Birkat HamazonBirkas Hamazon - Ashkenazi
The blessing after meals, ready to read in Hebrew, transliterated or translated, according to your nusach.
To add in Birkat Hamazon :
Passages that depend on the day open with a click; today's are already open.
Before Birkat Hamazon
On days when Tachanun is said:
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 יְהוָה עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר. אִם אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלִָם תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי. תִּדְבַּק לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם לֹא אֶזְכְּרֵכִי אִם לֹא אַעֲלֶה אֶת יְרוּשָׁלִַם עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי. זְכֹר יְהוָה 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.
Al na-ha-rot ba-vel sham ya-shav-nu gam ba-chi-nu b'zoch-rei-nu et Tsi-yon. Al a-ra-vim b'to-chah ta-li-nu ki-no-ro-tei-nu. Ki sham sh'ei-lu-nu sho-vei-nu div-rei shir v'to-la-lei-nu sim-chah, shi-ru la-nu mi-shir Tsi-yon. Eich na-shir et shir A-do-nai al ad-mat nei-char. Im esh-ka-cheich Y'ru-sha-la-yim tish-kach y'mi-ni. Tid-bak l'sho-ni l'chi-ki im lo ez-k'rei-chi, im lo a-a-leh et Y'ru-sha-la-yim al rosh sim-cha-ti. Z'chor A-do-nai liv-nei E-dom et yom Y'ru-sha-la-yim, ha-om-rim a-ru a-ru ad ha-y'sod bah. Bat ba-vel ha-sh'du-dah, ash-rei she-y'sha-lem lach et g'mu-leich she-ga-malt la-nu. Ash-rei she-yo-cheiz v'ni-peits et o-la-la-yich el ha-sa-la.
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept as we remembered Zion. There, upon the willows we hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us songs, and those who scorned us—rejoicing, [saying,] “Sing to us of the songs of Zion.” How can we sing the song of the L-rd on alien soil? If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its dexterity. Let my tongue cleave to my palate if I will not remember you, if I will not bring to mind Jerusalem during my greatest joy! Remember, O L-rd, against the Edomites the day of the destruction of Jerusalem, when they said, “Raze it, raze it to its very foundation!” O Babylon, who are destined to be laid waste, happy is he who will repay you in retribution for what you have inflicted on us. Happy is he who will seize and crush your infants against the rock!
On days when Tachanun is not said (Shabbat, festivals, Rosh Chodesh…):
שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת בְּשׁוּב יְהוָה אֶת שִׁיבַת צִיּוֹן הָיִינוּ כְּחֹלְמִים. אָז יִמָּלֵא שְׂחוֹק פִּינוּ וּלְשׁוֹנֵנוּ רִנָּה אָז יֹאמְרוּ בַגּוֹיִם הִגְדִּיל יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִם אֵלֶּה. הִגְדִּיל יְהוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִמָּנוּ הָיִינוּ שְׂמֵחִים. שׁוּבָה יְהוָה אֶת שְׁבִיתֵנוּ כַּאֲפִיקִים בַּנֶּגֶב. הַזֹּרְעִים בְּדִמְעָה בְּרִנָּה יִקְצֹרוּ. הָלוֹךְ יֵלֵךְ וּבָכֹה נֹשֵׂא מֶשֶׁךְ הַזָּרַע בֹּא יָבוֹא בְרִנָּה נֹשֵׂא אֲלֻמֹּתָיו.
Shir ha-ma-a-lot b'shuv A-do-nai et shi-vat Tsi-yon ha-yi-nu k'chol-mim. Az yi-ma-lei s'chok pi-nu ul-sho-nei-nu ri-nah, az yom-ru va-go-yim hig-dil A-do-nai la-a-sot im ei-leh. Hig-dil A-do-nai la-a-sot i-ma-nu ha-yi-nu s'mei-chim. Shu-vah A-do-nai et sh'vi-tei-nu ka-a-fi-kim ba-ne-gev. Ha-zor-im b'dim-ah b'ri-nah yik-tso-ru. Ha-loch yei-leich u-va-choh no-sei me-shech ha-za-ra, bo ya-vo v'ri-nah no-sei a-lu-mo-tav.
