When is the blessing over rain (birkat hageshamim) recited — is it only after a drought or whenever rain falls?
Synopsis
The Mechaber requires a prior drought for the blessing to apply. The Aruch HaShulchan, drawing on the Rambam, argues the blessing is triggered by exceptionally abundant rain, not merely post-drought relief, which would also explain why Ashkenazim don't recite it.
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Discussion
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