The Blessings After Eating

BLESSINGS AFTER EATING

Foods that Require Blessings:

The Seven Species (שִׁבְעַת הַמִינִים, Shiv'at HaMinim): [1] wheat, [2] barley, [3] grape. [4] fig, [5] pomegranate. [6] olive (oil), [7] date (date honey). – from Deuteronomy 8:8[1]

The Five Species of Grain (Hebrew: חמשת מיני דגן, hameshet minei dagan) [1] wheat, [2] barley, [3] oats, [4] rye [5] spelt.

Other Foods: [1] dairy, [2] eggs. [3] meat, [4] poultry, [5] fish

Basic Sources for the Grace After Meals:

Deuteronomy 8:10

וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ וְשָׂבָ֑עְתָּ וּבֵֽרַכְתָּ֙ אֶת־יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ עַל־הָאָ֥רֶץ הַטֹּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָֽתַן־לָֽךְ׃

When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to your God יהוה for the good land given to you.

B. Berachot 25a (translation from Sefaria.com)

מִכׇּל מָקוֹם קַשְׁיָא:

The Gemara returns to the issue at hand, noting that in any case, it is difficult:

מָה לְהַצַּד הַשָּׁוֶה

What is unique about the common denominator between grapes and grain?

שֶׁבָּהֶן שֶׁכֵּן יֵשׁ בָּהֶן צַד מִזְבֵּחַ!

That they possess an aspect of being offered upon the altar.

אֶלָּא, דְּיָלֵיף לַהּ מִשִּׁבְעַת הַמִּינִין:

Rather, it is derived from the obligation to recite a blessing upon the seven species. After the verse speaks of the seven species, it states: “And you will eat and be satisfied and then you shall bless.” This is a paradigm for all

other foods, that they too require a blessing:

מָה לְשִׁבְעַת הַמִּינִין שֶׁכֵּן חַיָּיבִין בְּבִכּוּרִים?

Just as the seven species are items from which one derives benefit and require a blessing, any item from which one derives benefit, requires a blessing.

מָה שִׁבְעַת הַמִּינִין דָּבָר שֶׁנֶּהֱנֶה וְטָעוּן בְּרָכָה, אַף כׇּל דָּבָר שֶׁנֶּהֱנֶה טָעוּן בְּרָכָה.

Again, the Gemara rejects this: What is unique about the seven species? That one is obligated in the mitzva of first fruits. However, other produce with regard to which one is not obligated in the mitzva of first fruits, from where is it derived that they require a blessing?

וְעוֹד: הָתִינַח לְאַחֲרָיו, לְפָנָיו מִנַּיִן?

Furthermore, even if the seven species can serve as a paradigm, this works out well with regard to the blessing thereafter; but from where is the obligation to recite a blessing beforehand derived?

הָא לָא קַשְׁיָא דְּאָתֵי בְּקַל וָחוֹמֶר:

The Gemara responds to the question: This is not difficult, as it may be derived by means of an a fortiori inference

כְּשֶׁהוּא שָׂבֵעַ מְבָרֵךְ, כְּשֶׁהוּא רָעֵב — לֹא כׇּל שֶׁכֵּן.

: If when he is satiated, after eating, he is obligated to recite a blessing over food, when he is hungry, before eating, all the more so he is obligated to recite a blessing over food.

Three Forms of Grace:[2]

בּוֹרֵא נְפָשׁוֹת

Borei N’fashot

בורא פרי העץ - Fruits
בורא פרי האדמה - Vegetables
שהכל - Fish, Meat, Eggs, Drinks (excluding wine)

בְּרָכָת אַחַד מֵעֵין שָׁלֹשׁ

Birkat Echad Mei’ein Shalosh

(Also known as עַל הַמִּחְיָה Al Hamichya)

בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי מְזוֹנוֹת – products made from the 5 grains – example – cake, cookies, pastries
בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן – wine and grape juice
and for Fruits counted among the seven species – figs. Pomegranates, olives, dates

בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן

Birkat HaMazon

Meals with bread

בּוֹרֵא נְפָשׁוֹת

Borei N’fashot (B. Berakhot 37a)

For foods which are preceded by the blessings: (O.H. 207:1)

בורא פרי העץ - Fruits

בורא פרי האדמה - Vegetables

שהכל - Fish, Meat, Eggs, Drinks (excluding wine)

ברוך אתא יי, אלהינו מלך עולם בּוֹרֵא נְפָשׁוֹת רַבּוֹת וְחֶסְרוֹנָן עַל כֹּל מַה שֶׁבָּרָאתָ לְהַחֲיוֹת בָּהֶם נֶפֶשׁ כָּל חָי בָּרוּךְ חֵי הָעוֹלָמִים

Blessed are You, Eternal One, our God Sovereign of the universe, Creator of numerous living beings and the things they need, for all the things You have created with which to sustain the soul of every living being. Blessed is the One who is the Life of the worlds.

בְּרָכָת אַחַד מֵעֵין שָׁלֹשׁ

Birkat Echad Mei’ein Shalosh (M. Berakhot 6:8; B: Berakhot 37a)

Also known as עַל הַמִּחְיָה Al Hamichya

For foods that are preceded by the blessings

בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי מְזוֹנוֹת – products made from the 5 grains
בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן – wine (and grape juice)
and for Fruits counted among the seven species – figs. pomegranates, olives, dates

Blessed are You, Eternal One. Our God, Sovereign of the universe,

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,

After grains:

עַל הַמִחְיָה וְעַל הַכַּלְכָּלָה

For the nourishment and sustenance

After Grape Juice and Wine:

עַל הַגֶּפֶן וְעַל פְּרִי הַגֶּפֶן

For the vine and the fruit of the vine

After Fruit:

עַל הָעֵץ וְעַל פְּרִי הָעֵץ

For the tree and the fruit of the tree

וְעַל תְּנוּבַת הַשָּׂדֶה וְעַל אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה טוֹבָה וּרְחָבָה שֶׁרָצִיתָ וְהִנְחַלְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ לֶאֱכֹל מִפִּרְיָהּ לִשְׂבּוֹעַ מִטּוּבָהּ,

and for the produce of the field; for the desirable, good and spacious land that You were pleased to give our ancestors as a heritage, to eat of its fruits and to be satisfied with its goodness.

