Question: Our family has just returned from a holiday abroad. Should each of us bench gomel individually, or can one person recite it on behalf of everyone?
Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 219:5) explains
that if one person recites beracha of hagomel, others who hear it
can fulfil their obligation through listening, even if they do not respond ‘amen.’
However, this only applies if the person reciting the beracha intends to
fulfil the obligation on behalf of those listening, and the listeners intend to
fulfil their obligation in this way.
The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 167:18) states that it is
generally preferable for one person to recite the beracha on behalf of others,
rather than everyone reciting it individually, in keeping with the principle of
berov am hadras melech, that mitzvos are more glorified when
performed with greater communal participation (Berachos 53a; Yoma 70a; Megilla
27b, et al.). However, when it comes to berachos before eating, it is
customary for each person to recite their own beracha, as people are not
always diligent about avoiding interruptions between the beracha and the
act of eating.
The Mishna Berura (8:13; 223:12) further explains that not
everyone is knowledgeable enough to have the proper intention to fulfil either
their own obligation or that of others when listening to a beracha.
The Piskei Teshuvos (219:17) advises that each individual
who has travelled should personally recite the beracha of hagomel.
One person should only recite the beracha on behalf of others if they
all experienced the same specific incident together (see R’ Akiva Eiger OC
219:5).
In conclusion, each person who has travelled should recite
the beracha of hagomel individually, rather than relying on one
person to say it on behalf of the group.
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