Frequently Asked Questions about Sheva Berachot

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A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sheva Berachot

1) Do we have to have to hold Sheva Berachot every day? How many meals per day? There is no requirement to hold Sheva Berachot each day.1 Nevertheless, the couple should remain among family and friends and should not go on a "honeymoon."2 One should try to hold Sheva Berachot each day.3 One should try to hold Sheva Berachot twice a day.4 2) What is the law regarding Sheva Berachot for a second marriage? If it is a second marriage for both the bride and groom, one only recites Sheva Berachot on the day of the wedding. If it is a first marriage for one of them, they recite sheva Berachot for seven days.5 3) Can you please explain the concept of "panim chadashot" (new faces) and its role in Sheva Berachot? The recitation of Sheva Berachot for the seven days after the wedding was instituted to allow those who missed the berachot at the wedding to hear them. If everyone in attendance was at the wedding, then there is no obligation to recite Sheva Berachot and its recitation is not warranted.6 If someone was present for the berachot at the wedding but not the meal, they are considered panim chadashot.7 Only one new person is required.8 Two new people are required.9 4) Who qualifies for panim chadashot? The panim chadashot should be people that bring added joy to the occasion.10 The panim chadashot must be worthy of being counted towards a minyan. Therefore, women and children cannot be considered panim chadashot.11 Women and children qualify for panim chadashot.12 5) If we are making Sheva Berachot in a restaurant and there are no panim chadashot, can I call over someone from another table? Someone from another table does not qualify as panim chadashot unless they eat part of the meal with the bride and groom. Someone from another table may be used for panim chadashot.13
1 2

Rav Pealim, Even Ha'Ezer 4:6. Yabia Omer, Even Ha'Ezer 3:11:11. 3 Sova Semachot ch. 1 note 5*. 4 The "Chiddushei HaRim" cited in Siach Sarfei Kodesh 1:527. 5 Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:6. 6 Shulchan Aruch, Ever Ha'Ezer 62:7. 7 Opinion cited in Shulchan Aruch, ibid. 8 Chelkat Mechokek 62:9, and Beit Shmuel 62:7. 9 S'dei Chemed, Ma'arechet Berachot 3:11, notes some opinions that require more than one new person and rules that if there is no established minhag to recite with just one new person, one should be concerned for these opinions. 10 Chelkat Mechokek 62:13, and Beit Shmuel 62:10. 11 Zechor L'Avraham cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:14. 12 Chatam Sofer, Ketubot 7b, s.v. B'Makhelot. 13 Shulchan Ha'Ezer 12:1 (note 8) discusses the practice that was prevalent in his time that they would pull someone off the street to fulfill the requirement for panim chadashot. He initially states that they should not qualify as panim chadashot because they don't add any joy to the occasion. However, he provides two justifications for this practice. First, if this person eats with the bride and groom, he can be considered panim chadashot. Second, perhaps some Rishonim are of the opinion that the panim chadashot requirement is in order
A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

6) Is there a requirement for panim chadashot on Shabbat? We do not require panim chadashot on Shabbat.14 We require panim chadashot on Shabbat.15 We require panim chadashot for seudah shlishit or a derasha from the groom.16 7) If there are no panim chadashot, is there a point in making a meal? Is there anything special one should say? There is a mitzvah to make a festive meal for the bride and groom even if there are no panim chadashot and the Sheva Berachot won't be recited.17 If there are no panim chadashot, but there is a minyan, one recites (Nodeh L'shimcha (the zimun for a brit milah)18 but adding shehasimcha b'me'ono and19) (the zimun for an ordinary Sheva Berachot and20) the last of the berachot (Asher Bara).21 8) What happens if there is no minyan at the Sheva Berachos? One may recite Asher Bara as long as there is a zimun.22 One also adds shehasimcha b'me'ono to the zimun.23 One should not recite shehasimcha b'me'ono without a minyan.24 9) What if one of the newlyweds is not there? One may recite Sheva Berachot if only the groom is present.25 One may recite Sheva Berachot if the bride or groom are present.26 Even if neither the bride nor groom are there, if the meal was made in honor of the wedding (e.g. they got stuck in traffic), one may recite Sheva Berachot.27 The bride and groom must both be present for Sheva Berachot.28 10) Is it permissible to speak during the recitation of Sheva Berachot? What about singing "gila rinah" or other songs in the middle of the berachot?

