Birkat Hamazon: Grace After Meals
Introduction
Birkat Hamazon is the traditional Jewish blessing known in English as the Grace After Meals. Its purpose is to thank God for providing food, for the Land of Israel, as well as for His unwavering kindness towards His people. Likewise, part of this blessing serves as a type of plea to the Lord, asking Him to swiftly rebuild the city of Jerusalem, for continued sustenance, and for the coming of the Messiah.
According to halacha (Jewish religious laws), one must say this blessing after eating a meal that includes an olive-sized piece of bread or matzah made from either wheat, rye, barley, spelt, or oats. This blessing is typically read to oneself, though many choose to sing it aloud as a community on Shabbat or biblical holidays.
Reciting Birkat Hamazon is considered a mitzvah and is based on the following verse from Deuteronomy 8:10:
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He gave you.”
The Four Blessings
This blessing is broken up into four different parts and is usually initiated with a psalm. On Shabbat or other traditional feasts, Psalm 126 (Song of Ascents) is often read before Birkat Hamazon. During the weekdays, however, Psalm 137 is recited instead, though this practice is less common.
The first blessing out of the four parts is known as the “Birkat Hazan (ברכת הזן).” It is based on the blessing of thanksgiving given by Moses when the children of Israel received manna in the wilderness during the Exodus from Egypt.
The second blessing is called “Birkat Ha’aretz (ברכת הארץ),” and it is attributed to the blessing that Joshua said out of gratitude after he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Additionally, this blessing thanks God for sustaining the Jewish people throughout history with food as well as with the Land of Israel.
The third part of the Birkat Hamazon concerns the rebuilding of Jerusalem and is accredited to King David, who made Jerusalem the capital, as well as King Solomon, who built the Temple there. “Birkat Boneh Yerushalayim (ברכת בונה ירושלים)” asks the Lord to be merciful towards the Jewish people while also requesting that the city of Jerusalem be rebuilt speedily and soon.
The final blessing is “Birkat Hatov V’hameitiv (ברכת הטוב והמטיב),” which was written by Gamliel the Elder in early First Century AD. Its purpose is to thank the Lord for His goodness and relationship with the Jewish people.
According to Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, an influential and famous rabbi in the 20th century, Birkat Hamazon can be depicted as a ladder of prayer. The first blessing speaks of personal needs, the second touches on the needs of the nation of Israel, the third discusses the Jewish people's spiritual yearnings through Jerusalem and the Temple, and the fourth part talks about the idea of being a light to the nations.
Another tradition associated with this blessing pertains to a group of at least three people that have eaten bread together. This forms a “zimmun (זימון),” and it obligates the group to say a few additional statements. The opening words are said by one of the three people, and it serves as a type of invitation for the others to join in on the recitation of Birkat Hamazon. If a minyan (ten or more people) is present, there are even more additions to the invitation.
There are many variations of the Birkat Hamazon depending on the sect of Judaism and the occasion (if it is recited during a specific holiday, brit milah, or wedding). Due to this, there may be words or verses that are either added or omitted. Nonetheless, below is the traditional version of this blessing, including the opening words said in the presence of a zimmun.
1. Preliminary Psalms
On weekdays (when tachanun is said), read Psalm 137:
Hebrew:
עַל נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶל שָׁם יָשַׁבְנוּ גַּם בָּכִינוּ בְּזָכְרֵנוּ אֶת צִיּוֹן. עַל עֲרָבִים בְּתוֹכָהּ תָּלִינוּ כִּנֹּרוֹתֵינוּ. כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵינוּ דִּבְרֵי שִׁיר וְתוֹלָלֵינוּ שִׂמְחָה שִׁירוּ לָנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן. אֵיךְ נָשִׁיר אֶת שִׁיר ה' עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר. אִם אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי. תִּדְבַּק לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי אִם לֹא אַעֲלֶה אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַם עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי. זְכֹר ה' לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלִָם הָאֹמְרִים עָרוּ עָרוּ עַד הַיְסוֹד בָּהּ. בַּת בָּבֶל הַשְּׁדוּדָה אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיְשַׁלֶּם לָךְ אֶת גְּמוּלֵךְ שֶׁגָּמַלְתְּ לָנוּ. אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיֹּאחֵז וְנִפֵּץ אֶת עֹלָלַיִךְ אֶל הַסָּלַע.