רַחֵם (נָא) ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִירֶךָ וְעַל צִיּוֹן מִשְׁכַּן כְּבוֹדֶךָ וְעַל מִזְבְּחֶךָ וְעַל הֵיכָלֶךָ,

Have mercy, Eternal One our God, on Israel, Your people; on Jerusalem, Your city, and on Zion, the resting place of Your glory; upon Your altar, and upon Your Temple.

וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ וְהַעֲלֵנוּ לְתוֹכָהּ וְשַׂמְּחֵנוּ בְּבִנְיָנָהּ

Rebuild Jerusalem, the city of holiness, speedily in our days. Bring us up into it and gladden us in its rebuilding,

וְנֹאכַל מִפִּרְיָּהּ וְנִשְׂבַּע מִטּוּבָהּ וּנְבָרֶכְךָ עָלֶיהָ בִּקְדֻשָּׁה וּבְטָהֳרָה

and let us eat from its fruit, and be satisfied with its goodness, and bless You upon it in holiness and purity.

On Shabbat:

וְנֹאכַל מִפִּרְיָּהּ וְנִשְׂבַּע מִטּוּבָהּ וּנְבָרֶכְךָ עָלֶיהָ בִּקְדֻשָּׁה וּבְטָהֳרָה

And be pleased to let us rest on this Shabbat day.

בשבת: וּרְצֵה וְהַחֲלִיצֵנוּ בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה:

On Rosh Chodesh:

בראש חודש: וְזָכְרֵנוּ לְטוֹבָה בְּיוֹם רֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה:

And remember us (for goodness) on this Rosh Chodesh.

On Rosh Hashana:

בראש השנה: וְזָכְרֵנוּ לְטוֹבָה בְּיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה:

And remember us for goodness on this Day of Remembrance.

On Passover:

בפסח: וְשֹמְּחֵנוּ בְּיוֹם חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה:

And gladden us on this festival of Matzot.

On Shavuot:

בשבועות: וְשֹמְּחֵנוּ בְּיוֹם חַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת הַזֶּה

And gladden us on this festival of Shavuot.

On Sukkot:

בסוכות: וְשֹמְּחֵנוּ בְּיוֹם חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הַזֶּה:

And gladden us on this festival of Sukkot.

On Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah:

בשמיני עצרת: וְשֹמְּחֵנוּ בְּיוֹם הַשְׁמִינִי חַג הָעֲצֶרֶת הַזֶּה:

And gladden us on this festival of Shemini Atzeret.

כִּי אַתָּה ה' טוֹב וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל וְנוֹדֶה לְךָ עַל הָאָרֶץ

For You, Eternal One, are good and do good for all, and we thank You for the land and

After grains:

וְעַל הַמִחְיָה (וְעַל הַכַּלְכָּלָה)

And for the nourishment (and for sustenance)

After Grape Juice and Wine:

וְעַל פְּרִי גַפְנָהּ

And for its wine

[בחו"ל]—וְעַל פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן

[In the diaspora] and for wine

After Fruit:

וְעַל פֵּרוֹתֶיהָ

And for its fruits

[בחו"ל]— וְעַל הַפֵּרוֹת

[In the diaspora] and for fruit

Blessed are You, Eternal One, for the land and for the fruit of the vine.

(after fruit) fruit.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' עַל הָאָרֶץ

Blessed are You, Eternal One, for the land and for the fruit.

After grains:

וְעַל הַמִחְיָה (וְעַל הַכַּלְכָּלָה)

The nourishment (and the sustenance).

After Grape Juice and Wine"

וְעַל פְּרִי גַפְנָהּ

And for its wine

[בחו"ל]—וְעַל פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן

[In the diaspora] and for wine

After Fruit:

וְעַל פֵּרוֹתֶיהָ

And for its fruits

[בחו"ל]— וְעַל הַפֵּרוֹת

[In the diaspora] and for fruit

בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן

Birkat Hamazon (M. Berakhot 6:8; B: Berakhot 37a)

Basic Structure

I Introductory Psalms

II Zimmun (Mezummen) -The Invitation to Pray

III The Four Central Blessings (see b. Berakhot 48b)

A. 1st Blessing:

1. Topic: For Food

2. Attribution: Moses

3.Reason: For the Manna

4.. Additions for Holidays: no additions

B 2nd Blessing:

1.Topic: For the Land of Israel

2.Attribution:Joshua

3. Reason: Entering the Land of Israel

4. Additions for Holidays: Al HaNisim – Chanukah, Purim, Yom HaAtzmaut

C. 3rd Blessing:

a. Topic: For Jerusalem

b. Attribution: David & Solomon

c. Reason: For Jerusalem and the Temple

d. Additions for Holidays: Retze (Shabbat) and Ya’aleh veYavo (Festivals and Rosh Chodesh)

D. 4th Blessing:

1.Topic: God’s Goodness

2 Attribution: Rabban Gamliel in Yavneh

3. Reason: The survival of the Jewish people

E. Additions for Special Lifecycle Events

F. Concluding Verses from the Psalms

IV After Birkah HaMazon

A. Cup of Blessing – the person who led the zimmun recites a blessing over a cup of wine (3rd cup in the Pesach Seder) – sometimes on Shabbat and Festivals

B. Dvar Torah – often after Birkat HaMazon on Shabbat and Festivals. Sometimes before the meal.

C. Mayim Acharonim – washing the hands after eating – a non-binding custom

Birkat HaMazon Ashkenazi Text

Introductory Psalms

Psalm 137 On Days When Tachanun is recited

[1] עַל נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶל שָׁם יָשַׁבְנוּ גַּם בָּכִינוּ בְּזָכְרֵנוּ אֶת צִיּוֹן.

[2] עַל עֲרָבִים בְּתוֹכָהּ תָּלִינוּ כִּנֹּרוֹתֵינוּ.

[3] כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵינוּ דִּבְרֵי שִׁיר וְתוֹלָלֵינוּ שִׂמְחָה שִׁירוּ לָנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן.

[4] אֵיךְ נָשִׁיר אֶת שִׁיר יְהוָה עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר.

[5] אִם אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלָ‍ִם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי.

[6] תִּדְבַּק לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי אִם לֹא אַעֲלֶה אֶת יְרוּשָׁלַ‍ִם עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי.

[7] זְכֹר יְהוָה לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָ‍ִם הָאֹמְרִים עָרוּ עָרוּ עַד הַיְסוֹד בָּהּ.

