuppah, but before entering the yichud room.[27] If the brachot were not recited beforehand, they can still be recited even several days later.[28]
  3. A new cup of wine should be used for sheva brachot and not the same cup that was already used for birkat eirusin.[29] If one is using the same cup it must be refilled.[30]
  4. Some poskim hold that everyone in the audience must stand for the sheva brachot recited under the chuppah.[31]
  5. The practice is to split up the sheva brachot to seven people.[32] Some prefer to keep the brachot that don't begin with a baruch together with the previous bracha. Accordingly, the sheva brachot can be split up to 5 people: 1) Hagefen, 2) Shehakol Bara Lkevodo, 3) Yotzer Haadam, 4) Asher Yatzar, Sos Tasis, Same'ach Tisamach, and 5) Asher Bara.[33] Some only split up the sheva brachot to two people, the first 6 brachot and Asher Bara.[34]

Week after Marriage

  1. Where either the bride or groom have never been married before, meals may[35] be made in their honor for seven days after their wedding, with the day of their wedding counting as the first day. These meals have the status of Se’udos Mitzvah, a mitzvah meal, and it is therefore preferable to have meat and wine,[36] but sheva brachot are still recited even if there was no meat or wine.[37]
  2. The sheva brachot are only recited at a meal in which bread is eaten and birkat hamazon is recited.[38]
  3. Some Ashkenazim do not have the practice to recite sheva brachot except the day of the wedding.[39]

Beit Chatanim

  1. According to some Sephardim, if the meals during the week after the wedding do not take place in the house of groom one may only make the bracha of hagefen and ashar bara (and not all sheva brachot).[40]
  2. It is permissible for a Sephardic groom to ask an Ashkenazi who participates in the sheva brachot meal to recite the brachot of the sheva brachot even when it isn't in the groom's house.[41]

Panim Chadashot

  1. In order to recite all seven brachot, one must invite panim chadashot (heb. פנים חדשות; lit. a new face), meaning, someone who did not attend either the wedding or a previous sheva brachot.[42] While some poskim require that the panim chadashot be given a place at the table, other poskim do not require this; the minhag is to be lenient and allow calling in a stranger or waiter to count as panim chadashot.[43]
  2. The panim chadashot can come even in the middle or towards the end of the meal.[44]
  3. Panim chadashot must be adult Jewish males who would count towards the minyan required for sheva brachot and not women or children.[45]
  4. While many poskim hold that panim chadashot means only one new person is necessary, some Sephardic poskim require two new people.[46]

Who Needs to Eat Bread

  1. Sheva brachot for a meal are recited only after a meal of bread, after the birkat hamazon .[47]
  2. Ideally, at least ten of the attendees should eat bread.[48] However, many poskim allow sheva brachot to be recited even if only seven men ate bread, and some poskim even permit sheva brachot to be said if only three people ate bread, as long as there is a minyan in attendance.[49] Either way, the bride and groom themselves should have eaten bread.[50]

Second Marriages

  1. If both the Chatan and the Kallah have been previously married, sheva brachot is only recited for one day.[51]

Practices During the Week after Marriage

  1. A groom (heb. חתן; transl. chatan) is compared to a king. Just like a king wears fancy attire, so too a groom should wear fancy attire.[52]

