ברכת המזון
After eating bread, Jewish tradition invites us to slow down and give thanks through the Birkat HaMazon — literally “the Blessing of the Food.” It’s said after any meal that includes bread and serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to G-d for providing not just the food we eat, but the abundance of the world around us.
Where the blessings before eating prepare us to receive, this one closes the meal with humility, reflection, and joy.
A Moment of Gratitude
The Birkat HaMazon is based on the verse in Deuteronomy 8:10:
“When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the L-rd your G-d for the good land which He has given you.”
This simple command teaches us that satisfaction should be followed by gratitude — that contentment should never lead to forgetfulness.
Even after something as ordinary as a meal, we’re reminded that everything comes from G-d’s kindness.
When and How It’s Said
- The Birkat HaMazon is said after eating a meal with bread (where Hamotzi was recited).
- Traditionally, it’s recited sitting, with the hands often washed again if the meal included salt or crumbs.
- Many people cover the table with a cloth, symbolizing reverence for what just took place — a sacred act disguised as a meal.
The Four Blessings of Birkat HaMazon
There are four primary blessings within Birkat HaMazon, each with its own focus.
1. HaZan et HaKol – The One Who Feeds All
We thank G-d for providing sustenance to all living beings with kindness and mercy.
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ…
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,
ha’zan et ha’olam kulo b’tuvo…
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who nourishes the entire world with goodness, kindness, and mercy.
You give food to every creature, for Your mercy endures forever.
Through Your great goodness, food has never failed us — may it never fail us forever.
Blessed are You, L-rd, who provides food for all.
2. Nodeh Lecha – Thanksgiving for the Land
We express gratitude for the land of Israel and for the blessings of sustenance, freedom, and covenant.
Hebrew:
נוֹדֶה לְךָ יְיָ אֱלֹקֵינוּ עַל שֶׁהִנְחַלְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה…
Transliteration:
Nodeh lecha Adonai Eloheinu, al she’hinchalta la’avoteinu eretz chemda…
English:
We thank You, L-rd our G-d,
for the precious, good, and spacious land You have given to our ancestors as a heritage.
Thank You for bringing us out of the land of Egypt and redeeming us from slavery.
Blessed are You, L-rd, for the land and for the food.
3. Boneh Yerushalayim – Rebuilding Jerusalem
Here we pray for the restoration of Jerusalem and for peace upon Israel.
Hebrew:
רַחֵם נָא יְיָ אֱלֹקֵינוּ עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִירֶךָ…
Transliteration:
Rachem na Adonai Eloheinu al Yisrael amcha,
v’al Yerushalayim irecha…
English:
Have mercy, L-rd our G-d, upon Israel Your people,
upon Jerusalem Your city, and upon Zion, the dwelling place of Your glory.
Rebuild Jerusalem soon in our days, and bring us up into it with joy.
Blessed are You, L-rd, who builds Jerusalem.
4. HaTov veHaMeitiv – G-d’s Goodness
This final blessing gives thanks for G-d’s unending kindness and the goodness that fills our lives.
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הָטוֹב וְהַמֵּיטִיב.
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,
ha’tov ve’ha’meitiv.
English:
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
who is good and does good for all.
Why It Matters
The Birkat HaMazon teaches that gratitude doesn’t end when the meal does.
It invites us to carry that same awareness into everything else — our work, our relationships, our rest.
Every act of eating becomes sacred when it begins and ends with blessing.
It’s a beautiful rhythm: receive with blessing, return with gratitude.
The Chai Life 
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