The Talmud on the Public Reading of Scripture

[In] a place where [the people] are accustomed to recite a blessing [over the reading], one should recite a blessing. Abaye said: They taught [that the matter depends upon local custom] only [with regard to the blessing that is recited] after [the reading of the Megillah]. But [as for the blessing that is recited] before [the reading, it is] a mitzvah to recite the blessing [according to all opinions, as] R. Judah said that Samuel said: With regard to all the mitzvot, one recites a blessing over them prior to [over] their performance. [ . . . ] What blessing is recited before [the reading of the Megillah]? R. Sheshet from Katrazya [once] happened [to come] before R. Ashi, and he recited [three] blessings, [alluded to by the letters] mem, nun, ḥet.¹ What blessing is recited after [the reading of the Megillah in places where it is customary to recite such a blessing? The following:] “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, the God who pleads our cause, and who judges our claim, and who avenges our vengeance, and who punishes our foes, and who brings retribution to our enemies. Blessed are You, Lord, who, on behalf of Israel, exacts punishment from all of their foes.” Rava said: [The conclusion of the blessing is as follows: “Blessed are you, Lord,] the God who brings salvation.” R. Papa said: Therefore, [since there are two opinions on the matter,] we should say both of them: “Blessed are you, Lord, who, on behalf of Israel, exacts punishment from all their foes; the God who brings salvation.”