[8] בַּת בָּבֶל הַשְּׁדוּדָה אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיְשַׁלֶּם לָךְ אֶת גְּמוּלֵךְ שֶׁגָּמַלְתְּ לָנוּ.

[9] אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיֹּאחֵז וְנִפֵּץ אֶת עֹלָלַיִךְ אֶל הַסָּלַע.

[1] By the rivers of Babylon,

there we sat,

sat and wept,

as we thought of Zion.

[2] There on the poplars

we hung up our lyres,

[3] for our captors asked us there for songs,

our tormentors, for amusement:

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

[4] How can we sing a song of the LORD

on alien soil?

[5] If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

let my right hand wither;

[6] let my tongue stick to my palate

if I cease to think of you,

if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory

even at my happiest hour.

[7] Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites

the day of Jerusalem’s fall;

how they cried, “Strip her, strip her

to her very foundations!”

[8] Fair Babylon, you predator,

a blessing on him who repays you in kind

what you have inflicted on us;

[9] a blessing on him who seizes your babies

and dashes them against the rocks!

[Psalm 137]

Psalm 126 On Days When Tachanun is not recited – Shabbat and Holidays

[1] שִׁ֗יר הַֽמַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת בְּשׁ֣וּב יְ֭הֹוָה אֶת־שִׁיבַ֣ת צִיּ֑וֹן הָ֝יִ֗ינוּ כְּחֹלְמִֽים׃

[2] אָ֤ז יִמָּלֵ֪א שְׂח֡וֹק פִּינוּ֮ וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֢נוּ רִ֫נָּ֥ה אָ֭ז יֹאמְר֣וּ בַגּוֹיִ֑ם הִגְדִּ֥יל יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִם־אֵֽלֶּה׃

[3] הִגְדִּ֣יל יְ֭הֹוָה לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִמָּ֗נוּ הָיִ֥ינוּ שְׂמֵחִֽים׃

[4] שׁוּבָ֣ה יְ֭הֹוָה אֶת־[שְׁבִיתֵ֑נוּ] (שבותנו) כַּאֲפִיקִ֥ים בַּנֶּֽגֶב׃

[5] הַזֹּרְעִ֥ים בְּדִמְעָ֗ה בְּרִנָּ֥ה יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃

]6[ הָ֘ל֤וֹךְ יֵלֵ֨ךְ ׀ וּבָכֹה֮ נֹשֵׂ֢א מֶשֶׁךְ־הַ֫זָּ֥רַע בֹּא־יָבֹ֥א בְרִנָּ֑ה נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א אֲלֻמֹּתָֽיו׃ {פ}

[1] A song of ascents.

When the LORD restores the fortunes of Zion

—we see it as in a dream-a—

[2] our mouths shall be filled with laughter,

our tongues, with songs of joy.

Then shall they say among the nations,

“The LORD has done great things for them!”

[3] The LORD will do great things for us

and we shall rejoice.

[4] Restore our fortunes, O LORD,

like watercourses in the Negeb.

[5] They who sow in tears

shall reap with songs of joy.

[6] Though he goes along weeping,

carrying the seed-bag,

he shall come back with songs of joy,

carrying his sheaves.

[Psalm 126]

Birkat Hamazon, Zimmun – Call to Say “Grace”

The following introduction is customary if three or more, above the age of thirteen, have eaten at table together:

The one who says Grace begins:

הַמְזַמֵן אומר: רַבּוֹתַי, [חברי] נְבָרֵךְ:

Let us say grace.

The others respond:

המסבים עונים: יְהִי שֵׁם יְיָ מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם:

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for ever.

The one who says Grace continues:

המזמן אומר: ּבִּרְשׁוּת מְרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי,[חברי] נְבָרֵךְ (בעשרה אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ:

With the permission of those present, [If there are more than ten present ten above the age of thirteen, the words "our God" are added]: We will bless (our God) the One of whose bounty we have partaken.

The others respond:

המסבים עונים: בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ:

Blessed be (our God) he of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live.

He who says Grace replies:

המזמן חוזר ואומר: בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ:

Blessed be (our God) the One of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live.

God is Blessed, and God’s name is blessed.

[1] First Blessing – Birkat Hazan - On Food

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ בְּחֵן בְּחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים , הוּא נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל-בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל תָּמִיד לֹא חָסַר לָנוּ וְאַל יֶחְסַר לָנוּ מָזוֹן (תָּמִיד) לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד בַּעֲבוּר שְׁמוֹ הַגָּדוֹל כִּי הוּא אֵל זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס לַכֹּל וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל וּמֵכִין מָזוֹן לְכָל-בְּרִיּוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ הַזָּן אֶת הַכֹּל.

Blessed are You, O Eternal One our God, Soveriegn of the universe, who feeds the whole world with Your goodness, with grace, with lovingkindness and tender mercy; You gives food to all creatures, for Your lovingkindness endures forever. Through Your great goodness food has never failed us: May it not fail us for ever and ever for Your great name’s sake, since You nourish and sustains all beings and does good unto all, and provides food for all Your creatures whom You have created. Blessed are You, O Eternal One, who gives food unto all

[2] Second Blessing – Birkat Ha’aretz – On the Land of Israel and on Food

[2a] Thanks to God for Past Favors

נוֹדֶה לְּךָ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ עַל שֶׁהִנְחַלְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה טוֹבָה וּרְחָבָה וְעַל שֶׁהוֹצֵאתָנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם וּפְדִיתָנוּ מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים וְעַל בְּרִיתְךָ שֶׁחָתַמְתָּ בִּבְשָׂרֵנוּ וְעַל תּוֹרָתְךָ שֶׁלִּמַּדְתָּנוּ וְעַל חֻקֶּיךָ שֶׁהוֹדַעְתָּנוּ וְעַל חַיִּים חֵן וָחֶסֶד שֶׁחוֹנַנְתָּנוּ, וְעַל אֲכִילַת מָזוֹן שָׁאַתָּה זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס אוֹתָנוּ תָּמִיד, בְּכָל יוֹם וּבְכָל עֵת וּבְכָל שָׁעָה.

We thank You, O Eternal One our God, because You gave as an heritage unto our ancestors a desirable, good and ample land, and because You brought us forth, O Eternal One our God, from the land of Egypt, and did deliver us from the house of bondage; as well as for Your covenant which You have sealed in our flesh, Your Law which You have taught us, Your statutes which You have made known unto us, the life, grace and lovingkindness which You have vouchsafed unto us, and for the food wherewith You constantly feed and sustain us on every day, in every season, at every hour.

