Halachos of Daily Living

Are women obligated to recite one hundred brachos daily?

Many poskim write
that women are exempt from this mitzvah. As evidence, the Shevet HaLevi (5:23)
points out that the Rishonim who
list the hundred brachos recited
each day include the brachos that are
recited on Tallis and Tefillin. Since women do not recite these brachos, this would indicate that these Rishonim did not consider this obligation to apply to
women. Teshuvos V’Hanhagos (2:129) adds that since the one hundred brachos must be recited each day, according to
some opinions this qualifies the mitzvah as a time-bound obligation, which
women are not required.

Is there a bracha that should be recited on a hurricane?

Yes. Shulchan Aruch (OC 227:1) writes one may recite either Oseh Maasay Bereishis or Shekocho Ugvuroso Molay Olomfor thunder, lightning or “great winds
that blow with rage”. Common practice is to recite Oseh Maasay Bereishis for lightning (this bracha speaks of the wonders of creation), and Shekocho
Ugvuroso Molay Olom
 for thunder (this bracharefers to the awesome power of Hashem) [Mishna Berura 227:5]. The Mishna Berura
also writes that the blessing of Shekocho Ugvuroso Molay Olom – “That His
power and strength fills the world” is only said on a wind that howls with such
intensity that it can be heard across the world (until the horizon) similar to
thunder. Since we are not proficient in delineating what exactly is a “wind
that blows with rage”, we do not recite this blessing. Instead, we recite the
blessing of Oseh Maasay Bereishis. Although a
hurricane would seemingly qualify as “a wind that blows with rage” the custom
is to avoid the issue by always reciting Oseh Maasay Bereishis which can be recited on any dangerous
gust of wind.