[Avodah] Sheva Brachot

[kennethgmiller at juno.com]

R' Chanani Sandler asked:
> Since there is a halacha to "bentch" on a Kos Shel Bracha, why do
> we call it "Sheva Brachot" if there are really only six Brachot
> that are associated with the occasion?

Here are a few possible answers, just off the top of my head:

1) Even though Hagafen would be said anyway, we *are* saying a total of seven on this occasion.

2) Perhaps we count Hagafen toward the seven because of the many occasions when we *don't* use a kos shel bracha for benching.

3) I suspect the most likely answer might be that our use of the term "sheva brachos" for the week-long meals is only a carryover from using that term at the chupa. And at the chupa, all seven count, even the Hagafen, because "a kallah without seven blessings is forbidden to her husband." (I hope I'm not misquoting that line; I can't find its source at the moment.)

Akiva Miller




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