Transliteration:
Al naharot Bavel sham yashavnu gam bachinu bezachrenu et Tziyon. Al aravim betochah talinu kinnoroteinu. Ki sham she’elunu shoveinu divrei shir vetolaleinu simchah, shiru lanu mishir Tziyon. Eich nashir et shir Adonai al admat nechar. Im eshkachech Yerushalayim, tishkach yemini. Tidbak leshoni lechikki im lo ezkerechi, im lo a’aleh et Yerushalayim al rosh simchati. Zechor Adonai livnei Edom et yom Yerushalayim, ha’omrim aru aru ad hayesod bah. Bat Bavel hashdudah, ashrei sheyeshalem lach et gemulech shegamalt lanu. Ashrei sheyo’achez venippetz et olalayich el hasala.
English:
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, sat and wept, as we thought of Zion. There on the poplars we hung up our lyres, For our captors asked us there for songs, our tormentors, for amusement, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” How can we sing a song of the LORD on alien soil? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; 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. Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall; how they cried, “Strip her, strip her to her very foundations!” Fair Babylon, you predator, a blessing on him who repays you in kind what you have inflicted on us; A blessing on him who seizes your babies and dashes them against the rocks!
On Sabbaths and holidays, read Psalm 126:
Hebrew:
שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת בְּשׁוּב ה' אֶת שִׁיבַת צִי ּוֹן הָיִינוּ כְּחֹלְמִים. אָז יִמָּלֵא שְׂחוֹק פִּינוּ וּלְשׁוֹנֵנוּ רִנָּה אָז יֹאמְרוּ בַגּוֹיִם הִגְדִּיל ה' לַעֲשׂוֹת עִם אֵלֶּה. הִגְדִּיל ה' לַעֲשׂוֹת עִמָּנוּ הָיִינוּ שְׂמֵחִים. שׁוּבָה ה' אֶת שְׁבִיתֵנוּ כַּאֲפִיקִים בַּנֶּגֶב. הַזֹּרְעִים בְּדִמְעָה בְּרִנָּה יִקְצֹרוּ. הָלוֹךְ יֵלֵךְ וּבָכֹה נֹשֵׂא מֶשֶׁךְ הַזָּרַע בֹּא יָבוֹא בְרִנָּה נֹשֵׂא אֲלֻמֹּתָיו.
Transliteration:
Shir hama’alot, beshuv Adonai et shivat Tziyon hayinu kecholmim. Az yimale s’chok pinu uleshonenu rinah, az yomru vagoyim, higdil Adonai la’asot im eleh. Higdil Adonai la’asot imanu, hayinu s’mechim. Shuvah Adonai et sh’vitenu ka’afikim baNegev. Hazor’im bedim’ah berinah yiktzoru. Haloch yelech uvacho, nose meshech hazara, bo yavo verinah, nose alumotav.
English:
A Song of Ascents—When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like unto them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with exultation: then said they among the nations, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereas we rejoiced. Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. Though he goeth on his way weeping, bearing the store of seed, he shall come back with joy, bearing his sheaves.
2. Zimmun: Invitation
The following introduction is customary if three or more males above the age of thirteen have eaten at the table together:
רַבּוֹתַי, נְבָרֵך:
Rabotai, nevarech.
Let us say grace.
The others respond, after which the leader repeats the phrase:
יְהִי שֵׁם ה' מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם:
Yehi shem Adonai mevorach me’atah v’ad olam.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever.
The leader, who says grace, then proceeds:
בִּרְשׁוּת מְרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי, נְבָרֵךְ (במנין: אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ:
Birshut meranan ve-rabbanan ve-rabbotai, nevarech (in the presence of a minyan, say: Eloheinu) she’achalnu mishelo.
With the permission of the distinguished leaders and my teachers, let us bless (in the presence of a minyan, say: our God) of whose bounty we have partaken.
The others respond, after which the leader repeats:
בָּרוּךְ (במנין: אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ:
Baruch (in the presence of a minyan, say: Eloheinu) she’achalnu mishelo u’vetuvo chayinu.
Blessed be (in the presence of a minyan, say: our God) He of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live.
3. Birkat Hazan: Blessing of Nourishment
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' 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 ה' הַזָּן אֶת הַכֹּל.
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, ha’zan et ha’olam kulo b’tuvo, b’chen, b’chesed u’v’rachamim; Hu noten lechem lechol basar, ki le’olam chasdo. U’vetuvo ha’gadol tamid lo chasar lanu, v’al yechsar lanu mazon (tamid) le’olam va’ed, ba’avur shmo ha’gadol; ki Hu El zan u’mefarnes la’kol, u’metiv la’kol, u’mechin mazon lechol beriyotav asher bara. Baruch atah Adonai, ha’zan et ha’kol.