Additions for Chanukah and Purim

עַל הַנִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָן וְעַל הַגְּבוּרוֹת וְעַל הַתְּשׁוּעוֹת וְעַל הַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁעָשִׂיתָ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

We thank You also for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds and saving acts, wrought by You, as well as for the wars which You fought for our ancestors in days of old, at this season.

לחנוכה

For Chanukah:

בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהו בֶן יוֹחָנָן כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל חַשְׁמוֹנָאִי וּבָנָיו כְּשֶׁעָמְדָה מַלְכוּת יָוָן הָרְשָׁעָה עַל עַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהשַׁכִּיחָם מִתּוֹרָתָךְ וּלְהַעֲבִירָם מֵחֻקֵּי רְצוֹנָךְ וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים עָמַדְתָּ לָהֶם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם רַבְתָּ אֶת רִיבָם דַּנְתָּ אֶת דִּינָם נָקַמְתָּ אֶת נִקְמָתָם מָסַרְתָּ גִבּוֹרִים בְּיַד חַלָּשִׁים וְרַבִּים בְּיַד מְעַטִּים וּטְמֵאִים בְּיַד טְהוֹרִים וּרְשָׁעִים בְּיַד צַדִּיקִים וְזֵדִים בְּיַד עוֹסְקֵי תוֹרָתֶךָ וּלְךָ עָשִׂיתָ שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמָךְ וּלְעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל עָשִׂיתָ תְּשׁוּעָה גְדוֹלָה וּפֻרְקָן כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּאוּ בָנֶיךָ לִדְבִיר בֵּיתֶךָ וּפִנּוּ אֶת הֵיכָלֶךָ וְטִהֲרוּ אֶת-מִקְדָּשֶׁךָ וְהִדְלִיקוּ נֵרוֹת בְּחַצְרוֹת קָדְשֶׁךָ וְקָבְעוּ שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה אֵלּוּ לְהוֹדוֹת וּלְהַלֵּל לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל.

In the days of the Hasmonean, Mattathias son of Joḥanan, the High Priest, and his sons, when the iniquitous power of Greece rose up against Your people Israel to make them forgetful of Your Law, and to force them to transgress the statutes of Your will, then didst You in your abundant mercy rise up for them in the time of their trouble; You didst plead their cause, You didst judge their suit, You didst avenge their wrong; You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the arrogant into the hands of them that occupied themselves with Your Law: for Yourself You made a great and holy name in Your world, and for Your people Israel You worked a great deliverance and redemption as at this day. And thereupon Your children came into the oracle of Your house, cleansed Your temple, purified Your sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courts, and appointed these eight days of Chanukah in order to give thanks and praises unto Your great name. For all these things Your name, O our Sovereign, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever

לפורים

For Purim

בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה כְּשֶׁעָמַד עֲלֵיהֶם הָמָן הָרָשָׁע בִּקֵּשׁ לְהַשְׁמִיד לַהֲרוֹג וּלְאַבֵּד אֶת-כָּל-הַיְּהוּדִים מִנַּעַר וְעַד זָקֵן טַף וְנָשִׁים בְּיוֹם אֶחָד בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר לְחֹדֶשׁ שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר הוּא חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר וּשְׁלָלָם לָבוֹז וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים הֵפַרְתָּ אֶת עֲצָתוֹ וְקִלְקַלְתָּ אֶת מַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ וַהֲשֵׁבוֹתָ-לוֹ גְמוּלוֹ בְרֹאשׁוֹ וְתָלוּ אוֹתוֹ וְאֶת בָּנָיו עַל הָעֵץ וְעָשִׂיתָ עִמָּהֶם נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת וְנוֹדֶה לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל סֶלָה

—In the days of Mordecai and Esther, in Shushan the capital, when the wicked Haman rose up against them, and sought to destroy, to slay and make to perish all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, on one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,—then You in Your abundant mercy brought his counsel to naught, frustrated his design, and returned his recompense upon his own head; and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows. For all these things Your name, O our Sovereign, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever.

[2b] Summary and Concluding Blessing

וְעַל הַכֹּל יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ, יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, כַּכָּתוּב: וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבַעְתָּ, וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת יְיָ אֱלֹהֶיךָ עַל הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה אֲשֶּׁר נָתַן לָךְ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, עַל הָאָרֶץ וְעַל הַמָּזוֹן.

For all this, O Eternal One our God, we thank and bless You, blessed be Your name by the mouth of all living continually and forever, even as it is written, And You shalt eat and be satisfied, and You shalt bless the Eternal One Your God for the good land which God has given You. Blessed are You, Eternal One, for the land and for the food.

[3] Third Blessing – Boneh Yerushalayim – On the Rebuilding of Jerusalem

רַחֶם נָא יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ, וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִירֶךָ, וְעַל צִיּוֹן מִשְׁכַּן כְּבוֹדֶךָ, וְעַל מַלְכוּת בֵּית דָּוִד מְשִׁיחֶךָ, וְעַל הַבַּיִת הַגָדוֹל וְהַקָדוֹשׁ שֶׁנִּקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלָיו. אֱלֹהֵינוּ, אָבִינוּ, רְעֵנוּ, זוּנֵנוּ, פַרְנְסֵנוּ וְכַלְכְּלֵנוּ וְהַרְוִיחֵנוּ, וְהַרְוַח לָנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מְהֵרָה מִכָּל צָרוֹתֵינוּ. וְנָא אַל תַּצְרִיכֵנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, לֹא לִידֵי מַתְּנַת בָּשָׂר וָדָם וְלֹא לִידֵי הַלְוָאָתָם, כִּי אִם לְיָדְךָ הַמְּלֵאָה הַפְּתוּחָה הַקְּדוֹשָׁה וְהָרְחָבָה, שֶׁלֹא נֵבוֹשׁ וְלֹא נִכָּלֵם לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Have mercy, O Eternal One our God, upon Israel Your people, upon Jerusalem Your city, upon Zion the abiding place of Your glory, upon the dominion of the house of David Your anointed, and upon the great and holy house that was called by Your name. O our God, our Source, feed us, nourish us, sustain, support and relieve us, and Eternal One our God, speedily grant us relief from all our troubles. We beseech You, Eternal One our God, let us not be in need either of the gifts of flesh and blood or of their loans, but only of Your helping hand, which is full, open, holy and ample, so that we may not be ashamed nor confounded for ever and ever

