בחול קודם ברכת המזון אומרים: Psalm 137 is recited before Birkas Hamazon on weekdays in memory of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash:
עַל־נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶל שָׁם יָשַֽׁבְנוּ גַּם־בָּכִֽינוּ בְּזָכְרֵֽנוּ אֶת־צִיּוֹן: עַל־עֲרָבִים בְּתוֹכָהּ תָּלִֽינוּ כִּנֹּרוֹתֵֽינוּ: כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלֽוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵֽינוּ דִּבְרֵי־שִׁיר וְתוֹלָלֵֽינוּ שִׂמְחָה שִֽׁירוּ לָֽנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן: אֵיךְ נָשִׁיר אֶת־שִׁיר־יְהֹוָה עַל אַדְמַת נֵכָר: אִם־אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלָֽםִ תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי: תִּדְבַּק לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי אִם־לֺא אֶזְכְּרֵֽכִי אִם־לֺא אַעֲלֶה אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלַֽםִ עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי: זְכֹר יְהֹוָה לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָֽםִ הָאֹמְ֒רִים עָֽרוּ עָֽרוּ עַד הַיְסוֹד בָּהּ: בַּת־בָּבֶל הַשְּׁ֒דוּדָה אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיְּ֒שַׁלֶּם־לָךְ אֶת־גְּמוּלֵךְ שֶׁגָּמַלְתְּ לָֽנוּ: אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיֹּאחֵז וְנִפֵּץ אֶת־עֹלָלַֽיִךְ אֶל־הַסָּֽלַע: By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and we also wept, when we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in its midst, we hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us words of song, and our tormentors asked of us [with] mirth; Sing to us from the song[s] of Zion. How shall we sing the song of Adonoy on alien soil? If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its movement]. May my tongue cleave to my palate, if I remember you not; if I set not Jerusalem above my highest joy. Remember, Adonoy, to the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, [it was they] who said, Raze it, raze it to its very foundation. Daughter of Babylon, you are the annihilated one; fortunate is he who will repay you for all you have done to us. Fortunate is he who will take and dash your little ones against the rock.
בשבת קודם ברכת המזון אומרים: Psalm 126 is recited on Shabbos, Yom Tov and other festive occasions such as weddings, circumcisions or redemption of the first born.
שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת בְּשׁוּב יְהֹוָה אֶת־שִׁיבַת צִיּוֹן הָיִֽינוּ כְּחֹלְ֒מִים: אָז יִמָּלֵא שְׂחוֹק פִּֽינוּ וּלְשׁוֹנֵֽנוּ רִנָּה, אָז יֹאמְ֒רוּ בַגּוֹיִם הִגְדִּיל יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִם־אֵֽלֶּה: הִגְדִּיל יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִמָּֽנוּ, הָיִֽינוּ שְׂמֵחִים: שׁוּבָה יְהֹוָה אֶת־שְׁבִיתֵֽנוּ כַּאֲפִיקִים בַּנֶּֽגֶב: הַזֹּרְ֒עִים בְּדִמְעָה, בְּרִנָּה יִקְצֹֽרוּ: הָלוֹךְ יֵלֵךְ וּבָכֹה, נֹשֵׂא מֶֽשֶׁךְ־הַזָּֽרַע, בֹּא־יָבֹא בְרִנָּה, נֹשֵׂא אֲלֻמֹּתָיו: A Song of Ascents. When Adonoy brings about the return to Zion we will have been like dreamers.1Upon the redemption and return to Zion, the harshness of the exile will seem to the Jews like a terrible dream.—Radak
The splendor of the return to Zion will be like the realization of an impossible dream.—Seporno Then will our mouths be filled with laughter,2In the Talmud (Maseches Berachos 31a) Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai rules that a Jew is forbidden to fill his mouth with laughter in this world until the time comes when all nations declare: “Adonoy has done great things for them”—as the verse states: אז ימלא שחוק פינו, then: only then, when God’s love for us is universally recognized, may we experience total exultation. and our tongue with joyous song. Then will they say among the nations: ‘Adonoy has done great things for them.’ Adonoy had done great things for us; we will [then] rejoice. Adonoy! bring back our exiles like springs in the desert.3Just as springs of water can transform an arid desert into a fertile oasis, so will we be transformed, and flourish when God delivers us from exile.—Rashi Those who sow in tears will reap with joyous song.4A person who plants in desert-like soil is always fearful that his crops will not grow. If a spring of water should suddenly appear on his land, his joy will know no bounds. So great will our joy be at the ultimate redemption that will follow the oppression of exile.—Radak [Though] he walks along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will return with joyous song carrying his sheaves.