English Translation:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who nourishes the entire world with His goodness, with grace, with lovingkindness, and with mercy. He gives bread to all flesh, for His lovingkindness endures forever. Through His great goodness we have never lacked sustenance; may we never lack food forever and ever, for the sake of His great Name. For He is the God who feeds and sustains all, who does good to all, and prepares food for all His creatures which He has made. Blessed are You, Lord, who feeds all.
4. Birkat Haaretz: Blessing on the Land
Hebrew:
נוֹדֶה לְּךָ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ עַל שֶׁהִנְחַלְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה טוֹבָה וּרְחָבָה וְעַל שֶׁהוֹצֵאתָנוּ ה' 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.
Transliteration:
Nodeh lecha Adonai Eloheinu al shehinchalta la’avoteinu eretz chemdah tovah u’rechavah; v’al shehotzetanu Adonai Eloheinu me’eretz Mitzrayim u’feditanu mi’beit avadim; v’al britcha shechatamta bivsareinu; v’al Toratecha shelimadtanu; v’al chukecha shehodatanu; v’al chayim, chen va’chesed shechonantanu; v’al achilat mazon she’atah zan u’mefarnes otanu tamid, b’chol yom u’v’chol et u’v’chol sha’ah.
English Translation:
We thank You, Lord our God, for having given to our fathers a desirable, good, and spacious land; and for bringing us out, Lord our God, from the land of Egypt and redeeming us from the house of bondage. We thank You for the covenant You sealed in our flesh, for the Torah You taught us, for the statutes You made known to us, and for the life, grace, and lovingkindness You have granted us. And we thank You for the food with which You constantly nourish and sustain us Every day, at every time, and at every hour.
On Chanukah and Purim add:
עַל הַנִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָן וְעַל הַגְּבוּרוֹת וְעַל הַתְּשׁוּעוֹת וְעַל הַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁעָשִׂיתָ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Al ha’nissim, v’al ha’purkan, v’al ha’gevurot, v’al ha’teshu’ot, v’al ha’milchamot she’asita la’avoteinu ba’yamim ha’hem ba’zeman ha’zeh.
We thank You for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds and saving acts, as well as for the wars which You waged for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
On Chanukkah, continue:
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.
Bi’ymei Mattityahu ben Yochanan Kohen Gadol Chashmona’i u’vanav keshe’amdah malchut Yavan ha’resha’ah al amcha Yisra’el l’hashkicham miToratecha u’le’ha’aviram me’chukei retzonecha v’atah b’rachamecha ha’rabbim amadta lahem b’et tzaratam ravta et rivam danta et dinam nakamta et nikmatam masarta gibborim b’yad chalashim v’rabbim b’yad me’atim u’tme’im b’yad tehorim u’resha’im b’yad tzaddikim u’zeidim b’yad oskei Toratecha u’lecha asita shem gadol v’kadosh b’olamecha u’le’amcha Yisra’el asita teshua gedolah u’furkan ka’hayom hazeh v’achar kach bau vanecha li’devir beitecha u’pinnu et heichalecha v’tiharu et mikdashecha v’hidliku neirot b’chatzrot kodshecha v’kav’u shmonat y’mei Chanukah eilu l’hodot u’l’halel l’shimcha ha’gadol.
In the days of the Hasmonean, Mattathias son of Johanan, the High Priest, and his sons, when the iniquitous power of Greece rose up against thy people Israel to make them forgetful of thy Law, and to force them to transgress the statutes of thy will, then didst thou in thine abundant mercy rise up for them in the time of their trouble; thou didst plead their cause, thou didst judge their suit, thou didst avenge their wrong; thou deliveredst 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 thy Law: for thyself thou didst make a great and holy name in thy world, and for thy people Israel thou didst work a great deliverance and redemption as at this day. And thereupon thy children came into the oracle of thy house, cleansed thy temple, purified thy sanctuary, kindled lights in thy holy courts, and appointed these eight days of Chanukah in order to give thanks and praises unto thy great name. For all these things thy name, O our King, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever.
On Purim, continue:
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.