A song of ascents. When the L-rd will return the exiles of Zion, we will have been like dreamers. Then our mouth will be filled with laughter, and our tongue with songs of joy; then will they say among the nations, “The L-rd has done great things for these.” The L-rd has done great things for us; we were joyful. L-rd, return our exiles as streams to arid soil. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed; he will surely return with songs of joy, carrying his sheaves.
Zimun
When three or more men have eaten together, they say the zimmun; the leader begins:
רַבּוֹתַי, נְבָרֵךְ!
Ra-bo-tai, n'va-reich! (in Yiddish: Ra-bo-sai mir vel'n bentsh'n)
My masters, let us bless!
The others respond:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְיָ מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם.
Y'hi sheim A-do-nai m'vo-rach mei-a-tah v'ad o-lam.
May the Name of the L-rd be blessed from now and forever.
The leader repeats it and continues:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְיָ מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם. בִּרְשׁוּת מָרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי, נְבָרֵךְ (בעשרה: אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ.
Y'hi sheim A-do-nai m'vo-rach mei-a-tah v'ad o-lam. Bir-shut ma-ra-nan v'ra-ba-nan v'ra-bo-tai, n'va-reich (with ten or more: E-lo-hei-nu) she-a-chal-nu mi-she-lo.
May the Name of the L-rd be blessed from now and forever. With the permission of our masters, our teachers and you, my masters, let us bless (with ten or more: our G-d) the One of Whose food we have eaten.
The others respond:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה: אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ.
Ba-ruch (with ten or more: E-lo-hei-nu) she-a-chal-nu mi-she-lo uv-tu-vo cha-yi-nu.
Blessed be (with ten or more: our G-d) the One of Whose food we have eaten and through Whose goodness we live.
The leader repeats:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה: אֱלֹהֵינוּ) שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִינוּ.
Ba-ruch (with ten or more: E-lo-hei-nu) she-a-chal-nu mi-she-lo uv-tu-vo cha-yi-nu.
Blessed be (with ten or more: our G-d) the One of Whose food we have eaten and through Whose goodness we live.
1. Hazan: 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.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-o-lam, ha-zan et ha-o-lam ku-lo b'tu-vo, b'chein b'che-sed uv-ra-cha-mim. Hu no-tein le-chem l'chawl ba-sar, ki l'o-lam chas-do. Uv-tu-vo ha-ga-dol ta-mid lo cha-seir la-nu, v'al yech-sar la-nu ma-zon (ta-mid) l'o-lam va-ed, ba-a-vur sh'mo ha-ga-dol. Ki hu Eil zan um-far-neis la-kol, u-mei-tiv la-kol, u-mei-chin ma-zon l'chawl b'ri-yo-tav a-sher ba-ra. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, ha-zan et ha-kol.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who, in His goodness, provides sustenance for the entire world with grace, with kindness, and with mercy. He gives food to all flesh, for His kindness is everlasting. Through His great goodness we have never lacked food, and may we never lack it, forever and ever, for the sake of His great Name. For He is G-d Who nourishes and sustains all, does good to all, and prepares food for all His creatures whom He has created. Blessed are You, L-rd, Who provides food for all.
2. Nodeh lecha: the Land of Israel
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.
No-deh l'cha A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, al she-hin-chal-ta la-a-vo-tei-nu e-rets chem-dah to-vah ur-cha-vah. V'al she-ho-tsei-ta-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu mei-e-rets mits-ra-yim, uf-di-ta-nu mi-beit a-va-dim, v'al b'ri-t'cha she-cha-tam-ta biv-sa-rei-nu, v'al to-ra-t'cha she-li-mad-ta-nu, v'al chu-ke-cha she-ho-da-ta-nu, v'al chai-yim chein va-che-sed she-cho-nan-ta-nu, v'al a-chi-lat ma-zon sha-a-tah zan um-far-neis o-ta-nu ta-mid, b'chawl yom uv-chawl eit uv-chawl sha-ah.
We offer thanks to You, L-rd our G-d, for having given as a heritage to our ancestors a precious, good and spacious land; for having brought us out, L-rd our G-d, from the land of Egypt, and redeemed us from the house of bondage; for Your covenant which You have sealed in our flesh; for Your Torah which You have taught us; for Your statutes which You have made known to us; for the life, favor, and kindness which You have graciously bestowed upon us; and for the food we eat with which You constantly nourish and sustain us every day, at all times, and at every hour.
