- All the Questions
'Harachaman's at end of Bentching- Obligatory?
Question
When in history did we start saying the "harachamans" at the end of benching (Birkat HaMazon)? Are there communities that don't say them? Are they obligatory?
Answer
The "HaRachamans" are not found in the ancient bentching found in the Cairo genizah, but are already found in the siddurs of R. Amram Gaon in Bavel, about 1150 years ago, and R. Saadya Gaon. Accordingly, as far as I know, they are said, with minor changes by all of the communities, and as all customs, obviously should be said, unless one is really in a hurry. They are also mentioned in the Tur (Or.Ch. 189) from about 650 years ago as a custom which is commonly known, and he suggests that it may stem from the bracha of the guest for his host which we recite after the 4 basic brachot, which is already found in the Talmud (Brachot 46a). Rav Ari Shvat (Chwat)

No-wedding days
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5772
Bracha for Water
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Nisan 25, 5783

Kabbalah and the General Public
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 18, 5774

Kashering China
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5783

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Orla
Shevat 19, 5771

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

A Day is a thousand years
Adar I 23, 5771

Investing in firm selling Chametz
Adar I 23, 5771

Hishtadlus and Bitachon- Human Efforts & God's Intervention
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 20, 5778

Kashering a dishwasher
Rabbi David Sperling | Cheshvan 23, 5778

WASHING CUP
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 9, 5782

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773
Automatic watch
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 23, 5783

touching of spouse in aninus and aveilus
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Sivan 5, 5783

Tying knots on Shabbos
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 24, 5783