Bi’ymei Mordechai v’Esther b’Shushan ha’birah keshe’amad aleihem Haman ha’rasha bikesh l’hashmid la’harog u’le’abeid et kol haYehudim mi’na’ar v’ad zaken taf v’nashim b’yom echad bishlosha asar le’chodesh shneim asar hu chodesh Adar u’shelalam la’voz v’atah b’rachamecha ha’rabbim hefarta et atzato v’kilkalta et machshavto v’hashivotah-lo gemulo b’rosho v’talu oto v’et banav al ha’etz v’asita imahem nissim v’nifla’ot v’nodah l’shimcha ha’gadol selah.
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 didst thou in thine abundant mercy bring his counsel to nought, didst frustrate his design, and return his recompense upon his own head; and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows. For all these things thy name, O our King, shall be continually blessed and exalted for ever and ever. Selah.
Continue:
וְעַל הַכֹּל ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְכִים אוֹתָךְ, יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, כַּכָּתוּב: וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבַעְתָּ, וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ עַל הָאָרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה אֲשֶּׁר נָתַן לָךְ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', עַל הָאָרֶץ וְעַל הַמָּזוֹן.
V’al ha’chol, Adonai Eloheinu, anachnu modim lach u’mevarchim otach; yitbarach shimcha b’fi chol chai tamid le’olam va’ed, ka’katuv: ve’achalta ve’savata, u’veirachta et Adonai Elohecha al ha’aretz ha’tovah asher natan lach. Baruch atah Adonai, al ha’aretz v’al ha’mazon.
And for all this, Lord our God, we thank You and bless You. May Your Name be blessed in the mouth of every living being, always and forever, as it is written: “And you shall eat and be satisfied and bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.” Blessed are You, Lord, for the land and for the food.
5. Birkat Boneh Yerushalayim: Blessing on Jerusalem
Hebrew:
רַחֶם נָא ה' 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 ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מְהֵרָה מִכָּל צָרוֹתֵינוּ. וְנָא אַל תַּצְרִיכֵנוּ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ, לֹא לִידֵי מַתְּנַת בָּשָׂר וָדָם וְלֹא לִידֵי הַלְוָאָתָם, כִּי אִם לְיָדְךָ הַמְּלֵאָה הַפְּתוּחָה הַקְּדוֹשָׁה וְהָרְחָבָה, שֶׁלֹא נֵבוֹשׁ וְלֹא נִכָּלֵם לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.
Transliteration:
Rachem na Adonai Eloheinu al Yisra’el amcha, ve’al Yerushalayim irecha, ve’al Tziyon mishkan kevodecha, ve’al malchut Beit David Meshichecha, ve’al ha’bayit ha’gadol ve’ha’kadosh shenikra shimcha alav. Eloheinu, Avinu, re’einu, zonenu, parnesenu ve’chalkelenu ve’harvichenu, ve’harvach lanu Adonai Eloheinu meheirah mikol tzaroteinu. Ve’na al tatzrichenu Adonai Eloheinu lo lidei matnat basar va’dam velo lidei halvata’am, ki im le’yadcha ha’mele’ah ha’petuchah ha’kedoshah ve’ha’rechavah, she’lo nevoshu velo nikalem le’olam va’ed.
English Translation:
Have mercy, please, Lord our God, upon Israel Your people, upon Jerusalem Your city, upon Zion the dwelling place of Your glory, upon the kingdom of the house of David Your anointed, and upon the great and holy House upon which Your Name is called. Our God, our Father, our Shepherd, our Nourisher, our Sustainer, our Provider—grant us relief; and relieve us, Lord our God, quickly from all our troubles. And please, Lord our God, do not make us depend on the gifts of flesh and blood or on their loans, but only on Your full, open, holy, and generous hand, so that we may never be ashamed or humiliated, forever and ever.
On Shabbat, say:
רְצֵה וְהַחֲלִיצֵנוּ ה' 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 ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ שֶׁלֹּא תְהֵא צָרָה וְיָגוֹן וַאֲנָחָה בְּיוֹם מְנוּחָתֵנוּ. וְהַרְאֵנוּ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּנֶחָמַת צִיוֹן עִירֶךָ וּבְבִנְיַן יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר קָדְשֶׁךָ כִּי אַתָּה הוּא בַּעַל הַיְשׁוּעוֹת וּבַעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת.
Retzeh ve’hachalitzenu Adonai Eloheinu be’mitzvotecha u’v’mitzvat yom ha’shevi’i ha’Shabbat ha’gadol ve’ha’kadosh hazeh; ki yom zeh gadol ve’kadosh hu lefanecha, li’shbot bo u’lanuch bo be’ahavah ke’mitzvat retzonecha; u’virtzoncha haniach lanu Adonai Eloheinu she’lo tehe tzarah ve’yagon va’anachah be’yom menuchateinu; ve’har’einu Adonai Eloheinu be’nechamat Tzion irecha u’v’vinyan Yerushalayim ir kodshecha, ki atah hu ba’al ha’yeshu’ot u’ba’al ha’nechamot.