On Chanukah and Purim, say "Al Hanissim" here: Say today
עַל הַנִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָן וְעַל הַגְּבוּרוֹת וְעַל הַתְּשׁוּעוֹת וְעַל הַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁעָשִׂיתָ לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה.
Al ha-ni-sim v'al ha-pur-kan v'al ha-g'vu-rot v'al ha-t'shu-ot v'al ha-mil-cha-mot she-a-si-ta la-a-vo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-heim baz-man ha-zeh.
And [we thank You] for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the saving acts and for the battles which You waged for our ancestors in those days, at this time.
On 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.
Bi-mei Ma-tit-ya-hu ben Yo-cha-nan ko-hein ga-dol Chash-mo-nai u-va-nav, k'she-am-dah mal-chut Ya-van ha-r'sha-ah al am-cha Yis-ra-eil l'hash-ki-cham to-ra-te-cha ul-ha-a-vi-ram mei-chu-kei r'tso-ne-cha. V'a-tah b'ra-cha-me-cha ha-ra-bim a-mad-ta la-hem b'eit tsa-ra-tam, rav-ta et ri-vam, dan-ta et di-nam, na-kam-ta et nik-ma-tam, ma-sar-ta gi-bo-rim b'yad cha-la-shim, v'ra-bim b'yad m'a-tim, ut-mei-im b'yad t'ho-rim, ur-sha-im b'yad tsa-di-kim, v'zei-dim b'yad o-s'kei to-ra-te-cha. Ul-cha a-si-ta sheim ga-dol v'ka-dosh b'o-la-me-cha, ul-am-cha Yis-ra-eil a-si-ta t'shu-ah g'do-lah u-fur-kan k'ha-yom ha-zeh. V'a-char kach ba-u va-ne-cha lid-vir bei-te-cha, u-fi-nu et hei-cha-le-cha, v'ti-ha-ru et mik-da-she-cha, v'hid-li-ku nei-rot b'chats-rot kod-she-cha, v'kav-u sh'mo-nat y'mei Cha-nu-kah ei-lu l'ho-dot ul-ha-leil l'shim-cha ha-ga-dol.
In the days of Matityahu, the son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the wicked Hellenic government rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and violate the decrees of Your will. But You, in Your abounding mercies, stood by them in the time of their distress. You waged their battles, defended their rights, and avenged the wrong done to them. You delivered the mighty 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 wanton sinners into the hands of those who occupy themselves with Your Torah. You made a great and holy name for Yourself in Your world, and effected a great deliverance and redemption for Your people Israel to this very day. Then Your children entered the shrine of Your House, cleansed Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, kindled lights in Your holy courtyards, and instituted these eight days of Chanukah to give thanks and praise to Your great Name.
On 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
Bi-mei Mor-d'chai v'Es-teir b'Shu-shan ha-bi-rah, k'she-a-mad a-lei-hem Ha-man ha-ra-sha, bi-keish l'hash-mid la-ha-rog ul-a-beid et kawl ha-y'hu-dim, mi-na-ar v'ad za-kein, taf v'na-shim b'yom e-chad, bish-lo-shah a-sar l'cho-desh sh'neim a-sar, hu cho-desh A-dar, ush-la-lam la-voz. V'a-tah b'ra-cha-me-cha ha-ra-bim hei-far-ta et a-tsa-to, v'kil-kal-ta et ma-cha-shav-to, va-ha-shei-vo-ta lo g'mu-lo b'ro-sho, v'ta-lu o-to v'et ba-nav al ha-eits. V'a-si-ta i-ma-hem ni-sim v'nif-la-ot v'no-deh l'shim-cha ha-ga-dol se-lah.
In the days of Mordechai and Esther, in Shushan the capital, when the wicked Haman rose up against them and sought to destroy and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to take their spoil for plunder. But You, in Your abounding mercies foiled his counsel and frustrated his intention, and caused the evil he planned — to recoil on his own head, and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows. You performed miracles and wonders for them, and we will give thanks to Your great Name, Selah.
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.
