Series: Daily Shiur

Venue: Jerusalem Jerusalem

Gemara:

Berachot,  Pesachim 

Halacha:

Brachot,  Orach Chaim 

Collections: Rabbi Berzon: Berachot 2015

Description

In this shiur on Masechet Berachot 43b, we will analyze the nature of Birchas Hare'ach, the blessing on smelling a pleasant odor. Our primary focus is on the classification of this Beracha: is this a Bracha on הנאה, i.e a beracha required to permit one to enjoy pleasure from this world, or is it a Birchas HaShevach, i.e. a blessing that expresses thanks and gratitude to Hashem? We will study a number of נפק"מ that depend upon the precise classification of this Beracha. Our analysis begins with the question of the Tzlach: why does the sugya derive this beracha from Kol HaNeshama etc., rather than from the universal Halacha of ברכת הנהנין? Why the need for a separate source for this beracha? We will discuss the debate re: incense.