שלושה שאכלו כאחד חייבין בזימון, וכך מזמנין: When three or more males, aged 13 or older eat together one of them leads the group in reciting the Birkas Hamazon.
המזמן אומר: The leader begins by saying:
רַבּוֹתַי נְבָרֵךְ: “Gentlemen, let us say the blessing:
המסובים עונים: The others respond:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְהֹוָה מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד־עוֹלָם: The Name of Adonoy will be blessed from now forever.
וחוזר המזמן: The leader repeats:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְהֹוָה מְבֹרָךְ מֵעַתָּה וְעַד־עוֹלָם: “The Name of Adonoy will be blessed from now forever.”
וממשיך: The leader continues: (the words “our God” are substituted for “Him” and “He” if ten males are in the group):
בִּרְשׁוּת מָרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי נְבָרֵךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) שֶׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ: “With your permission our masters and teachers, Let us bless (our God,) Him, for we have eaten of His bounty.”
המסובים עונים: The others respond accordingly:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) שֶֽׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִֽינוּ: Blessed is (our God) He for we have eaten of His bounty and through His goodness we live.
מי שלא אכל עונה: One who did not eat, responds:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה או יותר אֱלֹהֵינוּ) וּמְבוֹרָךְ שְׁמוֹ תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: Blessed is (our God) He, and His Name constantly, forever and ever.
וחוזר המזמן: The leader repeats:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) שֶֽׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ חָיִֽינוּ: “Blessed is (our God) He for we have eaten of His bounty and through His goodness we live.”
ויש המוסיפים: בָּרוּךְ הוּא וּבָרוּךְ שְׁמוֹ: Some add: Blessed is He and blessed is His Name.
ברכה זו משה רבינו ע"ה תקנה כשירד המן לישראל FIRST BERACHA
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַזָּן אֶת־הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ בְּחֵן בְּחֶֽסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים הוּא נוֹתֵן לֶֽחֶם לְכָל־בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ וּבְטוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל תָּמִיד לֺא־חָסַר לָֽנוּ וְאַל־יֶחְסַר לָֽנוּ מָזוֹן לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד בַּעֲבוּר שְׁמוֹ הַגָּדוֹל כִּי הוּא אֵל זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס לַכֹּל וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל וּמֵכִין מָזוֹן לְכָל־בְּרִיּוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה הַזָּן אֶת־הַכֹּל: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who nourishes the entire world with His goodness, with favor, with kindness, and with mercy.5The righteous find favor in the eyes of God and are nourished because of their merit. Those who are not so worthy and do not find favor, are provided for through God’s beneficent kindness; while even the least worthy are recipients of God’s mercy.— Maharal in Nesivos Olom He provides food for all flesh,6This citation from Psalms 136:25 indicates that God’s kindness and compassion are universal, relating to all flesh, including animals.—Avudraham. for His kindness endures forever. And through His great goodness, we have never lacked and we will not lack food forever and ever, for the sake of His great Name. For He is Almighty Who nourishes7“Nourishes” refers to food, “maintains” refers to clothing and “does good” refers to shelter. These are the basic needs of man, all of which God provides.—Etz Yosef and maintains all, does good to all, and prepares nourishment for all His creatures which He has created. Blessed are You, Adonoy Who nourishes all.8The first blessing of the Birkas Hamazon was composed by Moses in appreciation for the manna which God provided for the Jews in the desert. The second blessing, beginning with “Let us thank You,” was composed by Joshua in gratitude for the privilege of entering the Promised Land. The third blessing, beginning with “Have mercy,” was composed by David who conquered Jerusalem, and by Solomon who built the Temple. The fourth blessing “Who is good and beneficent to all” was composed by Rabban Gamliel the Elder and his court in Yavneh in gratitude to God for preserving the bodies of the victims of the Roman massacre at Betar, and for being enabled to bring them to proper burial.—Maseches Berachos 48b