V'al ha-kol A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu a-nach-nu mo-dim lach, um-va-r'chim o-tach, yit-ba-reich shim-cha b'fi kawl chai ta-mid l'o-lam va-ed. Ka-ka-tuv: v'a-chal-ta v'sa-va-ta, u-vei-rach-ta et A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha, al ha-a-rets ha-to-vah a-sher na-tan lach. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, al ha-a-rets v'al ha-ma-zon. ( A-mein. )
For all this, L-rd our G-d, we give thanks to You and bless You. May Your Name be blessed by the mouth of every living being, constantly and forever, as it is written: When you have eaten and are satiated, you shall bless the L-rd your G-d for the good land which He has given you. Blessed are You, L-rd, for the land and for the sustenance.
3. Rachem: 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.
Ra-cheim A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu al Yis-ra-eil a-me-cha, v'al Y'ru-sha-la-yim i-re-cha, v'al Tsi-yon mish-kan k'vo-de-cha, v'al mal-chut beit Da-vid m'shi-che-cha, v'al ha-ba-yit ha-ga-dol v'ha-ka-dosh she-nik-ra shim-cha a-lav. E-lo-hei-nu A-vi-nu r'ei-nu (on Shabbat and festivals substitute: ro-ei-nu) zo-nei-nu par-n'sei-nu v'chal-k'lei-nu v'har-vi-chei-nu, v'har-vach la-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu m'hei-rah mi-kawl tsa-ro-tei-nu. V'na al tats-ri-chei-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, lo li-dei ma-t'nat ba-sar v'dam, v'lo li-dei hal-va-a-tam, ki im l'ya-d'cha ha-m'lei-ah ha-p'tu-chah ha-k'do-shah v'ha-r'cha-vah, she-lo nei-vosh v'lo ni-ka-leim l'o-lam va-ed.
Have mercy, L-rd our G-d, upon Israel Your people, upon Jerusalem Your city, upon Zion the abode of Your glory, upon the kingship of the house of David Your anointed, and upon the great and holy House over which Your Name was proclaimed. Our G-d, our Father, tend us, (On Shabbat and festivals: our Shepherd,) nourish us, sustain us, feed us, and provide us with plenty; and speedily, L-rd our G-d, grant us relief from all our afflictions. L-rd our G-d, please do not make us dependent upon the gifts of mortal men nor upon their loans, but only upon Your full, open, holy, and generous hand, that we may never be shamed or disgraced.
On Shabbat, add "Retzei" here: Say today
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.
R'tsei v'ha-cha-li-tsei-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu b'mits-vo-te-cha, uv-mits-vat yom ha-sh'vi-i ha-sha-bat ha-ga-dol v'ha-ka-dosh ha-zeh, ki yom zeh ga-dol v'ka-dosh hu l'fa-ne-cha, lish-bawt bo v'la-nu-ach bo b'a-ha-vah k'mits-vat r'tso-ne-cha, u-vir-tso-n'cha ha-ni-ach la-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, she-lo t'hei tsa-rah v'ya-gon va-a-na-chah b'yom m'nu-cha-tei-nu, v'har-ei-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu b'ne-che-mat Tsi-yon i-re-cha, uv-vin-yan Y'ru-sha-la-yim ir kawd-she-cha, ki a-tah hu ba-al ha-y'shu-ot u-va-al ha-ne-cha-mot.
May it please You, L-rd our G-d, to strengthen us through Your mitzvot, and through the mitzvah of the Seventh Day, this great and holy Shabbat. For this day is great and holy before You, to refrain from work and to rest thereon with love, in accordance with the commandment of Your will. In Your good will, L-rd our G-d, bestow upon us tranquility, that there shall be no distress, sadness, or sorrow on the day of our rest. L-rd our G-d, let us see the consolation of Zion Your city, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem Your holy city, for You are the Master of deliverance and the Master of consolation.
