QUESTION: If the reason to say “savri rabosai” before the beracha of hagafen is to give people warning to stop eating, why do we recite savri robasai before kiddush and havdalah? Before Kiddush and Havdalah, no one is eating.

ANSWER: Rishonim write that the custom is to recite “savri rabosai” before all instances of pri hagafen, even when it is not necessary, so as not to lead to confusion (Siddur Rashi, siman 421). The Tzlach (Berachos 43a) writes that there is another benefit to reciting “savri rabosai”: This introduction serves as an invitation to those assembled to listen and fulfill their obligation with the beracha. The Gemara (Berachos 43a) states that one may only recite borei pri hagafen on behalf of others if they are all reclining together. Shulchan Aruch (OC 213:1) writes that today, since it is no longer the custom to recline, we do not require everyone to recline, we only require that everyone be seated. Mishnah Berurah writes that although it is a requirement for all to be sitting, bedi’eved (after the fact) even if they were all standing, so long as the everyone had intent to fulfill their obligation, it is enough. Since the proper way to fulfill the beracha is seated, why is it that many have the custom to stand for Kiddush and Havdalah? The Tzlach answers that the phrase “savri rabosai” serves to join all those who are listening together, as though they were all sitting together.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.