– Q. Kvodo, my father Shlit’a although he does fast on Shiva Assar Betamuz has to take now very necessary pills and needs water to swallow them, normally he does not recite a blessing on that water, since it is not drank for pleasure. However, in a fasting day he will greatly enjoy even a sip of water. Should he recite a Shehakol on it?

A. On a similar brocho (3239) we were asked:
“Because of my medical condition, I’m permitted to take pills during the fast of Shiva Assar Betamuz. The pills have to be taken with a glass of water. Do I make a bracha on the water?
Although, I don’t usually say a bracha on water used for taking pills, this case is different since after all I will enjoy the water, as I will already be thirsty, should I then say the brocho?
If I find the flavor of garlic very disgusting, should I add some garlic powder to the water?”

To what we answered:
“Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that you don’t recite a brocho since the real reason you are drinking that water is for taking the pills, and otherwise you wouldn’t be drinking it, you are exempt of reciting the brocho.

The Rov’s opinion is also that you don’t have to make the water distasteful by adding unsavory additives.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.