Q. Our son, who is not bar mitzvah yet was hit by a car, while on his scooter on way to school. B"H he was only bruised lightly and needed no medical attention. Does he have to say Hagomel? Who recites the brocho, he or I the father and he listens?
A. There are different opinions in the Poiskim in regards to reciting Birchas Hagomel by a minor.
1) He does not recite at all since he can not say "Lachayavim", as he is not yet liable for anything or it may entail disrespect to his father if he implies that he is the one liable (Mogen Avrohom 219: 1, quoting Maharam Mintz 14, Nitey Gavriel – Bar Mitzva 29: 1).
2) He can recite when if he is called for the Maftir Aliya (Ayn Eliezer 12, Nitey Gavriel – Bar Mitzva 29: 1).
3) He can recite the Brocho without the name of Hashem (Eishel Avrohom 219, Toras Chaim ibid. 1).
4) The child's father recites the Brocho (Peleh Yoetz in Chesed L'Alofim 219: 6, Mekor Chaim ibid.)
5) The father should not recite for his son (Sha'rei Efraim 4: 58, Nachlas Binyomin 58.)
6) The father can recite for his son the Brocho without the name of Hashem (Shulchan Gavo'a - end of O.H, Sharei Teshuva and Machazik Bracha 219: 1)
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that the father may recite Hagomel without the name of Hashem or he may also recite Hodu Lashem (Psalms 107).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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