A Guide to the Thanksgiving Blessing – Bentching Gomel
Introduction to ‘Bentching Gomel’
HaGomel is a prayer said to thank God for having enabled one to emerge safely from a dangerous situation.
It is said by both men and women.
Common situations in which one would Bentch Gomel include, but are not limited to:
- Safely completing a long journey, particularly one involving travel across water or a desert and certainly one that was hazardous.
- The safe delivery of a baby.
- Surviving a serious accident.
- Surviving an earthquake, terrorist attack, etc.
- Recovering from a serious illness or operation.
HaGomel should ideally be said within three days of the relevant event, but in any case, at the first available opportunity.
For more details of the circumstances in which HaGomel is said, please contact Rabbi Hackenbroch rabbiph@woodsidepark.org.uk
When do I Bentch Gomel?
HaGomel at WPS, is usually said during or directly after the reading of the Torah on a Shabbat morning or during the Shacharit service on Monday and Thursday morning.
WPS offer a supportive environment for women who wish to say HaGomel. Please email women@woodsidepark.org.uk We can put you in contact with a local woman happy to teach it to you and/or provide support within the shul service.
Please click here to download the Guide to the Thanksgiving Blessing – Bentching Gomel.
