What blessing is recited upon seeing oceans, rivers, hills, mountains, and deserts?
Synopsis
The standard blessing upon seeing impressive natural features — oceans, rivers, hills, mountains, and deserts — is 'oseh ma'aseh bereshit' (creator of the original creations). The Mishnah Berurah explains that this blessing reflects recognition of something created at the six days of creation that still endures.
More in Blessings on Natural Phenomena
Which body of water merits the special blessing 'creator of the great sea' (oseh ha-yam ha-gadol) — the Mediterranean or the Ocean?
5 opinions across 3 eras
If one recited 'oseh ma'aseh bereshit' instead of 'oseh ha-yam ha-gadol' upon the great sea, does one fulfill the obligation after the fact (b'dieved)?
1 opinions
What is the correct nusach (wording) of the blessing for the great sea — present tense 'oseh' or past tense 'she-asah'?
2 opinions
On which rivers does one recite a blessing — only the four Edenic rivers, or any large river known from the six days of creation?
4 opinions
Is a blessing recited on a river (or sea) whose course has been humanly altered or redirected?
4 opinions
On which hills and mountains is a blessing recited?
2 opinions
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Discussion
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