Blessings Miscellaneous

Besides the basic daily blessings—e.g., for eating or drinking, and those that are part of the prayers—there are a variety of other blessings recited on different occasions. This is characteristic of the Jewish habit to recognize G‑d’s hand in everything one experiences, and to humbly articulate this recognition.

The following are some of the more common blessings (all start with “Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe . . .”).

After exiting the restroom and washing your hands, thank G‑d for normal bodily function, for “forming man in wisdom . . .” For the complete blessing, click here.

It is a Jewish characteristic to recognize G‑d’s hand in everything, and to humbly articulate this recognitionBefore enjoying a delightful fragrance: . . . Who creates various kinds of spices.

When donning a new valuable garment, or partaking of a seasonal fruit for the first time: . . . Who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Upon seeing a shooting star, comet, earthquake, volcano, tornado, hurricane, lightning bolt (once per storm), ocean or majestic mountain (for the first time in thirty days): . . . Who re-enacts the work of creation.

Upon hearing thunder (once per storm): . . . Whose power and might fill the world.

Upon seeing a rainbow: . . . Who remembers the covenant [to Noah], and is faithful to His covenant and keeps His promise.

After surviving a life-threatening situation (e.g., a serious illness or auto accident), or a journey overseas, recite the Hagomel blessing in the presence of ten men (if possible, after receiving an aliyah): . . . Who bestows goodness upon the culpable, for He has bestowed goodness upon me. (The congregation responds: May He who has bestowed goodness upon you always bestow every goodness upon you.)

When embarking upon a journey a distance of more than 72 minutes outside city limits, recite the Traveler’s Prayer. For the text of this brief prayer, click here.

Note: The above are the bare basics only. Consult your rabbi (or the Abridged Code of Jewish Law) for the rest of the rules regulating these blessings—the whens and hows, etc.