בשבת קודש מוסיפים כאן רצה והחליצנו

Additions for Shabbat

רְצֵה וְהַחֲלִיצֵנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ וּבְמִצְוַת יוֹם הַשְׁבִיעִי הַשַׁבָּת הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָדוֹשׂ הַזֶּה. כִּי יוֹם זֶה גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ הוּא לְפָנֶיךָ לִשְׁבָּת בּוֹ וְלָנוּחַ בּוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה כְּמִצְוַת רְצוֹנֶךָ. וּבִרְצוֹנְךָ הָנִיחַ לָנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ שֶׁלֹּא תְהֵא צָרָה וְיָגוֹן וַאֲנָחָה בְּיוֹם מְנוּחָתֵנוּ. וְהַרְאֵנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּנֶחָמַת צִיוֹן עִירֶךָ וּבְבִנְיַן יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר קָדְשֶׁךָ כִּי אַתָּה הוּא בַּעַל הַיְשׁוּעוֹת וּבַעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת.

Be pleased, Eternal One our God, to fortify us by Your commandments, and especially by the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy Sabbath, since this day is great and holy before You, that we may rest and repose thereon in love in accordance with the precept of Your will. In Your favor, O Eternal One our God, grant us such repose that there be no trouble, grief or lamenting on the day of our rest. Let us, O Eternal One our God, behold the consolation of Zion Your city, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem Your holy city, for You are the Eternal One of salvation and of consolation.

בראש חודש ובמועדים מוסיפים כאן יעלה ויבוא

Additions for Rosh Chodesh and Festivals

אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא יַגִּיעַ יֵרָאֶה וְיֵרָצֶה יִשָּׁמַע יִפָּקֵד וְיִזָּכֵר זִכְרוֹנֵנוּ וְזִכְרוֹן אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, זִכְרוֹן יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִירָךְ, וְזִכְרוֹן מָשִׁיחַ בֶּן דָּוִד עַבְדָּךְ, וְזִכְרוֹן כָּל-עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל לְפָנֶיךָ, לִפְלֵטָה לְטוֹבָה לְחֵן לְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם בְּיוֹם

Our God and God of our ancestors! May our remembrance rise and come and be accepted before You, with the remembrance of our ancestors. of Messiah the son of David Your servant, of Jerusalem Your holy city, and of all Your people the house of Israel, bringing deliverance and well-being, grace, lovingkindness and mercy, life and peace on this day of

Rosh Chodesh:

רֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה,

the New Moon

Pesach:

חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה,

the Festival of Matzot

Sukkot:

חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הַזֶּה,

the Festival of Sukkot

Shemini Atzeret (and Somchat Torah):

הַזֶּה, שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת הַחַג

the Festival of Shemini Atzeret

Shavuot:

חַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת הַזֶּה,

the Feast of Shavuot

Rosh HaShamah

יוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה,

This Day of Remembrence

זָכְרֵנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, וּפָּקְדֵנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים , בִּדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים; חוּס וְחָנֵּנוּ, וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ כִּי אֵלֶיךָ עֵינֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָתָּה

Remember us, O Eternal One our God, thereon for our wellbeing; be mindful of us for blessing, and save us unto life: by Your promise of salvation and mercy, spare us and be gracious unto us; have mercy upon us and save us; for our eyes are bent upon You, because You are a gracious and merciful God and Ruler.

וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלַיִם. אָמֵן.

And rebuild Jerusalem the holy city speedily in our days. Blessed are You, O Eternal One, who in Your compassion will rebuild Jerusalem. Amen.

[4] Fourth Blessing – HaTov v’HaMeitiv – The One Who is Good and Does Good

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הָאֵל אָבִינוּ, מַלְכֵּנוּ, אַדִירֵנוּ, בּוֹרְאֵנוּ, גֹּאֲלֵנוּ, יוֹצְרֵנוּ, קְדוֹשֵׁנוּ קְדוֹשׁ יַעֲקֹב, רוֹעֵנוּ רוֹעֵה יִשְׂרָאַל, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּיטִיב לַכֹּל, שֶׁבְּכָל יוֹם וָיוֹם הוּא הֵיטִיב, הוּא מֵיטִיב, הוּא יֵיטִיב לָנוּ, הוּא גְמָלָנוּ, הוּא גוֹמְלֵנוּ, הוּא יִגְמְלֵנוּ לָעַד, לְחֵן וּלְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים וּלְרֶוַח הַצָּלָה וְהַצְלָחָה, בְּרָכָה וִישׁוּעָה, נֶחָמָה פַּרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה וְרַחֲמִים וְחַיִּים וְשָׁלוֹם, וְכָל טוֹב; וּמִכָּל טוּב לְעוֹלָם אַל יְחַסְּרֵנוּ.

Blessed are You, O Eternal One our God, Sovereign of the universe, O God, our Father, our Sovereign, our Mighty One, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Maker, our Holy One, the Holy One of Jacob, our Shepherd, the Shepherd of Israel, the Sovereign who is kind and deals kindly with all, day by day You have dealt kindly, do deal kindly, and will deal kindly with us: You have bestowed, You do bestow, You will ever bestow benefits upon us, yielding us grace, lovingkindness, mercy and relief, deliverance and prosperity, blessing and salvation, consolation, sustenance and supports mercy, life, peace and all good: of no manner of good let us be in want.

Requests

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִמְלוֹךְ עָלֵינוּ\לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִתְבָּרַךְ בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁתַּבַּח לְדוֹר דּוֹרִים, וְיִתְפָּאַר בָּנוּ לָעַד וּלְנֵצַח נְצָחִים, וְיִתְהַדַּר בָּנוּ לָעַד וּלְעוֹלְמֵי עוֹלָמִים.

The All-merciful shall reign over us for ever and ever.

The All-merciful shall be blessed in heaven and on earth.

The All-merciful shall be praised throughout all generations, glorified amongst us to all eternity, and honored amongst us for everlasting.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְפַרְנְסֵנוּ בְּכָבוֹד.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁבּוֹר עֻלֵּנוּ מֵעַל צַּוָּארֵנוּ, וְהוּא יוֹלִיכֵנוּ קוֹמְמִיוּת לְאַרְצֵנוּ.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָנוּ בְּרָכָה מְרֻבָּה בַּבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְעַל שֻׁלְחָן זֶה שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ עָלָיו.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָנוּ אֶת אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא זָכוּר לַטּוֹב, וִיבַשֵּׂר לָנוּ בְּשׂוֹרוֹת טוֹבוֹת יְשׁוּעוֹת וְנֶחָמוֹת.

