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Question
Why are there no Brachot on Mitzvot which are "Bein Adam La’chaveiro"?
Answer
The Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235- 1310) in his Responsa (1: 18) brings several rules for why we don't say a Bracha for these Mitzvot;
1. A Mitzvah that is not fulfilled through an act will not have a Bracha – for instance Shmitat Ksafim - annulling the debts on the seventh year
2. A Mitzvah that is dependant on the will of another and therefore may theoretically not be fulfilled after the Bracha is recited – will not have a Bracha – for instance Tzedaka.
3. A Mitzvah that is a rectification of an Avera, for instance returning a stolen item
4. Handing over that which belongs to him by the word of Hashem, for instance tithing
(for more details see Har Tzvi Brachot 2)

Rosh Chodesh Av
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 28 Av 5766

Musar
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar 16, 5781

Word translation in Bereshit
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 18 Cheshvan 5766