that any member of the Jewish people can bless the bride and groom and therefore, there doesn't need to be any connection between the new person and the bride and groom. 14 Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:8, does not require panim chadashot for the first two Shabbat meals. 15 The Vilna Gaon, cited in Piskei HaGra, Even Ha'Ezer 62:8, felt that according to Rambam, there is a requirement of panim chadashot on Shabbat. 16 Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:8, requires panim chadashot at seudah shlishit. Rama writes that common practice is to recite Sheva Berachot at seudah shlishit because there are usually panim chadashot. According to Aruch HaShulchan, Even Ha'Ezer 62:30, this applies even if there are no panim chadashot. According to Chochmat Adam, 129:5, this only applies if there are panim chadashot. 17 See Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:5-7. The idea of panim chadashot is phrased by Shulchan Aruch as "if there are panim chadashot," implying that there is a mitzvah to make a festive meal regardless of the panim chadashot. 18 Beit Shmuel 62:11 and Chochmat Adam 129:7. 19 See notes 23 and 24. 20 Minhagei Maharil, Hilchot Nisuin no. 7. 21 Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:7. 22 Shulchan Aruch and Rama, Even Ha'Ezer 62:4. 23 Shulchan Aruch, Even Ha'Ezer 62:13. The question of whether one recites Devai Haser or Nodeh L'Shimcha is dependent on the opinions in notes 18 and 20. 24 Taz, Even Ha'Ezer 62:2. 25 Yam Shel Shlomo, Ketuvot 1:20. 26 Pachad Yitzchak, Erech Birkat Chatanim, quoting a specific incident. 27 R. Yosef Molcho, Hashmatot to Ohel Yosef. 28 Agudah, Ketuvot no. 7.
A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Ideally, those present should not speak from the beginning of the zimun until the end of the Sheva Berachot.29 It is permissible to sing during the berachot as long as the one reciting the berachot doesn't sing along and everyone can hear his entire recitation.30 One should refrain from singing during Sheva Berachot.31 11) Why are there so many cups of wine and what do I do with them? One of the cups is the ordinary cup of wine that accompanies Birkat HaMazon (on special occasions).32 The second cup is the cup used by those reciting the other six berachot.33 A custom arose to mix the two cups before anyone drinks.34 A custom arose to mix the two cups after the person leading Birkat HaMazon drinks from his cup.35 One then gives the mixture to the bride and groom in separate cups.36 12) Do we drink the wine at Seudah Shlishit? You do not recite Borei P'ri Hagafen and you do not drink the wine at Seudah Shlishit (if it finishes at the time of havdalah).37 Rather, after havdalah, the wine is distributed to the bride and groom the same way it is normally distributed during Sheva Berachot.38 You may recite Borei P'ri HaGafen and drink the wine.39 Only the bride and groom should drink the wine.40 13) Does someone have to eat bread in order to be counted in the minyan or recite one of the berachot? At least seven adult males must eat bread.41 At least three adult males must eat bread.42 There is no requirement for anyone to eat bread.43 One may recite the berachot even if he didn't eat at the meal.44 One may not recite one of the berachot if he didn't eat at the meal.45 14) If the couple is at another simcha/meal (e.g. shul dinner, bar mitzvah), can we recite Sheva Berachot?
29 30