May the All-merciful grant us an honorable livelihood.

May the All-merciful break the yoke from off our neck, and lead us upright to our land.

May the All-merciful send a plentiful blessing upon this house, and upon this table at which we have eaten.

May the All-merciful send us Elijah the prophet (let him be remembered for good), who shall give us good tidings, salvation and consolation

בבית אביו אומר: הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי בַּעַל הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה.

נשוי אומר: הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתִי, (אם אביו ואמו בחיים: וְאֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי,) וְאֶת אִשְׁתִּי, וְאֶת זַרְעִי, וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לִי.

נשואה אומרת: הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתִי, (אם אביה ואמה בחיים: וְאֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי,) וְאֶת בַּעֲלִי, וְאֶת זַרְעִי, וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לִי.

In One’s Parents’ House Add: May the All-merciful bless my honored father, the master of this house, and my honored mother, the mistress of this house,

Married People Add: May the All Merciful bless me (If parents are alive and my father, my teacher, and my mother, my teacher) and my spouse, and my children and all that I have.

אורח אומר: הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת בַּעַל הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה וְאֶת בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם וְאֶת זַרְעָם וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם.

A Guest Adds: May the all Merciful bless my hosts the master and mistress of this house, them, their household, their children and all that is theirs.

אוֹתָנוּ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָנוּ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּתְבָּרְכוּ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב בַּכֹּל מִכֹּל כֹּל – כֵּן יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָנוּ כֻּלָּנוּ יַחַד בִּבְרָכָה שְׁלֵמָה. וְנֹאמַר: אָמֵן.

and us also and all that is ours, as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were blessed each with his own comprehensive blessing; even thus may he bless all of us together with a perfect blessing, and let us say Amen.

Concluding Prayers

בַּמָרוֹם יְלַמְּדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם וְעָלֵינוּ זְכוּת שֶׁתְּהֵא לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת שָׁלוֹם. וְנִשָׂא בְרָכָה מֵאֵת יְיָ, וּצְדָקָה מֵאֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵנוּ, וְנִמְצָא חֵן וְשֵׂכֶל טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֹהִים וְאָדָם.

Both on their and on our behalf may there be such advocacy on high as shall lead to enduring peace; and may we receive a blessing from the Eternal One, and righteousness from the God of our salvation; and may we find grace and good understanding in the sight of God and humanity.

On Sabbath:

הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ שַׁבָּת וּמְנוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים.

May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which shall be wholly a Sabbath and rest in the life everlasting.

On Festivals:

הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ טוֹב.

May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which is altogether good.

On New Moon:

הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הָחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.

May the All-merciful renew unto us this month for good and for blessing.

OnRosh HaShanah:

הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.

May the All-merciful renew unto us this year for good and for blessing.

On the Intermediate Days of Tabernacles:

הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָנוּ אֶת סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפֶלֶת.

May the All-merciful raise up for us the fallen Tabernacle of David.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְזַכֵּנוּ לִימוֹת הַמָּשִׁיחַ וּלְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.

May the All-merciful make us worthy of the days of the Messiah, and of the life of the world to come

On Sabbaths, Festivals, and New Moons:

מִגְדּוֹל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ,

God is a tower of salvation to his king;

On Week-days

(ביום חול): מַגְדִּיל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ,

Real salvation God gives to his king.

וְעֹשֶׂה חֶסֶד לִמְשִׁיחוֹ, לְדָוִד וּלְזַרְעוֹ עַד עוֹלָם. עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאַל. וְאִמְרוּ: "אָמֵן".

And shows lovingkindness to his anointed, to David and to his seed, for evermore. May the One who makes peace in the high places, make peace for us and for all Israel, and let us say, Amen.

Selection of Biblical Verses

יְראוּ אֶת יְיָ קְדֹשָׁיו, כִּי אֵין מַחְסוֹר לִירֵאָיו. כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵבוּ, וְדֹרְשֵׁי יְיָ לֹא יַחְסְרוּ כָל טוֹב.

Revere the Eternal, you, God’s holy ones; for there is no want to them that revere him. Young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Eternal One shall not want any good.

הוֹדוּ לַיְיָ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ. פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת יָדֶךָ, וּמַשְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל חַי רָצוֹן.

Give thanks unto the Eternal, for God is good: for God’s lovingkindness endures forever. You open Your hand, and satisfy every living thing with favor.

בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיְיָ, וְהָיָה יְיָ מִבְטַחוֹ.

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Eternal One, and whose trust is in the Eternal One.

נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם זָקַנְתִּי, וְלֹא רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ לָחֶם

I have been young and now I am old; yet have I not seen. the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.

יְיָ עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, יְיָ יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם!

The Eternal One will give strength unto his people; the Eternal One will bless his people with peace.

Birkat HaMazon Ashkenazi Text

Introductory Psalms

On Days When Tachanun is recited

ביום שאומרים בו תחנון:

[1] By the rivers of Babylon,
there we sat,
sat and wept,
as we thought of Zion.

[2] There on the poplars
we hung up our lyres,

[3] for our captors asked us there for songs,
our tormentors, for amusement:
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

[4] How can we sing a song of the LORD
on alien soil?

[5] If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand wither;

[6] let my tongue stick to my palate
if I cease to think of you,
if I do not keep Jerusalem in memory
even at my happiest hour.

[7] Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem’s fall;
how they cried, “Strip her, strip her
to her very foundations!”

[8] Fair Babylon, you predator,
a blessing on him who repays you in kind
what you have inflicted on us;

[9] a blessing on him who seizes your babies
and dashes them against the rocks!

[Psalm 137]

[1] עַל נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶל שָׁם יָשַׁבְנוּ גַּם בָּכִינוּ בְּזָכְרֵנוּ אֶת צִיּוֹן.

[2] עַל עֲרָבִים בְּתוֹכָהּ תָּלִינוּ כִּנֹּרוֹתֵינוּ.

[3] כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵינוּ דִּבְרֵי שִׁיר וְתוֹלָלֵינוּ שִׂמְחָה שִׁירוּ לָנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן.

