Tefillat Haderech

Question

when and at what point of a trip does one say Tefilat haderech

Rabbi Ari Enkin · Accepted Answer

Shalom!

Thank you
for your question.

As you
know, Tefillat Haderech is recited for any long distance journey outside of the
city. It does not matter whether the trip is by foot, planes, train, or automobile.
 Our sages instituted this prayer because
every trip involves a certain degree of danger that one does not exist when following
one’s daily routine. Neglecting to recite Tefillat Haderech when required is
like neglected to wash ones hands before eating bread or neglecting to hear the
Megilla reading on Purim!

Long
distance, in this context, is “one parsa” outside of city limits. This is approximately
4.6 kilometers. One who travels less than this distance may still recite Tefillat
Haderech, but the concluding blessing is omitted. Indeed, one should do this even
when travelling less than a parsa if the journey is dangerous. Sefardim only recite Tefillat Haderech if the journey is 72 minutes or longer. Distance does not matter.

One should
not recite Tefillat Haderech while in the city. Rather, it is recited immediately
upon leaving the city limits, preferably within the first parsah after leaving
the city. One who recited it within the city has discharged his obligation and
should not recite it again.

Women and children
should also recite Tefillat Haderech when going on a trip. It is preferable for
every person to say Tefillat Haderech themselves. This is true even when
travelling in a group, on a bus, and the like. One who is unable to recite it
on his or her own may listen to another person’s recitation and answer “amen.”

Tefillat Haderech

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