Dear Rabbi, What blessing is recited over the Great Sea? Thank you.
Shalom u’vracha, One who sees an ocean [the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, or the Atlantic Ocean] recites:
“Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, Who made the Great Sea.”
Regarding one who sees the Mediterranean Sea, the poskim disagree as to whether it is considered the Great Sea, in which case one recites “Who made the Great Sea,” or whether it is not considered the Great Sea, in which case one recites “Who performs the work of Creation.” In practice, the Mishnah Berurah rules that one should recite “Who performs the work of Creation.” However, later poskim wrote of good advice: immediately, within the time frame of toch kedei dibbur, he should add, “Who made the Great Sea.” [That is, he should recite: “Who performs the work of Creation—Who made the Great Sea.”] However, Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt”l writes in his work Chazon Ovadia that the ruling should follow the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch: even upon seeing the Mediterranean Sea, one recites, “Who made the Great Sea.” It is important to note that one may recite the blessing only if thirty days have passed since he last saw the sea over which he is reciting the blessing. With blessings, Rabbi David Ohayon
This response was translated automatically from Hebrew and has not yet been reviewed by a person. It may therefore contain inaccuracies and should not be considered a definitive reference.
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