Be pleased, Lord our God, to strengthen us through Your commandments and through the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy Shabbat; for this day is great and holy before You, a day on which we rest and find peace in love, according to the commandment of Your will. And in Your favor grant that no trouble, sorrow, or sighing be in our day of rest. And show us, Lord our God, the consolation of Zion Your city and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Your holy city, for You are the Master of salvations and consolations.
On New Moons and Festivals, say:
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____________(ררֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ / הַזִּכָּרוֹן / חַג הַמַּצּוֹת / חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת / חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת / הַשְּׁמִינִי חַג הָעֲצֶרֶת) הַזֶּה: זָכְרֵנוּ ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, וּפָּקְדֵנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵ נוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים, בִּדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים; חוּס וְחָנֵּנוּ, וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ כִּי אֵלֶיךָ עֵינֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָתָּה. וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלַיִם. אָמֵן.
Eloheinu ve’Elohei avoteinu, ya’aleh ve’yavo, yagia, ye’ra’eh ve’yeiratzeh, yishama, yifaked ve’yizacher zichronenu ve’zichron avoteinu, zichron Yerushalayim irecha, ve’zichron Mashiach ben David avdecha, ve’zichron kol amcha Beit Yisra’el lefanecha, lifletah le’tovah le’chen le’chesed u’le’rachamim le’chayim u’le’shalom be’yom ____________ (Rosh ha’Chodesh / ha’Zikaron / Chag ha’Matzot / Chag ha’Shavuot / Chag ha’Sukkot / ha’Shemini Chag ha’Atzeret) ha’zeh. Zochrenu Adonai Eloheinu bo le’tovah, u’fakdenu bo li’vrachah, ve’hoshi’einu bo le’chayim, bidvar yeshu’ah ve’rachamim; chus ve’chaneinu ve’rachem aleinu, ve’hoshi’einu ki eilecha eineinu, ki El Melech channun ve’rachum atah; u’vneh Yerushalayim ir ha’kodesh bimherah be’yameinu. Baruch atah Adonai, boneh ve’rachamav Yerushalayim. Amen.
Our God and God of our fathers, may our remembrance ascend and come, reach and be seen, be accepted and heard, be remembered and recalled, with the remembrance of our fathers, the remembrance of Jerusalem Your city, the remembrance of Messiah son of David Your servant, and the remembrance of all Your people the house of Israel before You—for deliverance, for good, for grace, for lovingkindness, for mercy, for life, and for peace on this _________ (New Month / Day of Remembrance / Festival of Unleavened Bread / Festival of Weeks / Festival of Tabernacles / Eighth Day of Assembly). Remember us, Lord our God, on it for good, and recall us on it for blessing, and save us on it for life, by the word of salvation and mercy; spare us, be gracious to us, have mercy on us, and save us, for to You our eyes are lifted, for You are a gracious and merciful King; and rebuild Jerusalem, the holy city, speedily in our days. Blessed are You, Lord, who in His mercy rebuilds Jerusalem. Amen.
Continue:
וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵי נוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָיִם. אָמֵן.
Uvneh Yerushalayim ir hakodesh bimherah veyameinu. Baruch atah Adonai, boneh verachamav Yerushalayim. Amen.
And rebuild Jerusalem, the holy city, speedily in our days. Blessed are You, Lord, who rebuilds Jerusalem in His mercy. Amen.
6. Birkat Hatov v’Hameitiv: Blessing of God’s Goodness
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' 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.
Transliteration:
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu, Melech ha’olam, ha’El avinu, malkeinu, adireinu, bore’einu, go’aleinu, yotzreinu, kedoshenu, Kadosh Ya’akov, ro’einu, ro’eh Yisra’el, haMelech ha’tov ve’ha’meitiv la’kol; sheb’chol yom va’yom Hu heitiv, Hu meitiv, Hu yeitiv lanu; Hu gemalanu, Hu gomlenu, Hu yigmelenu la’ad; le’chen u’le’chesed u’le’rachamim u’leravach hatzalāh ve’hatzlachāh, berachāh vi’yeshuāh, nechamah parnasah ve ’chalkalah, ve’rachamim ve’chayim ve’shalom, ve’chol tov; u’mikol tuv le’olam al yechasserenu.
