Q. During next February I will G-d willing attend an important leading business and investing encounter and President Trump is programmed to attend and say a few opening remarks. I would like to know Horav Miller’s opinion if there is a special bracha you say when you see him the first time in person? Do you say it with Hashem’s name?
Thank you.
A. Shulchan Aruch (O. H. 224: 8) rules that one who observes a Gentile king recites the brocho; “He who gave from his honor to the ones created from flesh and blood.”
Mishna Berura (ibid. 12) maintains that a contemporary ruler, even if he is not a king, but is empowered to rule and administer the people and also has the authority and command to sentence capital cases, would be included in this ruling.
Although, that combination of powers is uncommon in our days, Poskim argue that a presidents or other rulers authority to impart pardon and forgiveness to the accused and sentenced, is tantamount to the above. (Minchas Elozor 5: 7, Beer Moshe 2: 9, Betzel Hachochma 2: 19, et. al.).
However, in practice, Poskim maintain that since rulers today mostly do not dress or appear any different from other decorous businessmen, and don't have a royal appearance, a brocho without Hashem's name should be recited.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that because of the character and nature of the prevalent democracy, the Presidency of the U.S., has become so open to criticism, disparagement and condemnation, even when unwarranted and gratuitous. Therefore it would hardly qualify as an honor comparable to the Creator's, and no brocho at all should be recited.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