Links

Sources

  1. ↑ Teshuvah of Rabbi Avraham ben haRambam quoted in Maaseh Rokeach on Hilchos Ishus, referenced by Otzar Haposkim E.H. 62:1:8. See also Rama 34:1, Semag Aseh 48, Mordechai Kesuvos 131, Hagahos Maimoni Ishus 10:3, and Drisha to Tur E.H. 34:1 who add that the groom should not make the blessings so as not to embarrass a groom who wouldn’t be able to recite them himself.
  2. ↑ Maharil (Hilchos Nisuin) would face the bride and groom specifically for the blessing of “Sameach Tisamach,” and common practice is to do so for all of the brachos (see Shulchan Ha’Ezer 2:42). The Aruch Hashulchan (62:9) writes that ideally, the bride and groom should face East, and the person reciting the brachos should face West.
  3. ↑ Mordechai Kesuvos 131, Shut Maharsham 1:160, Sdei Chemed “Chasan V’Kallah” 18, all quoted in Otzar Haposkim 62:1:10.
  4. ↑ Shaarei Efraim on Hilchos Keriyas haTorah Shaar 9 Pischei Shearim 19, Shut Har Tzvi O.C. 44, cf. Pischei Teshuvos 61:17 that one person recites all of the blessings appears to be implied strongly by all of the Rishonim who discuss these brachos, especially considering that the brachos are considered smuchim to each other.
  5. ↑ See Igros Moseh E.H. 1:94, Tzitz Eliezer 6:2:5, Yabia Omer 4:7, and Mishneh Halachos 4:204 who all defend this practice, although none of these poskim appear to be so encouraging of the custom. Rav Moshe Feinstein notes that all those reciting the brachos should still make sure to listen and say amen to all of the others. See Otzar Haposkim 62:3:4 and Shut Bnei Banim 4:6 for further discussion of splitting the brachos generally as well as grouping various brachos together, such as the first two or the first six.
  6. ↑ Be’er Heitiv 62:3 quoting Rambam in Shut Pe’er Hador 9. Nitei Gavriel Nisuin 34:3 applies this to the bracha of “Hagafen” as well. Similarly, if there is no one who knows all of the brachos, they may still recite whatever brachos they know (Otzar Haposkim 62:3:1).
  7. ↑ The Gemara 7b-8a says that Birkat Chatanim needs a Minyan, based either upon the fact that Boaz assembled people at his marriage to Rus (Rus 4:11-12) or from Tehillim 68:27 (במקהלות ברכו אלקים וה' ממקור ישראל). Shitah Mekubetzes there adds another possible source, Vayikrah 22:32 (ונקדשתי בתוך בני ישראל). See Noda BiYhudah Kama E.H. 56. The Rishonim (see Kiddushin), debate whether or not this extends to Birkat Erusin as well or not, but they all agree that Birkat Chatanim does require a Minyan.
    If there aren't even ten men in the whole town, the Rashba (Shut 1:1167, Meyuchasot 185) holds that one absolutely needs ten people, as the Chachamim prohibited one to his wife for whom he did not make Sheva Berachot. On the other hand, the Terumat HaDeshen (140), quotes a Teshovot Maimoni who explains Chazal's terminology of "Kallah BeLo Beracha" to be more colloquial than literal, in reference to the Chuppah itself. The Beit Yosef (64:4) paskens like the Rashba, while the Rama, Chelkat Mechokek 3, and Beit Shmuel 4, pasken like the Terumat HaDeshen that one only needs a Minyan lechatechilah.
  8. ↑ Nitei Gavriel Nisuin 23:2, quoting Shut Nachalah L’Yisrael 62
  9. ↑ Nitei Gavriel Nisuin 23:5, as per the usual halachos regarding minyan. See Shulchan Aruch O.C. 124:4 and Shut Minchas Shelomo 9 regarding microphones.
  10. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan 62:11, explaining that the minyan is truly necessary only out of respect for the earlier bracha of “Shehakol Bara” and those referring to Yerushalayim. However, at least three men are needed in order to have a zimun for Birkas HaMazon
  11. ↑ Pischei Teshuvos 62:14, Aruch Hashulchan 62:13. The Nitei Gavriel (Nisuin 23:4) assumes that this is true only as long as the majority of the minyan remains.
  12. ↑ Shulchan Aruch and Beis Yosef 61:3 quoting the Rashba (Shut 1:1167, Meyuchasot 185)