Mishna Berurah 183:21. Nitei Gavriel, Nisuin ch. 95 note 18, quoting a number of Chasidic rebbes. 31 Sova Semachot 4:26. 32 Mishna Berurah 182:4, rules that one is not required to use a cup of wine for Birkat HaMazon, but it is preferable to use one. 33 Rama, Even Ha'Ezer 62:9. 34 Chupat Chatanim 9:21. 35 Aruch HaShulchan, Even Ha'Ezer 62:18. 36 Nitei Gavriel, Hilchot Nisuin 105:17 notes that we give separate cups to the bride and groom because we assume that she is a niddah and there are certain restrictions regarding sharing a kos shel beracha. 37 Chochmat Shlomo, Orach Chaim 299:4 and R. Chaim Soloveitchik, cited in Sova Semachot 4:53. 38 Sova Semachot ch. 4 note 196 39 Eshel Avraham Tinyana no. 299. Nitei Gavriel, Nisuin 106:1, claims that most poskim follow this view. 40 Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:69. 41 Zechor L'Avraham cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:8. While the language used by Zechor L'Avraham and Pitchei Teshuva is "rov," R. Ovadia Yosef, Yabia Omer, Even Ha'Ezer, 3:11:6, writes that he is referring to "ruba d'minkar," the requirement for zimun using God's name, which is seven. 42 Ha'Elef Lecha Shlomo, Orach Chaim no. 93. 43 Otzar HaPoskim 62:25, quotes numerous Rishonim and Acharonim who do not require one to recite Sheva Berachot at a meal. 44 Shraga HaMeir 1:58. 45 Yabia Omer, Even Ha'Ezer, 3:11:7 citing China V'Chisda.
A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

If the meal was not made in their honor, one may not recite Sheva Berachot.46 If something special was done for the bride and groom such as dancing in their honor or food was added in their honor, one may recite Sheva Berachot.47 15) Do we have the whole seventh day to recite Sheva Berachot? The Sheva Berachot must end before the beginning of the seventh day (i.e. if the couple got married on Tuesday at noon, Tuesday is the first day and last of the Sheva Berachot must take place before sundown on Sunday night). 48 The Sheva Berachot are finished seven full days after the wedding.49 The start time is calculated from the time of the chupah.50 The start is calculated from the beginning of the wedding meal.51 If the meal began during the time of Sheva Berachot, one may recite the Sheva Berachot after the proper time.52 One must conclude the recitation of the Sheva Berachot by the final time for Sheva Berachot, even if the meal started earlier.53

46 47

Meiri, Sukkah 25b. Moadim UZmanim 3:246, note 3. 48 Kneset Yechezkel, cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:12. 49 Ginat Veradim, cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:12. 50 Chelkat Mechokek 62:7. 51 Kneset Yechezkel, cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:12. 52 Kneset HaGedolah, cited in Ba'er Heitev, Even Ha'Ezer 62:5 as understood by Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:12. 53 Ginat Veradim, cited in Pitchei Teshuva, Even Ha'Ezer 62:12.
A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sheva Berachot

