Collective or Individual Gomel

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) rules that if one person recites the beracha of hagomel, others who hear it may fulfil their obligation through listening, even without responding amen. This applies only if the one reciting the beracha intends to discharge the obligation of those listening, and the listeners likewise intend to fulfil their obligation in this manner.

The Shulchan Aruch Harav (OC 167:18) writes that, in general, it is preferable for one person to recite a beracha on behalf of others, rather than each individual reciting it separately. This follows the principle of berov am hadras Melech, that mitzvos are enhanced when performed with greater communal participation (see Berachos 53a; Yoma 70a; Megilla 27b). An exception is made for berachos before eating, where the widespread practice is for each person to recite their own, since it is difficult to ensure there will be no interruption between the beracha and eating.

The Mishna Berura (8:13; 223:12) points out that many people are not careful enough to have the proper intention, whether to fulfil their own obligation or to enable others to fulfil theirs, when listening to a beracha.

Accordingly, the Piskei Teshuvos (219:17) rules that each person who has travelled should recite the beracha of hagomel individually. Only when a group has experienced the very same incident together may one person recite it on behalf of all (see R’ Akiva Eiger OC 219:5).

In conclusion, each traveller should recite the beracha of hagomel individually, rather than relying on one person to do so on behalf of the group.

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