English Translation:
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, O God, our Father, our King, our Mighty One, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Maker, our Holy One, the Holy One of Jacob, our Shepherd, the Shepherd of Israel, O King, who art kind and dealest kindly with all, day by day thou hast dealt kindly, dost deal kindly, and wilt deal kindly with us: thou hast bestowed, thou dost bestow, thou wilt 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.
7. Additional 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. 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.
Ha’rachaman Hu yimloch aleinu le’olam va’ed. Ha’rachaman Hu yitbarach ba’shamayim u’va’aretz. Ha’rachaman Hu yishtabach le’dor dorim, ve’yitpa’er banu la’ad u’lenetzach netzachim, ve’yithadar banu la’ad u’le’olmei olamim. Ha’rachaman Hu yefarnesenu be ’chavod, Ha’rachaman Hu yishbor uleinu me’al tzavareinu, ve’Hu yolichenu komemiyut le’artzenu. Ha’rachaman Hu yishlach lanu berachah merubah ba’bayit hazeh ve’al shulchan zeh she’achalnu alav. Ha’rachaman Hu yishlach lanu et Eliyahu ha’navi zachur la’tov, vi’vasser lanu b’sorot tovot yeshu’ot ve’nechamot
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. 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 יְבָרֵךְ אֶת מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל רֵאשִׁית צְמִיחַת גְּאֻלָּתֵנוּ. הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת חַיָּלֵי צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וְאַנְשֵׁי כֹּחוֹת הַבִּטָּחוֹן, הָעוֹמְדִים עַל מִשְׁמַר אַרְצֵנוּ.
Ha’rachaman Hu yevarech et Medinat Yisrael, reshit tzemichat ge’ulatenu. Ha’rachaman Hu yevarech et chayalei Tzva HaHaganah LeYisrael ve’anshei kochot habitachon, ha’omdim al mishmar artzenu.
May the All-merciful bless the State of Israel, the beginning of the flowering of our redemption. May the All-merciful bless the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and the members of the security forces, who stand guard over our land.
A guest blesses the hosts:
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁלֹּא יֵבוֹשׁ בַּעַל הַבַּיִת בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה, וְלֹא יִכָּלֵם לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.וְיִצְלַח מְאֹד בְּכָל נְכָסָיו, וְיִהְיוּ נְכָסָיו וּנְכָסֵינוּ מֻצְלָחִים וּקְרוֹבִים לָעִיר.וְאַל יִשְׁלֹט שָׂטָן לֹא בְּמַעֲשֵׂי יָדָיו וְלֹא בְּמַעֲשֵׂי יָדֵינוּ.וְאַל יִזְדַּקֵּק לְפָנָיו וְלֹא לְפָנֵינוּ שׁוּם דְּבַר הִרְהוּר חֵטְא וְעָוֹן מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם.
Yehi ratzon shelo yevosh ba’al habayit ba’olam hazeh, velo yikalem la’olam haba.Veyitzlach me’od bechol nechasav, veyihyu nechasav unechaseinu mutzlachim ukrovim la’ir.Ve’al yishlot satan lo bema’asei yadav velo bema’asei yadeinu. Ve’al yizdakek lefanav velo lefaneinu shum devar hirhur chet ve’avon me’atah ve’ad olam.
May it be God’s will that the master of this house not be ashamed in this world, and not be humiliated in the World to Come.May he greatly prosper in all his possessions, and may his possessions and our possessions be successful and close to the city.May no adversary have power over the work of his hands or over the work of our hands. And may no matter of sin, wrongdoing, or sinful thought come before him or before us, from now and forever.
Children bless their parents by saying:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי בַּעַל הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה. אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם וְאֶת זַרְעָם וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם, אוֹתָנוּ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָנוּ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּתְבָּרְכוּ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב בַּכֹּל מִכֹּל כֹּל – כֵּן יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָנוּ כֻּלָּנוּ יַחַד בִּבְרָכָה שְׁלֵמָה. וְנֹאמַר: אָמֵן. בַּמָרוֹם יְלַמְּדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם וְעָלֵינוּ זְכוּת שֶׁתְּהֵא לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת שָׁלוֹם. וְנִשָׂא בְרָכָה מֵאֵת ה', וּצְדָקָה מֵאֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵנוּ, וְנִמְצָא חֵן וְשֵׂכֶל טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֹהִים וְאָדָם.
