The Daily Halacha Moment - Blessing When Seeing An Elephant?
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
Is it true that one makes a blessing upon seeing an elephant?
Answer:
Upon seeing a monkey or elephant for the first time, one should recite the beracha of Meshaneh HaBriyot. However, if one sees another monkey or elephant afterward, the beracha cannot be repeated with Shem U’Malchut unless 30 days have passed, in which case it may be recited without Shem U’Malchut. Some Sephardic authorities hold that after 30 days, one may repeat the beracha with Shem U’Malchut. [1]
It is permissible to visit a zoo specifically to see an elephant or monkey in order to recite this beracha. [2] If one encounters an even greater abnormality than previously observed, one may recite the bracha again with Shem U’Malchut. [3] Additionally, if one has already recited the beracha upon seeing one type of creature, one may still recite it again upon seeing another creature with a different kind of unusual characteristic. [4] Beyond this specific beracha, visiting a zoo is considered permissible and even encouraged as a way to appreciate the wonders of Hashem’s creation.
Sources:
[1]. The Mishnah Berurah 225:30 writes that practically after 30 days one should only recite the beracha without Shem Umalchut. Vezot HaBracha, p. 156; Piskei Teshuvot 225:21; Kesot HaShulchan 66:8, Halacha Berurah 225:56; and Birkat Hashem, vol 4, p. 249 all agree and hold like the simple explanation of Shulchan Aruch that there’s no Beracha on the elephant or monkey every thirty days but only the first time. The Birkat Hashem adds that even if one didn’t make the Bracha the first time one can’t make it the second time. [This is in accordance with Biur Halacha 218:1 s.v. BeMakom.] However, Yalkut Yosef 225:21 writes that the minhag is to make the Beracha on the elephant and monkey every thirty days.
[2]. Orchot Rabbenu, vol. 1 p. 94.
[3]. Piskei Teshuvot 225:23.
[4]. Piskei Teshuvot 225 note 150.
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