On Rosh Chodesh, festivals and Chol Hamoed, add "Yaaleh Veyavo" here: Say today
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
E-lo-hei-nu vei-lo-hei a-vo-tei-nu, ya-a-leh v'ya-vo v'ya-gi-a, v'yei-ra-eh v'yei-ra-tseh v'yi-sha-ma, v'yi-pa-keid v'yi-za-cheir zich-ro-nei-nu u-fik-do-nei-nu, v'zich-ron a-vo-tei-nu, v'zich-ron Ma-shi-ach ben Da-vid av-de-cha, v'zich-ron Y'ru-sha-la-yim ir kawd-she-cha, v'zich-ron kawl am-cha beit Yis-ra-eil l'fa-ne-cha, lif-lei-tah l'to-vah l'chein ul-che-sed ul-ra-cha-mim, ul-chai-yim ul-sha-lom b'yom
Our G-d and G-d of our fathers, may there ascend, come and reach, be seen, accepted and heard, recalled and remembered before You the remembrance and recollection of us, the remembrance of our fathers, the remembrance of Mashiach the son of David Your servant, the remembrance of Jerusalem Your holy city, and the remembrance of all Your people the House of Israel, for deliverance, well-being, grace, kindness, mercy, life and peace, on this day of
בראש חודש: רֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ
on Rosh Chodesh: rosh ha-cho-desh
on Rosh Chodesh: Rosh Chodesh,
בפסח: חַג הַמַּצּוֹת
on Pesach: chag ha-ma-tsot
on Pesach: the festival of Matzot,
בסוכות: חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת
on Sukkot: chag ha-su-kot
on Sukkot: the festival of Sukkot,
בשמיני עצרת: שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת הַחַג
on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: sh'mi-ni a-tse-ret ha-chag
on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: the festival of Shemini Atzeret,
בשבועות: חַג הַשָּׁבוּעוֹת
on Shavuot: chag ha-sha-vu-ot
on Shavuot: the festival of Shavuot,
בראש השנה: הַזִּכָּרוֹן
on Rosh Hashanah: ha-zi-ka-ron
on Rosh Hashanah: Remembrance,
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.
ha-zeh. Zoch-rei-nu A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu bo l'to-vah, u-fawk-dei-nu vo liv-ra-chah, v'ho-shi-ei-nu vo l'chai-yim. Uv-d'var y'shu-ah v'ra-cha-mim, chus v'cho-nei-nu, v'ra-cheim a-lei-nu v'ho-shi-ei-nu, ki ei-le-cha ei-nei-nu, ki Eil me-lech cha-nun v'ra-chum a-tah.
Remember us on this day, L-rd our G-d, for good; be mindful of us on this day for blessing, and help us on this day for life. With the promise of deliverance and compassion, spare us and be gracious to us, have mercy upon us and deliver us, for our eyes are directed to You; for You, G-d, are a gracious and merciful King.
וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלַיִם. אָמֵן.
Uv-nei Y'ru-sha-la-yim ir ha-ko-desh bim-hei-rah v'ya-mei-nu. Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, bo-nei b'ra-cha-mav Y'ru-sha-la-yim. A-mein.
And rebuild Jerusalem the holy city speedily in our days. Blessed are You, L-rd, Who in His mercy rebuilds Jerusalem. Amen.
4. Hatov vehametiv and Harachaman
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.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-o-lam, ha-Eil a-vi-nu mal-kei-nu a-di-rei-nu bor-ei-nu go-a-lei-nu yots-rei-nu k'do-shei-nu k'dosh Ya-a-kov, ro-ei-nu, ro-ei Yis-ra-eil, ha-me-lech ha-tov v'ha-mei-tiv la-kol, b'chawl yom va-yom hu hei-tiv la-nu, hu mei-tiv la-nu, hu yei-tiv la-nu. Hu g'ma-la-nu, hu gom-lei-nu, hu yig-m'lei-nu la-ad, l'chein ul-che-sed ul-ra-cha-mim ul-re-vach, ha-tsa-lah v'hats-la-chah, b'ra-cha vi-shu-ah, ne-cha-mah par-na-sah v'chal-ka-lah, v'ra-cha-mim v'chai-yim v'sha-lom v'chawl tov, u-mi-kawl tuv l'o-lam al y'chas-rei-nu.
Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, benevolent G-d, our Father, our King, our Strength, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Maker, our Holy One, the Holy One of Jacob, our Shepherd, the Shepherd of Israel, the King who is good and does good to all, each and every day. He has done good for us, He does good for us, and He will do good for us; He has bestowed, He bestows, and He will forever bestow upon us grace, kindness, and mercy; relief, salvation and success; blessing and deliverance; consolation, livelihood and sustenance; compassion, life, peace, and all goodness; and may He never cause us to lack any good.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִמְלוֹךְ עָלֵינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yim-loch a-lei-nu l'o-lam va-ed.
May the Merciful One reign over us forever and ever.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִתְבָּרַךְ בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָרֶץ.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yit-ba-reich ba-sha-ma-yim u-va-a-rets.