[4] אֵיךְ נָשִׁיר אֶת שִׁיר יְהוָה עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר.

[5] אִם אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלָ‍ִם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי.

[7] זְכֹר יְהוָה לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָ‍ִם הָאֹמְרִים עָרוּ עָרוּ עַד הַיְסוֹד בָּהּ.

[8] בַּת בָּבֶל הַשְּׁדוּדָה אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיְשַׁלֶּם לָךְ אֶת גְּמוּלֵךְ שֶׁגָּמַלְתְּ לָנוּ.

[9] אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיֹּאחֵז וְנִפֵּץ אֶת עֹלָלַיִךְ אֶל הַסָּלַע.

On Days When Tachanun is not recited – Shabbat and Holidays

ביום שאין אומרים בו תחנון:

[1] A song of ascents.

When the LORD restores the fortunes of Zion

—we see it as in a dream-a—

[2] our mouths shall be filled with laughter,

our tongues, with songs of joy.

Then shall they say among the nations,

“The LORD has done great things for them!”

[3] The LORD will do great things for us
and we shall rejoice.

[4] Restore our fortunes, O LORD,

like watercourses in the Negeb.

[5] They who sow in tears

shall reap with songs of joy.

[6] Though he goes along weeping,

carrying the seed-bag,

he shall come back with songs of joy,

carrying his sheaves.

[Psalm 126]

[1] שִׁ֗יר הַֽמַּ֫עֲל֥וֹת בְּשׁ֣וּב יְ֭הֹוָה אֶת־שִׁיבַ֣ת צִיּ֑וֹן הָ֝יִ֗ינוּ כְּחֹלְמִֽים׃

[3] הִגְדִּ֣יל יְ֭הֹוָה לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִמָּ֗נוּ הָיִ֥ינוּ שְׂמֵחִֽים׃

[4] שׁוּבָ֣ה יְ֭הֹוָה אֶת־[שְׁבִיתֵ֑נוּ] (שבותנו) כַּאֲפִיקִ֥ים בַּנֶּֽגֶב׃

[5] הַזֹּרְעִ֥ים בְּדִמְעָ֗ה בְּרִנָּ֥ה יִקְצֹֽרוּ׃

]6[ הָ֘ל֤וֹךְ יֵלֵ֨ךְ ׀ וּבָכֹה֮ נֹשֵׂ֢א מֶשֶׁךְ־הַ֫זָּ֥רַע בֹּא־יָבֹ֥א בְרִנָּ֑ה נֹ֝שֵׂ֗א אֲלֻמֹּתָֽיו׃ {פ}

Birkat Hamazon, Zimmun – Call to Say “Grace”

The following introduction is customary if three or more, above the age of thirteen, have eaten at table together:

שְׁלשָׁה שֶׁאָכְלוּ כְּאֶחָד חֲיָבִין לְזֵמֵן

The one who says Grace begins:

Let us say grace.

הַמְזַמֵן אומר: רַבּוֹתַי, [חברי] נְבָרֵךְ:

The others respond:

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for ever.

המסבים עונים: יְהִי שֵׁם יְיָ מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם:

The one who says Grace continues:

With the sanction of those present, [If there are more than ten present ten above the age of thirteen, the words "our God" are added]: We will bless (our God) the One of whose bounty we have partaken.

The others respond: Blessed be (our God) he of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live.

המסבים עונים: בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ:

He who says Grace replies:

Blessed be (our God) the One of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live. God is Blessed, and God’s name is blessed.

המזמן חוזר ואומר: בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ:

[1] First Blessing – Birkat Hazan - On Food

[2] Second Blessing – Birkat Ha’aretz – On the Land of Israel and on Food

[2a] Thanks to God for Past Favors

Additions for Chanukah and Purim

בחנוכה ובפורים אומרים כאן על הניסים

On Chanukah — In the days of the Hasmonean, Mattathias son of Joḥanan, the High Priest, and his sons, when the iniquitous power of Greece rose up against Your people Israel to make them forgetful of Your Law, and to force them to transgress the statutes of Your will, then didst You in your abundant mercy rise up for them in the time of their trouble; You didst plead their cause, You didst judge their suit, You didst avenge their wrong; You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and the arrogant into the hands of them that occupied themselves with Your Law: for Yourself You made a great and holy name in Your world, and for Your people Israel You worked a great deliverance and redemption as at this day. And thereupon Your children came into the oracle of Your house, cleansed Your temple, purified Your sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courts, and appointed these eight days of Chanukah in order to give thanks and praises unto Your great name. For all these things Your name, O our Sovereign, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever.

לחנוכה
בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהו בֶן יוֹחָנָן כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל חַשְׁמוֹנָאִי וּבָנָיו כְּשֶׁעָמְדָה מַלְכוּת יָוָן הָרְשָׁעָה עַל עַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהשַׁכִּיחָם מִתּוֹרָתָךְ וּלְהַעֲבִירָם מֵחֻקֵּי רְצוֹנָךְ וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים עָמַדְתָּ לָהֶם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם רַבְתָּ אֶת רִיבָם דַּנְתָּ אֶת דִּינָם נָקַמְתָּ אֶת נִקְמָתָם מָסַרְתָּ גִבּוֹרִים בְּיַד חַלָּשִׁים וְרַבִּים בְּיַד מְעַטִּים וּטְמֵאִים בְּיַד טְהוֹרִים וּרְשָׁעִים בְּיַד צַדִּיקִים וְזֵדִים בְּיַד עוֹסְקֵי תוֹרָתֶךָ וּלְךָ עָשִׂיתָ שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמָךְ וּלְעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל עָשִׂיתָ תְּשׁוּעָה גְדוֹלָה וּפֻרְקָן כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה וְאַחַר כָּךְ בָּאוּ בָנֶיךָ לִדְבִיר בֵּיתֶךָ וּפִנּוּ אֶת הֵיכָלֶךָ וְטִהֲרוּ אֶת-מִקְדָּשֶׁךָ וְהִדְלִיקוּ נֵרוֹת בְּחַצְרוֹת קָדְשֶׁךָ וְקָבְעוּ שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה אֵלּוּ לְהוֹדוֹת וּלְהַלֵּל לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל.

On Purim—In the days of Mordecai and Esther, in Shushan the capital, when the wicked Haman rose up against them, and sought to destroy, to slay and make to perish all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, on one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,—then You in Your abundant mercy brought his counsel to naught, frustrated his design, and returned his recompense upon his own head; and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows. For all these things Your name, O our Sovereign, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever.

