Interruptions between consecutive blessings

Hi,

Certain blessings were created to be recited consecutively, and so the first blessing begins with the standard 'Baruch atah' introduction and the rest do not. Examples of this include the blessings of the Amidah and Birchat haMazon, as well as the blessings leading up to Shema. [This is called 'berachah has'muchah lachavertah'.]

One is not supposed to recite blessings without the 'Baruch atah' introduction, unless they have a preceding blessing which begins 'Baruch atah'.

Nonetheless: If one responds 'Amen' to a blessing in between two consecutive blessings, he should continue to recite the second blessing and not be concerned about losing the 'Baruch atah' introduction which began the first one.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:81)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Eat and then recite Tefilat haDerech?

Hi,

As berachot [blessings] are usually structured, they are supposed to begin with "Baruch Ata." However, berachot which are designed to follow other berachot need not have such a start; these are called ברכה הסמוכה לחבירתה, a berachah which is beside another berachah. Examples include the berachot of the Amidah and Birkat haMazon.

Tefilat haDerech does not begin with "Baruch Ata." Some authorities have stated that this is not a big deal, but others are careful to recite Tefilat haDerech immediately after some other berachah, such as a berachah upon eating food.

Even if one does not have the option of linking Tefilat haDerech to another berachah, one should still recite it.

(Tur, Beit Yosef Orach Chaim 110; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 110:6; Mishneh Berurah 110:28)

May we soon see the rebuilding of the Beit haMikdash,
Mordechai