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In this week's Parashah, Parashat Yitro, the Mitzvah of Kibbud Av Va’Eim is introduced (Shemot 20:12). Generally, the performance of a Mitzvat Asei is preceded by a Brachah. However, one does not recite Brachot on Mitzvot such as Kibud Av Va’Eim, Gemilut Chassadim, and Tzedakah. Why is this so?
In his Parashah Sefer “להשתבח בתהלתך”, Rav Aharon Pessin addresses why Brachot are not recited upon these Mitzvot. He quotes the Gemara (Chullin 92a) where Ulla says that the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach are really thirty Mitzvot*, with the Sheva Mitzvot being “Klalim”, or general rules, and the thirty Ulla refers to being “Pratim”, or specific rules. For example, the Klal of Avodah Zara includes the Pratim of worshiping Ov or Yidoni.
Interestingly enough, listed among these thirty Mitzvot are both Kibbud Av Va’Eim and Gemilut Chassadim. Rav Pessin explains that the reason we do not make Brachot on these Mitzvot is because they are included on this list of Mitzvot that Nochrim have accepted upon themselves as Pratim of the Sheva Mitzvot. How could we say Asher Kidishanu BeMitzvotav ViTzivanu when this Mitzvah applies to both Jews and non-Jews?
Tzedakah, however, is not included on this list. Rav Pessin offers multiple explanations as to why we don’t make a Brachah on this very important Mitzvah. First, he explains that when one gives Tzedakah to the Shul Gabbai or puts money in a Tzedakah box, the Mitzvah isn’t completed, as the poor person has not yet received the money. Therefore, one does not make a Brachah on this Mitzvah. However, many times one gives Tzedakah directly to the poor person, so what about then!? Rav Pessin explains that if one were to make a Brachah “Al Mitzvat Tzedakah” before the poor person it would be incredibly degrading. Therefore, we do not make a Brachah on this Mitzvah.
These ideas show the importance of respect for others. Kibbud Av Va’Eim and Chessed are both Mitzvot where one services another. These Mitzvot are so important that even Nochrim are obligated to fulfill them, and thus we do not make a Brachah. Likewise, the Mitzvah of Tzedakah is fulfilled by giving money or food to people in need. However, we must recognize that Kavod HaBriyot is of the utmost importance, and no Brachah is recited in order to spare the recipient of Tzedakah from any extra pain. We must always make sure that our actions, even Mitvzot, do not cause pain towards others.
* Rav Pessin quotes רב חפני גאון and lists the thirty Mitzvot; however, I was unable to find רב חפני גאון’s work online and source it here