  13. ↑ Terumas Hadeshen 2:140). The Rama, Knesses Hagedolah (E.H. 62), Chelkas Mechokek (62:3), Beis Shmuel (62:4) and Aruch Hashulchan (62:12) follow this latter opinion.
  14. ↑ Haavelut Bhalacha Ubagada p. 268 citing Ben Ish Chai Shlach and Rabbi Akiva Eiger
  15. ↑ Gemara Kesuvos 7b, Shulchan Aruch 62:7. The Netziv to Sheiltos and Aruch Hashulchan 62:11 explains that this is because the brachos are an expression of gratitude and praise to Hashem for the wedding, which is certainly felt by the groom as well as the participants. If the minyan is necessary in order to show honor to the couple, however, it would be difficult to explain why the groom is allowed to count towards the minyan.
  16. ↑ Chelkas Mechokek 34:7, Aruch Hashulchan 34:10. It stands to reason that if the groom himself can count towards the minyan, so should anyone else involved or their relatives.
  17. ↑ Shulchan Aruch EH 62:4, see Yabia Omer vol. 3 EH Siman 11
  18. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 62:4, Yabia Omer EH 3:11:6
  19. ↑ Maseches Kallah 1, Zohar 2 p. 169a. Sefer Hayashar of Rabbeinu Tam no. 620 implies that this custom was established by Rav Yehudai Goan, but the Aruch Hashulchan 62:7 believes that it was part of the original mitzvah of Sheva Brachos dating back to Moshe Rabbeinu. On the other hand, Tashbetz 3:65 disputes the requirement to have a cup of wine at all, as the Gemara (Kesuvos 8a) refers to making six blessings, and not seven.
  20. ↑ Shulchan Aruch E.H. 62:1
  21. ↑ Tashbetz 3:65 disputes the requirement to have a cup of wine as it is not mentioned in the Gemara, but Be’er Heitev 62:3 quotes the Rosh and Tur who imply that the cup is necessary. Aruch Hashulchan 62:7 rules that one must use a cup.
  22. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan 62:8. See Taz Y.D. 265:10 who writes that whenever a cup of wine is used, but is not mentioned explicitly in the Gemara, only tasting is required and not a whole cheek-full. See also Moadim Uzmanim 3:246
  23. ↑ Shulchan Aruch and Tur 62:9, based upon Tosfos Pesachim 102b and Rosh Pesachim 10:8 that one cannot use one cup for two purposes.
  24. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 62:9, and in the Beis Yosef there it is shown that many rishonim appear to have this view.
  25. ↑ Otzar Haposkim 62:53:2
  26. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 62:1, Rama 61:1. A possible exception is a man who remarries his previous wife, see Pischei Teshuvah 62:21 quoting Shut Radbaz 3:567, but the general consensus is that even in such a case, the Sheva Brachos should be recited at the chuppah and at the first meal (Otzar Haposkim 62:23).
  27. ↑ Rama E.H. 61:1 based upon Teshuvas HaRosh 26:2, despite the Shulchan Aruch E.H. 62:1. Darkei Moshe there explains that even if these brachos are considered blessings upon the mitzvah of getting married, and a birkas hamitzvah must be made prior to its performance, we rely upon the fact that according to some, the mitzvah of nisuin is not complete until the bride and groom enter the yichud room. See Aruch Hashulchan 61:19 and 55:19 that the completion of these brachos affects nisuin. Rambam Ishut 10:3 and Ramban Pesachim 7b s.v. vha hold that the sheva brachot are recited before the nesuin is effectuated.
  28. ↑ Rambam Hil. Ishus 10:3, Rama E.H. 61:1. Aruch Hashulchan 61:19 and 62:12 writes that although the Maharshal writes that the brachos can only be said during the first week, the Rambam implies that they can be made even a long time afterward.
  29. ↑ Implied by Abudraham, Machzor Vitri 470, and Rama E.H. 65:3 regarding the special cup.
  30. ↑ Shulchan Aruch E.H. 62:1
  31. ↑ Orchos Chaim Hil. Kiddushin, Beer Heitiv E.H. 62:1, Erech Lechem E.H. 61, see Mishnah Brurah 128:51
  32. ↑ Yabia Omer EH 4:7, Nitai Gavriel Nesuin v. 1 p. 211. Nitai Gavriel also quotes this from Igrot Moshe EH 1:94 and Tzitz Eliezer 6:2:5.
