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Is There a Blessing or Jewish Prayer For Earthquakes?


By Menachem Posner

The Talmud (Berachot 54a) tells us that whoever witnesses an earthquake —as well as a number of other natural phenomena in which G‑d's awesome power is apparent —should immediately say either one of the following two blessings:

Baruch Atta Ado-noy Elo-hai-nu Melech ha'olam
osei ma'asei vereisheet.
translation: Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who reenacts the works of creation.

Baruch Atta Ado-noy Elo-hai-nu Melech ha'olam shekocho ugevurato malei olam.
translation: Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, whose power and might fill the world.

This helps bring into focus how the forces of nature are all truly from G‑d and expressions of His majesty.
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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Aug 23, 2011
Awesome
Since 3/11 earthquake and tsunami, we are still experiencing many tremors. There are no specific times and they last a while.
Posted By jwarrior, Yokohama, Japan

Posted: Aug 23, 2011
Once the earthquake is over...
After a few seconds have passed from when you felt the tremors, the blessing should be said without the middle "atah ...haolam".
Posted By Baruch Davidson

Posted: June 23, 2010
thanks!
be nice to see it in Hebrew writing!
Just recited both--earthquake in Montreal! Scary!
Posted By Rebecca , Montreal, QC

Posted: Feb 5, 2010
Earthquakes
That's good to know!
Living here in Southern California for 7 years, I have been through at least 4 that I could feel the house shaking.
I missed the opportunity, but not sure I am anxious for another one.
I guess it is something like Krias Yam Suf Shira (Song After the Splitting of the Sea)...we thank G-d for the Miracles not rejoice in the loss of life.
Posted By Bracha Mandelbaum-Levin, San Diego, CA

Posted: Jan 28, 2010
we also say it when we hear thunder and lightning
Posted By Anonymous, Brooklyn, NY



 


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