May the Merciful One be blessed in heaven and on earth.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁתַּבַּח לְדוֹר דּוֹרִים, וְיִתְפָּאַר בָּנוּ לָעַד וּלְנֵצַח נְצָחִים, וְיִתְהַדַּר בָּנוּ לָעַד וּלְעוֹלְמֵי עוֹלָמִים.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yish-ta-bach l'dor do-rim, v'yit-pa-eir ba-nu la-ad ul-nei-tsach n'tsa-chim, v'yit-ha-dar ba-nu la-ad ul-ol-mei o-la-mim.
May the Merciful One be praised for all generations, and pride Himself in us forever and to all eternity, and glorify Himself in us forever and ever.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְפַרְנְסֵנוּ בְּכָבוֹד.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'far-n'sei-nu b'cha-vod.
May the Merciful One provide our livelihood with honor.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁבּוֹר עֻלֵּנוּ מֵעַל צַּוָּארֵנוּ, וְהוּא יוֹלִיכֵנוּ קוֹמְמִיוּת לְאַרְצֵנוּ.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yish-bor u-lei-nu mei-al tsa-va-rei-nu, v'hu yo-li-chei-nu ko-m'mi-yut l'ar-tsei-nu.
May the Merciful One break the yoke from our neck, and may He lead us upright to our land.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָנוּ בְּרָכָה מְרֻבָּה בַּבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְעַל שֻׁלְחָן זֶה שֶׁאָכַלְנוּ עָלָיו.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yish-lach b'ra-chah m'ru-bah b'-va-yit zeh, v'al shul-chan zeh she-a-chal-nu a-lav.
May the Merciful One send abundant blessing into this house and upon this table at which we have eaten.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָנוּ אֶת אֵלִיָּהוּ הַנָּבִיא זָכוּר לַטּוֹב, וִיבַשֵּׂר לָנוּ בְּשׂוֹרוֹת טוֹבוֹת יְשׁוּעוֹת וְנֶחָמוֹת.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yish-lach la-nu et Ei-li-ya-hu ha-na-vi, za-chur la-tov, vi-va-ser la-nu b'so-rot to-vot, y'shu-ot v'ne-cha-mot.
May the Merciful One send us Elijah the prophet—may he be remembered for good—and let him bring us good tidings, deliverance, and consolation.
At one's parents' table, say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי בַּעַל הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם וְאֶת זַרְעָם וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם,
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'va-reich et a-vi mo-ri ba-al ha-ba-yit ha-zeh, v'et i-mi mo-ra-ti ba-a-lat ha-ba-yit ha-zeh, o-tam v'et bei-tam v'et zar-am v'et kawl a-sher la-hem,
May the Merciful One bless my father, my teacher, the master of this house, and my mother, my teacher, the mistress of this house; them, their household, their children, and all that is theirs;
A married man says:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתִי, (אם אביו ואמו בחיים: וְאֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי,) וְאֶת אִשְׁתִּי, וְאֶת זַרְעִי, וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לִי.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'va-reich o-ti (if one's parents are living: v'et a-vi mo-ri, v'et i-mi mo-ra-ti,) v'et ish-ti, v'et zar-i, v'et kawl a-sher li,
May the Merciful One bless me, (if one's parents are living: my father, my teacher, and my mother, my teacher,) my wife, my children, and all that is mine;
A married woman says:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתִי, (אם אביה ואמה בחיים: וְאֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי, וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי,) וְאֶת בַּעֲלִי, וְאֶת זַרְעִי, וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לִי.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'va-reich o-ti (if one's parents are living: v'et a-vi mo-ri, v'et i-mi mo-ra-ti,) v'et ba-a-li, v'et zar-i, v'et kawl a-sher li,
May the Merciful One bless me, (if one's parents are living: my father, my teacher, and my mother, my teacher,) my husband, my children, and all that is mine;
A guest says:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת בַּעַל הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה וְאֶת בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת הַזֶּה, אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם וְאֶת זַרְעָם וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם. 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 יִזְדַקֵּק לֹא לְפָנָיו וְלֹא לְפָנֵינוּ שׁוּם דְבַר הַרְהוֹר חֵטְא וַעֲבֵרָה וְעָוֹן מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'va-reich et ba-al ha-ba-yit ha-zeh v'et ba-a-lat ha-ba-yit ha-zeh, o-tam v'et bei-tam v'et zar-am v'et kawl a-sher la-hem. Y'hi ra-tson she-lo yei-vosh ba-al ha-ba-yit ba-o-lam ha-zeh, v'lo yi-ka-leim la-o-lam ha-ba, v'yits-lach m'od b'chawl n'cha-sav, v'yih-yu n'cha-sav un-cha-sei-nu muts-la-chim uk-ro-vim la-ir, v'al yish-lot sa-tan lo b'ma-a-sei ya-dav v'lo b'ma-a-sei ya-dei-nu, v'al yiz-da-keik lo l'fa-nav v'lo l'fa-nei-nu shum d'var hir-hur cheit va-a-vei-rah v'a-von, mei-a-tah v'ad o-lam.
