A magnitude 5.5 earthquake has struck the Greater New York area, one of the strongest ever recorded. Many residents of New York City are reporting feeling the earthquake which shook thousands of buildings. The earthquake was felt by residents of New Jersey as well. Prior to this, the largest known earthquake in this region occurred in 1884 and had a magnitude of 5.2.
The quake was centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, 40 miles west of New York City. It happened at approximately 10:20 a.m.
The Bracha on an Earthquake is עוֹשֶׂה מַעֲשֶׂה בְּרֵאשִׁית.
Up to how long after the earthquake can you make this Bracha?
Piskei Teshuvos (227:2) cites Bircas HaBayis who says that the bracha can only be recited during the quake or within 2-3 seconds (תוך כדי דיבור) after it’s over.