Harachaman hu yevarech et avi mori ba’al habayit hazeh, ve’et imi morati ba’alat habayit hazeh. Otam ve’et beitam ve’et zar’am ve’et kol asher lahem, otanu ve’et kol asher lanu, kemo shenitbarechu avoteinu Avraham Yitzchak veYa’akov bakol mikol kol, ken yevarech otanu kulanu yachad bivrachah shelemah. Venomar: amen. Bamarom yelamdu aleihem ve’aleinu z’chut shet’he lemishmeret shalom. Venisa vrachah me’et Adonai, utz’dakah me’Elohei yish’enu, venimtza chen vesechel tov be’einei Elohim ve’adam.
May the All-merciful bless my honored father, the master of this house, and my honored mother, the mistress of this house. Them, their household, their seed and all that is theirs, us also and all that is ours, as our fathers 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. 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 Lord, and righteousness from the God of our salvation; and may we find grace and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Special Occasions:
On Shabbat:
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ שַׁבָּת וּמְנוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים.
Harachaman Hu yanchilenu yom shekulo Shabbat umenuchah lechayei ha’olamim.
May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which shall be wholly a Sabbath and rest in the life everlasting.
On Festivals (Yom Tov):
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ טוֹב.
Harachaman Hu yanchilenu yom shekulo tov.
May the All-merciful let us inherit the day which is altogether good.
On the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh):
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הָחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.
Harachaman Hu yechadesh aleinu et hachodesh hazeh letovah velivrachah.
May the All-merciful renew unto us this month for good and for blessing.
On the New Year (Rosh Hashanah):
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.
Harachaman Hu yechadesh aleinu et hashanah hazot letovah velivrachah.
May the All-merciful renew unto us this year for good and for blessing.
On the intermediate days of Sukkot:
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָנוּ אֶת סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפֶלֶת.
Harachaman Hu yakim lanu et Sukkat David hanofelet.
May the All-merciful raise up for us the fallen Tabernacle of David.
Closing:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְזַכֵּנוּ לִימוֹת הַמָּשִׁיחַ וּלְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא.
Harachaman Hu yezakenu limot haMashiach ulechayei ha’olam haba.
May the All-merciful make us worthy of the days of the Messiah, and of the life of the world to come.
On weekdays:
מַגְדִּיל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ
Magdil yeshu’ot malko
Great salvation He gives to his king.
On Sabbaths, Festivals, and New Moons:
מִגְדּוֹל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ
Migdol yeshu’ot malko
He is a tower of salvation to his king.
Continue:
וְעֹשֶׂה חֶסֶד לִמְשִׁיחוֹ, לְדָוִד וּלְזַרְעוֹ עַד עוֹלָם.
Ve’oseh chesed limshicho, leDavid ulezar’o ad olam.
And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, to David and to his seed, forevermore.
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל. וְאִמְרוּ: אָמֵן.
Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu ve’al kol Yisrael. Ve’imru: amen.
He who maketh peace in his high places, may He make peace for us and for all Israel, and say, Amen.
Final verses:
יְראוּ אֶת ה' קְדֹשָׁיו, כִּי אֵין מַחְסוֹר לִירֵאָיו.
Yir’u et Adonai kedoshav, ki ein machsor lire’av.
O fear the Lord, ye his holy ones; for there is no want to them that fear him (Psalm 34:10).
כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵבוּ, וְדֹרְשֵׁי ה' לֹא יַחְסְרוּ כָל טוֹב
Kefirim rashu vera’evu, vedorshei Adonai lo yachsru chol tov.
Young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good (Psalm 34:11).
הוֹדוּ לַה' כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ.
Hodu l’Adonai ki tov, ki le’olam chasdo.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his lovingkindness endureth forever (Psalm 118:1).
פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת יָדֶךָ, וּמַשְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל חַי רָצוֹן.
Pote’ach et yadecha, umasbia lechol chai ratzon.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest every living thing with favor (Psalm 145:16).
בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּה', וְהָיָה ה' מִבְטַחוֹ
Baruch hagever asher yivtach b’Adonai, vehayah Adonai mivtacho.
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose trust the Lord is (Jeremiah 17:7).
נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם זָקַנְתִּי, וְלֹא רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ לָחֶם
Na’ar hayiti gam zakanti, velo ra’iti tzaddik ne’ezav, vezar’o mevakesh lachem.
I have been young and now I am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).
ה' עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, ה' יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם
Adonai oz le’amo yiten, Adonai yevarech et amo vashalom.
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace (Psalm 29:11).
