Is a blessing recited on a river (or sea) whose course has been humanly altered or redirected?
Synopsis
All authorities agree that a blessing is only recited where the river/sea remains in its original primordial state. Where humans have dug or redirected the waterway, it is no longer 'ma'aseh bereshit' and no blessing is said.
More in Blessings on Natural Phenomena
What blessing is recited upon seeing oceans, rivers, hills, mountains, and deserts?
2 opinions
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
On which hills and mountains is a blessing recited?
2 opinions
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Discussion
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