Q. Is the reciting of a hundred brochos every day an obligation for all, a Mitzva or just a mihag or tradition?
A. Based on Talmud (Menochos 43: 2), Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 46: 3), Rambam (H. Tefila 7: 1), Smag (A 19), Zohar (Korach), and others rule that one is obliged to bless every day one hundred blessings. Poskim mostly write that although it is based on a posuk of the Torah, (Devarim 10: 12) it is only a Rabbinical obligation, and the posuk is only an 'asmachta' (not a proper drasha. just a hint or intimation).
However, Behag (quoted in Sefer Hamitzvos, shoresh 1) maintains that it is part of the 613 Mitzvos. (Sdei Chemed Maarechet 8: Klal 34 debates if indeed the Behag holds that it is a mitzva from the Torah or only Rabbinic).
Nevertheless, Chida (Machazik Bracha 290: 1) mentions that it is only a 'Midas Chassidus" or virtuous practice. Aterez Paz (O.H. 87) debates his meaning.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that it is a Rabbinical mitzva.
See question 1992 regarding whether women are liable to recite meah brochos every day.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