1) Do we have to have to hold Sheva Berachot every day? How many meals per day? There is no requirement to hold Sheva Berachot each day. Nevertheless, the couple should remain among family and friends and should not go on a "honeymoon." One should try to hold Sheva Berachot each day. One should try to hold Sheva Berachot twice a day. 2) What is the law regarding Sheva Berachot for a second marriage? If it is a second marriage for both the bride and groom, one only recites Sheva Berachot on the day of the wedding. If it is a first marriage for one of them, they recite sheva Berachot for seven days. 3) Can you please explain the concept of "panim chadashot" (new faces) and its role in Sheva Berachot? The recitation of Sheva Berachot for the seven days after the wedding was instituted to allow those who missed the berachot at the wedding to hear them. If everyone in attendance was at the wedding, then there is no obligation to recite Sheva Berachot and its recitation is not warranted. If someone was present for the berachot at the wedding but not the meal, they are considered panim chadashot. Only one new person is required. Two new people are required. 4) Who qualifies for panim chadashot? The panim chadashot should be people that bring added joy to the occasion. The panim chadashot must be worthy of being counted towards a minyan. Therefore, women and children cannot be considered panim chadashot. Women and children qualify for panim chadashot. 5) If we are making Sheva Berachot in a restaurant and there are no panim chadashot, can I call over someone from another table? Someone from another table does not qualify as panim chadashot unless they eat part of the meal with the bride and groom. Someone from another table may be used for panim chadashot. 6) Is there a requirement for panim chadashot on Shabbat? We do not require panim chadashot on Shabbat. We require panim chadashot on Shabbat. We require panim chadashot for seudah shlishit or a derasha from the groom. 7) If there are no panim chadashot, is there a point in making a meal? Is there anything special one should say? There is a mitzvah to make a festive meal for the bride and groom even if there are no panim chadashot and the Sheva Berachot won't be recited. If there are no panim chadashot, but there is a minyan, one recites (Nodeh L'shimcha (the zimun for a brit milah) but adding shehasimcha b'me'ono and) (the zimun for an ordinary Sheva Berachot and) the last of the berachot (Asher Bara). 8) What happens if there is no minyan at the Sheva Berachos? One may recite Asher Bara as long as there is a zimun. One also adds shehasimcha b'me'ono to the zimun. One should not recite shehasimcha b'me'ono without a minyan. 9) What if one of the newlyweds is not there? One may recite Sheva Berachot if only the groom is present. One may recite Sheva Berachot if the bride or groom are present. Even if neither the bride nor groom are there, if the meal was made in honor of the wedding (e.g. they got
A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.

stuck in traffic), one may recite Sheva Berachot. The bride and groom must both be present for Sheva Berachot. 10) Is it permissible to speak during the recitation of Sheva Berachot? What about singing "gila rinah" or other songs in the middle of the berachot? Ideally, those present should not speak from the beginning of the zimun until the end of the Sheva Berachot. It is permissible to sing during the berachot as long as the one reciting the berachot doesn't sing along and everyone can hear his entire recitation. One should refrain from singing during Sheva Berachot. 11) Why are there so many cups of wine and what do I do with them? One of the cups is the ordinary cup of wine that accompanies Birkat HaMazon (on special occasions). The second cup is the cup used by those reciting the other six berachot. A custom arose to mix the two cups before anyone drinks. A custom arose to mix the two cups after the person leading Birkat HaMazon drinks from his cup. One then gives the mixture to the bride and groom in separate cups. 12) Do we drink the wine at Seudah Shlishit? You do not recite Borei P'ri Hagafen and you do not drink the wine at Seudah Shlishit (if it finishes at the time of havdalah). Rather, after havdalah, the wine is distributed to the bride and groom the same way it is normally distributed during Sheva Berachot. You may recite Borei P'ri HaGafen and drink the wine. Only the bride and groom should drink the wine. 13) Does someone have to eat bread in order to be counted in the minyan or recite one of the berachot? At least seven adult males must eat bread. At least three adult males must eat bread. There is no requirement for anyone to eat bread. One may recite the berachot even if he didn't eat at the meal. One may not recite one of the berachot if he didn't eat at the meal. 14) If the couple is at another simcha/meal (e.g. shul dinner, bar mitzvah), can we recite Sheva Berachot? If the meal was not made in their honor, one may not recite Sheva Berachot. If something special was done for the bride and groom such as dancing in their honor or food was added in their honor, one may recite Sheva Berachot. 15) Do we have the whole seventh day to recite Sheva Berachot? The Sheva Berachot must end before the beginning of the seventh day (i.e. if the couple got married on Tuesday at noon, Tuesday is the first day and last of the Sheva Berachot must take place before sundown on Sunday night). The Sheva Berachot are finished seven full days after the wedding. The start time is calculated from the time of the chupah. The start is calculated from the beginning of the wedding meal. If the meal began during the time of Sheva Berachot, one may recite the Sheva Berachot after the proper time. One must conclude the recitation of the Sheva Berachot by the final time for Sheva Berachot, even if the meal started earlier.

A service of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future. The Halachic opinions in this document do not necessarily represent those of Yeshiva University or the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.