Q. Re- question 760 ( A Blessing in Disguise) on saying brochos in English for the purpose of kiruv. If one is in doubt whether to say a brocho or no, can it be said in English?
A. As we mentioned on question 760 in case of need, when one lacks the know how, one may recite brochos in other established languages (Shulchan Aruch O.H. 62:2, 185:1, 187:1, 206: 3, Igrois Moshe O.H. 2: 49). However, Poskim disagree if when someone is in doubt if he has to recite a brocho or no, (He may not remember if already said or no, or if is in doubt if he ate the right amount) if one should recite the blessing in Aramaic or any other language.
Some (Maharsham 1: 205, Rav Poalim O.H. 3: 7, Pnei Yehoshua - Brochos 12a) maintain that one may recite and there is no prohibition on mentioning Hashem's name in vain. Aruch Hashulachan ( O.H. 202: 3) adds that one should then keep in his mind that if he is liable to recite the brocho, his intent is so. If not it is to be only a praise.
However Rabi Akiva Eiger zt”l (M. K. 25) maintains that since for the purpose of oaths and promises, Hashem's names in other languages are valid, one equally transgresses, if they are said in vain. Similar opinions are the Ran in beginning of Nedarim, Chavas Daas (Y.D. 110, Emek Hashaila (Yisro Sheilta 53: 2), Kaf Hachaim (167: 70), Pischei Teshuva (Y.D. 328, 1), Igrois Moshe (O.H. 4: 40: 27)
There are disagreements as to what the opinion of the Chasam Sofer is (See Maharam Shick – Sefer Hamitzvos 69, Shem Mishimon Y.D. 24).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit”a opinion is that one should not say the full brocho in Aramaic or other languages when in doubt if he recited a brocho after eating. However, one may recite it without mentioning the Rach-mana name, but he should include Malka Dealma (King of the Universe) in the blessing.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
Important Numbers
