Panim Chadashos and the Minyan for Sheva Brachos

Panim Chadashos and the Minyan for Sheva Brachos  

In order to recite Sheva Brachos (Seven Blessings) at a special meal that is made for a chosson and kallah during the week following their chasunah (wedding), a minyan (ten men) is required to be in attendance, plus a panim chadashos (a man who did not attend the chuppah, wedding, nor any previous Sheva Brachos for this couple) who will serve as guest of honor. According to many poskim, however, the panim chadashos does not have to partake of the meal, but it has to be made in his honor, as his presence enhances the meal. 

There is a machlokes haposkim (disagreement amongst halachic authorities) whether it is necessary for the men who will recite the Sheva Brochos to partake of the meal; the accepted custom is that they may recite Sheva Brochos even if they did not eat. The consensus amongst poskim is that at least seven of the ten men forming the minyan have to wash for bread; poskim compare this to saying Hashem’s name in Birachas Hazimmun (the invitation to recite the Grace after Meals) where the same requirement applies. Some poskim are of the opinion that it is sufficient if three out of the ten men have washed for bread. Since the possibility of saying Hashem’s Name in vain is involved—a very serious prohibition—one should be machmir (follow the stringent opinion) and ensure that at least seven of the men have washed for bread and the remaining three should partake of some of the food.  #376

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Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.