May the Merciful One bless the master of this house and the mistress of this house, them, their household, their children, and all that is theirs. May it be Your will that the master of the house not be shamed in this world nor disgraced in the World to Come; may he greatly prosper in all his possessions, may his possessions and ours be successful and close to the city; may no adversary rule over the work of his hands or of ours, and may no thought of sin, transgression or iniquity come before him or before us, from now and forever.
אוֹתָנוּ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָנוּ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּתְבָּרְכוּ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב בַּכֹּל מִכֹּל כֹּל – כֵּן יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָנוּ כֻּלָּנוּ יַחַד בִּבְרָכָה שְׁלֵמָה. וְנֹאמַר: אָמֵן.
o-ta-nu v'et kawl a-sher la-nu, k'mo she-nit-bar-chu a-vo-tei-nu Av-ra-ham Yits-chak v'Ya-a-kov ba-kol mi-kol kol, kein y'va-reich o-ta-nu ku-la-nu ya-chad biv-ra-chah sh'lei-mah, v'no-mar a-mein.
us, and all that is ours. Just as our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were blessed “in all things,” “by all things,” with “all things,” so may He bless all of us together with a perfect blessing, and let us say, Amen.
בַּמָרוֹם יְלַמְּדוּ עֲלֵיהֶם וְעָלֵינוּ זְכוּת שֶׁתְּהֵא לְמִשְׁמֶרֶת שָׁלוֹם. וְנִשָׂא בְרָכָה מֵאֵת יְיָ, וּצְדָקָה מֵאֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵנוּ, וְנִמְצָא חֵן וְשֵׂכֶל טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֹהִים וְאָדָם.
Ba-ma-rom y'lam-du a-lei-hem v'a-lei-nu z'chut, she-t'hei l'mish-me-ret sha-lom. V'ni-sa v'ra-chah mei-eit A-do-nai, uts-da-kah mei-E-lo-hei yish-ei-nu, v'nim-tsa chein v'sei-chel tov b'ei-nei E-lo-him v'a-dam.
From on high may there be invoked upon them and upon us such merit as will bring enduring peace. May we receive blessing from the L-rd and kindness from G-d our deliverer, and may we find grace and good understanding in the eyes of G-d and man.
On Shabbat: Say today
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ שַׁבָּת וּמְנוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yan-chi-lei-nu yom she-ku-lo Sha-bat um-nu-chah l'chai-yei ha-o-la-mim.
May the Merciful One let us inherit the day which will be all Shabbat and rest for life everlasting.
On festivals: Say today
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלוֹ טוֹב.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu yan-chi-lei-nu yom she-ku-lo tov.
May the Merciful One let us inherit the day which is all good.
On Rosh Chodesh: Say today
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הָחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'cha-deish a-lei-nu et ha-cho-desh ha-zeh l'to-vah v'liv-ra-chah.
May the Merciful One renew for us this month for good and for blessing.
On Rosh Hashanah: Say today
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'cha-deish a-lei-nu et ha-sha-nah ha-zot l'to-vah v'liv-ra-chah.
May the Merciful One renew for us this year for good and for blessing.
On Sukkot: Say today
הַרָחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָנוּ אֶת סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפֶלֶת.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu ya-kim la-nu et su-kat Da-vid ha-no-fe-let.
May the Merciful One restore for us the fallen sukkah of David.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְזַכֵּנוּ לִימוֹת הַמָּשִׁיחַ וּלְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא. 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 יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן.