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Glossary
Adar (אֲדָר) is the 12th Hebrew month associated with the festival of Purim, usually falling in February/March.
Adonai (אֲדֹנָי) means “Lord” and is commonly used in Jewish reading and prayer as a reverent way to refer to God.
Aleinu (עָלֵינוּ) means “it is upon us” and is a prayer declaring God’s kingship and the hope that all nations will worship Him.
Amen (אָמֵן) means “truly” or “let it be so” and is said as an affirmation of faith, agreement, and trust in God.
Av (אָב) is the 5th Hebrew month, associated with Tisha B’Av and mourning for the destruction of the Temples. Av usually falls around July or August
Birkat Hamazon (ברכת המזון) is the traditional Jewish prayer of thanksgiving after meals. It's based on Deuteronomy 8:10, which tells us to bless the Lord after we have eaten and are satisfied.
Brit Milah (בְּרִית מִילָה) means “covenant of circumcision” and refers to the ritual circumcision of a Jewish baby boy on the eighth day as a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham.
Commandment (mitzvah, מצווה) refers to an instruction from God that reveals His will and teaches His people how to live.
Covenant (brit, בְּרִית) means a sacred agreement or bond between parties, such as between God and His people.
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) means “God” and is one of the main biblical names used for the Creator and ruler of all things.
Halacha (הֲלָכָה) means “the way to walk" and is drawn from the Torah, Oral Law, and rabbinic rulings. Halacha explains proper behavior in different areas of life according to Jewish tradition.
Kohen (כֹּהֵן) means “priest” and refers to a descendant of Aaron appointed to serve in the Temple.
Kohen Gadol (כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל) means “High Priest” and refers to the chief priest who entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur.
Manna (מָן) refers to the miraculous bread-like food God provided for Israel in the wilderness, teaching His people to depend on His daily provision.
Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ) means “anointed one” and refers to the promised Messiah
Matzah (מַצָּה) means “unleavened bread” and is eaten during Passover as a reminder of Israel’s hurried departure from Egypt. It is both pierced and striped, reminding us of Yeshua's body broken for us.
Minyan (מִנְיָן) means “count” and refers to the quorum of ten men traditionally required for certain Jewish prayers.
Mishkan (מִשְׁכָּן) means “dwelling place” and often refers to the Tabernacle.
Mitzvah (מצווה) means "commandment," and often refers to good and righteous deeds.
Purim (פּוּרִים) means “lots” and refers to the festival remembering how God preserved the Jewish people from destruction in the days of Esther, even when His hand seemed hidden. Haman had cast lots for the date to annihilate the Jewish people (Esther 9:24-26), yet God overturned his wicked plans.
Rabbi (רַבִּי) means “my teacher” and refers to a Jewish teacher or spiritual leader.
Redemption (ge'ulah, גְּאֻלָּה) means being rescued or bought back, and refers to God delivering His people from sin, slavery, and death.
Rosh Chodesh (רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ) means “head of the month” and refers to the beginning of a new Hebrew month, traditionally marked by special prayers, Scripture readings, and thanksgiving to God.
Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה) means “head of the year” and refers to the Jewish New Year, traditionally connected with the biblical Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah, יוֹם תְּרוּעָה) and a season of repentance before God.
Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) refers to the seventh day, the Sabbath, set apart by God as a holy day of rest, worship, and delight (see Genesis 2:1-3).
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) means peace and completeness, and is often used as a greeting in Israel, both when meeting and parting.
Shavuot (שָׁבוּעוֹת) means “weeks” and often refers to the biblical Feast of Weeks, celebrated fifty days after Passover, when Israel brought firstfruits to God and, in the Brit Chadasha, the Holy Spirit was poured out.
Sukkot (סֻכּוֹת) means “booths” or “tabernacles” and refers to the biblical festival remembering Israel’s wilderness journey and God’s faithful presence and provision.
Tabernacle (mishkan, מִשְׁכָּן) refers to the portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt among Israel in the wilderness.
Tachanun (תַּחֲנוּן) means “supplication” or “pleading for mercy.”
It is the set of penitential prayers recited after the Amidah on weekdays, expressing humility and seeking God’s compassion.
Torah (תּוֹרָה) means “instruction” or “teaching” and often refers especially to the Five Books of Moses. Psalm 119:1 reminds us that those who walk in God's Torah are blessed.
Zimmun (זִמּוּן) means “invitation” and refers to the formal call to join together in blessing God before Birkat HaMazon when three or more have eaten together.
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