We begin by acknowledging the memory of Hacham David Hayim ben Mazal, of blessed memory, who passed away recently. His children made a generous contribution to memorialize him, making this a merit for his soul. We also remember Dan Ya'koel, of blessed memory, on his 44th day. This discussion is dedicated to Terek Elim, Amir Ben Mordechai, Tan Saba, and appears on page 95.
Today, we address a unique aspect of the blessing over wine, Borei Pri HaGefen. Normally, when one recites the blessing of Hamotzi to begin a meal, it covers all other food items consumed during that meal. For instance, if one makes Hamotzi, there is no need to make a separate blessing on lemonade, Snapple, or birch beer. However, a significant exception applies to wine: one must recite a separate blessing over it. Our question today is: why does the blessing of Hamotzi not cover wine? We will explore four answers.
The first answer is found in the Gemara in Berachot, page 41, which states that wine "calls for its own blessing." This means that wine is treated as a distinct item, often used ceremonially even when not consumed out of thirst. For example, at a wedding, a Brit Milah, or for Kiddush on Friday night, wine is presented as part of the ceremony, regardless of whether anyone is thirsty. Similarly, for Havdalah, wine is used even if one has no desire to drink. This ceremonial significance demonstrates that wine is considered special and important, elevating the blessing of Borei Pri HaGefen in the hierarchy of blessings, such that it is not overridden by Hamotzi.
The second answer, presented by Tosafot, focuses on the origin of wine. Grapes, from which wine is made, typically receive the blessing of Borei Pri HaEtz. However, the juice of most fruits, being a "fruit of the fruit," generally receives the blessing of Shehakol Nihyeh Bidvaro. Yet, for wine, a unique blessing, Borei Pri HaGefen, is specifically designated. This blessing acknowledges wine as the "fruit of the vine." This is distinct from all other fruit juices, which are usually covered by Shehakol. The fact that wine has its own unique blessing, Borei Pri HaGefen, indicates its special status, preventing it from being covered by Hamotzi.
The third interpretation highlights the comprehensive nature of the blessing over wine. Just as Hamotzi covers all food items during a meal, the blessing of Borei Pri HaGefen, once recited, covers all other beverages subsequently consumed. For example, if one recites Borei Pri HaGefen and drinks wine, they do not need to recite a blessing on other drinks like fruit punch or Tang, provided certain conditions are met. This all-encompassing quality for beverages is a unique status for Borei Pri HaGefen, distinguishing it from other blessings like Shehakol, which, while also all-encompassing, is inherently so due to its general nature. The novelty lies in Borei Pri HaGefen extending its coverage to diverse beverages beyond its specific item.
The fourth answer, found in the Or Zaruah, points to another special blessing associated with wine: Hatov Vehametiv. If, during a meal, a superior or equally good wine is brought to the table after an initial wine has been blessed with Borei Pri HaGefen, a new blessing, Hatov Vehametiv, is recited. This phenomenon does not occur with any other beverage. For instance, if one drinks an orange Snapple and then a raspberry Snapple, no new blessing is made. Even with other aged beverages like scotch, one does not recite a new blessing for a superior vintage. The ability to recite Hatov Vehametiv for a subsequent wine demonstrates wine's exceptionally distinguished status. This unique aspect underscores why wine is not covered by Hamotzi, as it possesses a distinct level of importance that warrants its own blessings.
In summary, wine is not covered by Hamotzi for four key reasons: its ceremonial significance, its unique blessing of Borei Pri HaGefen which distinguishes it from other fruit products, its comprehensive nature in covering other beverages, and its capacity to elicit the additional blessing of Hatov Vehametiv. These factors collectively establish wine as a special item, requiring its own blessing even when consumed during a meal.