Ha-ra-cha-man, hu y'za-kei-nu li-mot ha-ma-shi-ach ul-chai-yei ha-o-lam ha-ba. Mag-dil (on days when Musaf is said and at the end of Shabbat: Mig-dol) y'shu-ot mal-ko v'o-seh che-sed lim-shi-cho, l'Da-vid ul-zar-o ad o-lam. O-seh sha-lom bim-ro-mav, hu ya-a-seh sha-lom a-lei-nu v'al kawl Yis-ra-eil, v'im-ru a-mein.
May the Merciful One grant us the privilege of reaching the days of the Mashiach and the life of the World to Come. He gives great deliverance (on days when Musaf is said and at the end of Shabbat: He is a tower of deliverance) to His king, and bestows kindness upon His anointed, to David and his descendants forever. He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.
יְראוּ אֶת יְיָ קְדֹשָׁיו, כִּי אֵין מַחְסוֹר לִירֵאָיו. כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵבוּ, וְדֹרְשֵׁי יְיָ לֹא יַחְסְרוּ כָל טוֹב. הוֹדוּ לַיְיָ כִּי טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ. פּוֹתֵחַ אֶת יָדֶךָ, וּמַשְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל חַי רָצוֹן. בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיְיָ, וְהָיָה יְיָ מִבְטַחוֹ. נַעַר הָיִיתִי גַּם זָקַנְתִּי, וְלֹא רָאִיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ לָחֶם. יְיָ עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, יְיָ יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם.
Y'ru et A-do-nai k'do-shav, ki ein mach-sor li-rei-av. K'fi-rim ra-shu v'ra-ei-vu, v'dor-shei A-do-nai lo yach-s'ru chawl tov. Ho-du La-do-nai ki tov, ki l'o-lam chas-do. Po-tei-ach et ya-de-cha, u-mas-bi-a l'chawl chai ra-tson. Ba-ruch ha-ge-ver a-sher yiv-tach ba-do-nai, v'ha-yah A-do-nai miv-ta-cho. Na-ar ha-yi-ti gam za-kan-ti, v'lo ra-i-ti tsa-dik ne-e-zav, v'zar-o m'va-kesh la-chem. A-do-nai oz l'a-mo yi-tein, A-do-nai y'va-reich et a-mo va-sha-lom.
Fear the L-rd, you His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no want. Young lions are in need and go hungry, but those who seek the L-rd shall not lack any good. Give thanks to the L-rd for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Blessed is the man who trusts in the L-rd, and the L-rd will be his security. I was young and have grown old, and I have not seen a righteous man forsaken, nor his children begging for bread. The L-rd will give strength to His people; the L-rd will bless His people with peace.
Understand
The last few classes have discussed which bracha achrona to say for different foods. In this class, we'll learn that if your meal included bread, then (assuming you ate a kezayit quickly enough) you are obligated to say Grace After Meals. This is called Birkat Hamazon (Hebrew for "the food blessing"), and is commonly referred to as bentching – which means "blessing" in Yiddish. (A prayer book that contains the text of Grace After Meals is often called a bentcher.)
Birkat Hamazon is the consummate bracha achrona, because while most of the food blessings were instituted by the Sages, Birkat Hamazon is a Torah-level obligation, based on Deuteronomy 8:10: "You shall eat, and be satisfied, and bless."1
Birkat Hamazon is longer and more encompassing than a regular bracha achrona. It is comprised of four brachot:2
The first blessing acknowledges the food that we ate. It was formulated by Moses when the manna fell in the desert.
The second blessing expresses our thanks for being given the Land of Israel. It was formulated by Joshua when he led the Jewish people into Israel.3
The third blessing expresses our yearning to rebuild the holy city of Jerusalem. It was formulated by King David when he inaugurated Jerusalem as the capital of Israel 3,000 years ago, and when his son King Solomon built the Holy Temple.4
The fourth blessing declares how God bestows His goodness to all creatures. It was instituted during the Second Temple period, when permission was given to bury millions of Jews who had been slaughtered by the Romans.5
Additionally, we should recite one chapter of Psalms before beginning Birkat Hamazon:6
On weekdays, Psalm 137: "By the rivers of Babylon..."
On Shabbat and holidays,7 Psalm 126: "Shir HaMa'alot..."
Birkas Hamazon - Ashkenazi : Video