לפורים
בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה כְּשֶׁעָמַד עֲלֵיהֶם הָמָן הָרָשָׁע בִּקֵּשׁ לְהַשְׁמִיד לַהֲרוֹג וּלְאַבֵּד אֶת-כָּל-הַיְּהוּדִים מִנַּעַר וְעַד זָקֵן טַף וְנָשִׁים בְּיוֹם אֶחָד בִּשְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר לְחֹדֶשׁ שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר הוּא חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָר וּשְׁלָלָם לָבוֹז וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים הֵפַרְתָּ אֶת עֲצָתוֹ וְקִלְקַלְתָּ אֶת מַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ וַהֲשֵׁבוֹתָ-לוֹ גְמוּלוֹ בְרֹאשׁוֹ וְתָלוּ אוֹתוֹ וְאֶת בָּנָיו עַל הָעֵץ וְעָשִׂיתָ עִמָּהֶם נִסִּים וְנִפְלָאוֹת וְנוֹדֶה לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל סֶלָה

[2b] Summary and Concluding Blessing

[3] Third Blessing – Boneh Yerushalayim – On the Rebuilding of Jerusalem

Additions for Shabbat

בשבת קודש מוסיפים כאן רצה והחליצנו

Additions for Rosh Chodesh and Festivals

בראש חודש ובמועדים מוסיפים כאן יעלה ויבוא

Rosh Chodesh: the New Moon

בראש חודש: רֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ

Pesach: the Festival of Matza

בפסח: חַג הַמַּצּוֹת

Sukkot: the Festival of Sukkot

בסוכות: חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת

Shemini Atzeret: the Festival of Shemini Atzeret

בשמיני עצרת: שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת הַחַג

Shavuot: the Feast of Shavuots

בשבועות: חַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת

בראש השנה: הַזִּכָּרוֹן,. הַזֶּה, זָכְרֵנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, וּפָּקְדֵנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים , בִּדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים; חוּס וְחָנֵּנוּ, וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ כִּי אֵלֶיךָ עֵינֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָתָּה

And rebuild Jerusalem the holy city speedily in our days. Blessed are You, O Eternal One, who in Your compassion will rebuild Jerusalem. Amen.

[4] Fourth Blessing – HaTov v’HaMeitiv – The One Who is Good and Does Good

Requests

The All-merciful shall reign over us for ever and ever.

The All-merciful shall be blessed in heaven and on earth.

The All-merciful shall be praised throughout all generations, glorified amongst us to all eternity, and honored amongst us for everlasting.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִמְלוֹךְ עָלֵינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִתְבָּרַךְ בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ.

May the All-merciful grant us an honorable livelihood.

May the All-merciful break the yoke from off our neck, and lead us upright to our land.

May the All-merciful send a plentiful blessing upon this house, and upon this table at which we have eaten.

May the All-merciful send us Elijah the prophet (let him be remembered for good), who shall give us good tidings, salvation and consolation.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְפַרְנְסֵנוּ בְּכָבוֹד.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁבּוֹר עֻלֵּנוּ מֵעַל צַּוָּארֵנוּ, וְהוּא יוֹלִיכֵנוּ קוֹמְמִיוּת לְאַרְצֵנוּ.

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָנוּ בְּרָכָה מְרֻבָּה בַּבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְעַל שֻׁלְחָן זֶה שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ עָלָיו.

In One’s Parents’ House Add: May the All-merciful bless my honored father, the master of this house, and my honored mother, the mistress of this house,

Married People Add: May the All Merciful bless me (If parents are alive and my father, my teacher, and my mother, my teacher) and my spouse, and my children and all that I have.

A Guest Adds: May the all Merciful bless my hosts the master and mistress of this house, them, their household, their children and all that is theirs.

Concluding Prayers

On Sabbath — May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which shall be wholly a Sabbath and rest in the life everlasting.

On Festivals — May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which is altogether good..

On New Moon — May the All-merciful renew unto us this month for good and for blessing.

On New Year — May the All-merciful renew unto us this year for good and for blessing.

On the Intermediate Days of Tabernacles — May the All-merciful raise up for us the fallen Tabernacle of David.

בשבת: הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ שַׁבָּת וּמְנוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים.

ביום טוב: הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ טוֹב.

בראש חודש: הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת

הָחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.

בראש השנה: הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.

בסוכות: הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָנוּ אֶת סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפֶלֶת.

May the All-merciful make us worthy of the days of the Messiah, and of the life of the world to come

הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְזַכֵּנוּ לִימוֹת הַמָּשִׁיחַ וּלְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.

On Sabbaths, Festivals, and New Moons — God is a tower of salvation to his king;

On Week-days — Great salvation God gives to his king.

And shows lovingkindness to his anointed, to David and to his seed, for evermore. May the One who makes peace in the high places, make peace for us and for all Israel, and let us say, Amen.

מַגְדִּיל (ביום שמתפללים בו מוסף ובמלווה מלכה: מִגְדּוֹל) יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ, וְעֹשֶׂה חֶסֶד לִמְשִׁיחוֹ, לְדָוִד וּלְזַרְעוֹ עַד עוֹלָם. עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאַל. וְאִמְרוּ: "אָמֵן".

Selection of Biblical Verses

Revere the Eternal, you, God’s holy ones; for there is no want to them that revere him. Young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Eternal One shall not want any good.

Give thanks unto the Eternal, for God is good: for God’s lovingkindness endures forever. You open Your hand, and satisfy every living thing with favor.

הוֹדוּ לַיְיָ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ. פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת יָדֶךָ, וּמַשְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל חַי רָצוֹן.

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Eternal One, and whose trust the Eternal One is.

בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיְיָ, וְהָיָה יְיָ מִבְטַחוֹ.

I have been young and now I am old; yet have I not seen. the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread.

נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם זָקַנְתִּי, וְלֹא רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ לָחֶם

The Eternal One will give strength unto his people; the Eternal One will bless his people with peace.

. יְיָ עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, יְיָ יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם.

[1] https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-seven-species

[2] For a list of foods and the appropriate blessings before and after eating see: https://oukosher.org/guide-to-blessings/#fruits

[3] https://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/prayers-blessings/daily-blessings-birkat-hamazon-grace-after-meals-long-version