Brachos 37 – ברכות לז

Posted on September 7, 2012

The bracha on rice according to the Chachamim is Mezonos before and Shehakol after. The reason for this is because although rice is somewhat equated to the other grains in its sustenance abilities hence the Mezonos, nevertheless the bracha of Al Hamichya is reserved strictly for the Seven Species of Eretz Yisrael which is referred to in Al Hamichya. But how do we understand the opinion of Rabban Gamliel that one recites Al Hamichya after rice, since it is not a species unique to Eretz Yisrael?

Brachos 44 – ברכות מד

Posted on September 14, 2012

The Gemara says that outside of Eretz Yisrael one is meant to say ‘al haaretz v’al hapeiros’ which refers to the non Eretz Yisrael fruit which he is eating. However since the meaning of ‘al haaretz v’al hapeiros’ means ‘the land which produces these fruits’ (see Rashi who alludes to this translation cited on 49a) and the land presumably is referring back to Eretz Yisrael mentioned earlier in the bracha (al eretz chemda…) how can this phrase relate to the non Eretz Yisrael fruit?