  33. ↑ Nitai Gavriel Nesuin v. 1 p. 212. See there for details.
  34. ↑ Madrich of Ashkenazic Minhag p. 59
  35. ↑ Although a meal can be made with Sheva Brachos for all seven days, there is no obligation to do so each day. See Yam Shel Shelomo Kesuvos 1:12, Aruch Hashulchan 640:14, Shut Rav Pealim 4:6
  36. ↑ Magen Avraham O.C. 640:13, Shut Maharam Shik 89, Shulchan Aruch Harav 249:8 (who writes there that the meal can even be made on Friday for this reason, although Ketzos Hashulchan 69:6 disagrees). A firstborn fasting on Erev Pesach is allowed to eat at a Sheva Brachos meal made on that day. (Kaf Hachayim O.C. 470:13)
  37. ↑ Otzar Haposkim 62:25:3 quoting Hisorerus Teshuva 2:103, who writes that the bride and groom are certainly happy enough even without eating meat or drinking wine.
  38. ↑ Hanisuin K'Hilchatan pg. 512
  39. ↑ Madrich of German Jews (p. 60)
  40. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (Chupah VeKiddushin pg 301) rules that in order to make all 7 Brachot of Sheva Brachot one needs to fulfill three conditions: 1) it takes place in the house of groom, 2)there’s ten men there, and 3) there’s two new faces. On pg 307 he writes that when making a meal not in the house of the groom the one doing Zimmun makes Hagefen, and asher bara and then drink from the wine. He should also have the bride and groom and groom in mind and the bride and groom should have in mind to fulfill his obligation when making the Brachot and have them taste the wine afterwards. Siddur Kol Eliyahu (pg 916) which is based on the rulings of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu writes that the proper minhag is only to make the 7 Brachot when one is having the meal in the house of the bride and groom. However, some are lenient to have the 7 Brachot said by Ashkenazim who rely on those who say to make the Brachot. Rabbi Mansour on Daily Halacha quotes Chacham Baruch, Chacham Ovadyah Yosef, and Chacham Ezra Attiyah who agree that one can only two Brachot and not all sheva Brachot when it’s not taking place in the house of the groom. See Otzar haPoskim, Sh"t Vayashav HaYam vol. 2, Shemesh uMagen, Ohr LeTzion vol. 2, and Birkat Hashem vol.4 for different opinions.
  41. ↑ Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Parshat Bo 5781 min 35)
  42. ↑ Gemara Ketubot 7b. See Panim Chadashot New Faces on chabad.org.
  43. ↑ Nitei Gavriel Hilchot Nisuin 2:87:1
  44. ↑ Nitai Gavriel (Nesuin vol. 2, 86:3)
  45. ↑ Pitchei Teshuva (Even HaEzer 62:14), Yabia Omer (vol. 3 Even HaEzer 11), Yalkut Yosef (Sova Semachot 17:25), Mekor Chaim (HaLevi, vol 5 238:4), Nitei Gavriel Nissuin 87:3-4. Some deduce from the Rambam that he would allow women to count. See Shu"t BaMareh HaBazak 6:16 for a brief discussion.
  46. ↑ The Chelkat Mechokek EH 62:9 writes that you only need one new person for panim chadashot. This is also the opinion of the Aruch Hashulchan 62:24. Yabia Omer EH 3:11:2 is strict for the Rav Avraham Ben HaRambam (teshuva 86 and 110) in explaining the Rambam that two people are necessary.
  47. ↑ Maseches Sofrim 19:11 implies otherwise, but the Tur and Shulchan Aruch 62:5 indicate that only after a meal should Sheva Brachos be recited, and this is the ruling of the Aruch Hashulchan 62:26. See Yabia Omer 3:11:6 and Sefer Hanisuin K'Hilchatan p. 512 who write even Mezonos would be insufficient.
  48. ↑ Shut Shoel U’Meishiv Telisa’ah 1:198, Yabia Omer EH 3:11:6, Yalkut Yosef (Sova Semachot 1:16:4)
  49. ↑ See Pischei Teshuva 62:8, Nitai Gavriel, Nesuin 102:2, Yabia Omer EH 3:11:6, and Otzar Haposkim 62:25:5
  50. ↑ Yabia Omer 6:10:9, Tzitz Eliezer 13:99:4, Otzar Haposkim 62:25:6
  51. ↑ Ketubot 7a, Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer 62:6
  52. ↑ Pirkei DRabbi Eliezer 16
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