Chapter 60:7-9
Blessing Recited over Unusual Sights
7. At the outset, it is proper to recite this blessing immediately upon the
appearance of the sun, for "the eager perform the mitzvos promptly." It is
proper, if possible, to recite the blessing with many people gathered
together, as [Proverbs 14:28] states: "In the multitude of people is the
glory of the king." (Thus, it is proper to announce the blessing on the
previous day, so that people will know to assemble.)
If it is impossible to gather people immediately in the morning, a person
should not delay his recitation of the blessing. Rather, he should recite
it immediately, as soon as he sees the sun shining, for the concept of "the
eager perform mitzvos promptly" takes precedence over the concept of "in
the multitude of people is the glory of the king."*
* {Based on the Mishnoh B'rurah's decision in the Bi'ur Halachah, Chapter
426, it appears that he favors the concept of "in the multitude of people"
over the concept of "the eager perform the mitzvos promptly." Accordingly,
when discussing this blessing (229, Sha'ar Hatziyun 1), he suggests
reciting the blessing by oneself upon seeing the sun if the day is cloudy,
when it is possible that the sun will not be seen again later.}
After the fact, if one did not recite the blessing in the early morning,
one may recite it until three hours of the day have passed. Under difficult
circumstances, its recitation may be postponed until noon.*
* {These three hours are "seasonal hours," as described in Chapter 17.}
Therefore, if in the morning the sun is covered by clouds, one should wait
until close to noon, hoping that the sun will be revealed and we will be
able to recite the blessing, mentioning G-d's name and His sovereignty over
the world. If the sun is not revealed, the blessing should be recited
without mentioning G-d's name, and His sovereignty over the world.
(The last time this blessing was recited was 5629. It shall be recited
again, with G-d's help, in 5657,5685, 5713, and 5769. May it be G-d's will
that we will merit the light of the seven days of creation.)
8. When a person for whom G-d wrought a miracle that transcends natural law
sees the place where the miracle occurred, he should recite the blessing:
Boruch Attoh A-d-o-n-o-i E-l-o-h-e-i-n-u Melech ho'olom she'osoh li neis
bamokom hazeh. (Blessed are You, G-d, our Lord, King of the Universe, Who
wrought a miracle for me in this place.) (See also Chapter 61, Law 3.)
One's sons and grandsons, even those who were born prior to the occurrence
of this miracle, and should recite a blessing [when they see this place].
Which blessing should they recite? One's son should recite the blessing:
she'osoh l'avi neis bamokom hazeh. (who wrought a miracle for my father in
this place.)
If many sons come to that place together, they recite l'avinu - our father
- instead of l'avi. One's grandson states la'avosai instead. If many
grandsons come to the same place, they state la'avoseinu.
If many miracles were wrought for a person, he must recall them all when he
comes to any of the places where one occurred. He should include them all
in the same blessing, saying: she'osoh li neis bamokom hazeh uv'makom ploni
(who wrought miracles for me here and at -----). His descendants should
also mention all the other places.
9. A person who sees a great Jewish Torah Sage should recite the blessing:
Boruch Attoh A-d-o-n-o-i E-l-o-h-e-i-n-u Melech ho'olom shecholak
mechochmoso liyrei'ov. (Blessed are You, G-d, our Lord, King of the
Universe, Who apportioned His wisdom to those who fear Him.)(The word
shecholak - who apportioned - is used because Jews are "a part of G-d" [see
Job 31:2] and united with Him.)
A person who sees a gentile who has achieved great wisdom in secular
sciences should recite the blessing: Boruch Attoh A-d-o-n-o-i
E-l-o-h-e-i-n-u Melech ho'olom shenosan mik'vodo l'vosor vodom. (Blessed
are You, G-d, our Lord, King of the Universe, Who gave of His wisdom to
flesh and blood.)
