Question: I have just returned home after a week in hospital where I underwent heart-surgery. My doctor said I should ask, should I bentch gomel now that I have recovered?
Answer: The Tur (OC 219:8) writes that there is a
machlokes among the rishonim as to how ill one must be in order
to recite the beracha of hagomel. Thus, the Shulchan Aruch (OC
219:8) follows Rambam who writes that anyone who was bedridden should bentch
gomel upon recovery. The Bach (119:4 quoted by the Magen Avraham 119:8) and
Elya Rabba (119:3) write that we follow the Shulchan Aruch.
The Kaf Hachaim (OC 219:8) and R’ Benzion
Abba Shaul (Ohr Letzion 2:14:n44) write that this even applies to one who was
bedridden and unable to move for a few hours.
Nonetheless, the Rema follows the Raavad who writes that this only
applies to a choleh who was dangerously ill and writes that this is the Ashkenazi
practice. The Levush (OC 219:8) and Aruch Hashulchan (OC 219:11) concur. The Taz (OC
219:5) defines this as one who has been bedridden for at least three days. Likewise, the Chayei Adam (1:65:6), Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (61:1) and
Ben Ish Chai (Ekev 1:7) write that one who was bedridden for three days recites
the beracha.
Nonetheless, the Mishna Berura (219:28; Biur
Halacha 219:8) writes that even if one was seriously ill for a shorter period
of time, one should bentch gomel.
R’ Avraham Avraham (Nishmat Avraham OC 219:2) quotes R’ Shalom
Elyashiv who maintained that anyone undergoing a procedure under general anaesthetic should bentch gomel (See Tzitz Eliezer 12:18; Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 23:2).
In conclusion, one who undergoes heart-surgery should bentch gomel
upon recovery.
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