ברכה זו יהושע תקנה כשנכנסו ישראל לארץ SECOND BERACHA
נוֹדֶה לְּךָ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ עַל שֶׁהִנְחַֽלְתָּ לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ אֶֽרֶץ חֶמְדָּה טוֹבָה וּרְחָבָה וְעַל שֶׁהוֹצֵאתָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֵאֶֽרֶץ מִצְרַֽיִם וּפְדִיתָֽנוּ מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים וְעַל בְּרִיתְ֒ךָ שֶׁחָתַֽמְתָּ בִּבְשָׂרֵֽנוּ וְעַל תּוֹרָתְ֒ךָ שֶׁלִּמַּדְתָּֽנוּ וְעַל חֻקֶּֽיךָ שֶׁהוֹדַעְתָּֽנוּ וְעַל חַיִּים חֵן וָחֶֽסֶד שֶׁחוֹנַנְתָּֽנוּ וְעַל אֲכִילַת מָזוֹן שָׁאַתָּה זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס אוֹתָֽנוּ תָּמִיד בְּכָל־יוֹם וּבְכָל־עֵת וּבְכָל שָׁעָה: We thank You, Adonoy, our God, for Your parceling out as a heritage to our fathers, a land9The land is mentioned even before the Exodus from Egypt because God demonstrated His extraordinary concern for the Jewish people at the very beginning of their history; first by the promise He gave to the Patriarchs concerning the Land of Israel and then, with the fulfillment of that promise, once He redeemed them from Egypt to enter the Land.—S.R. Hirsch which is desirable, good, and spacious; for Your bringing us out, Adonoy, our God, from the land of Egypt, and redeeming us from the house of bondage; for Your covenant which You sealed in our flesh; for Your Torah10“Torah” refers to laws which are comprehensible to the human intellect; it is therefore taught. “Statutes” (חֻקִים) are beyond human understanding and are therefore merely made known to man, for man cannot comprehend them. Eyun Tefilloh which You taught us; for Your statutes which You made known to us; for the life, favor, and kindness which You granted us; and for the provision of food with which You nourish and maintain us constantly, every day, at all times and in every hour.
בחנוכה ופורים אומרים כאן על הניסים. ואם לא אמרו אין מחזירין אותו. ומכל מקום יוכל לאמרו בתוך שאר הרחמן. ויאמר הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה־לָּנוּ נִסִים וְנִפְלָאוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה וכו' בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהוּ וכו' או בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וכו'. On regular weekdays, continue, “For everything”. On Chanukah and Purim add עַל הַנִּסִּים. If you forgot to say עַל הַנִּסִּים, you may include it when you reach הָרַחֲמָן by saying: הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה־לָּנוּ נִסִים וְנִפְלָאוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁעָשָׂה לַאֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה. and then continue on Chanukah with: בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָהוּ, and on Purim with: בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר. If you reminded yourself before concluding the second blessing עַל הָאָרֶץ וְעַל הַמָּזוֹן, you may repeat it at that time and continue with the Birkas Hamazon.
וְעַל הַנִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָן וְעַל הַגְּ֒בוּרוֹת וְעַל הַתְּ֒שׁוּעוֹת וְעַל הַמִּלְחָמוֹת שֶׁעָשִֽׂיתָ לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּ֒מַן הַזֶּה: [We thank You] for the miracles for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the deliverances, for the wonders for the consolations and for the wars that You performed for our fathers in those days at this season.
בחנוכה אומרים: On Chanukah:
בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָֽהוּ בֶּן־יוֹחָנָן כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל חַשְׁמוֹנַאי וּבָנָיו כְּשֶׁעָמְ֒דָה מַלְכוּת יָוָן הָרְ֒שָׁעָה עַל־עַמְּ֒ךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְהַשְׁכִּיחָם תּוֹרָתֶֽךָ וּלְהַעֲבִירָם מֵחֻקֵּי רְצוֹנֶֽךָ: וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים עָמַֽדְתָּ לָהֶם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם רַֽבְתָּ אֶת־רִיבָם דַּֽנְתָּ אֶת־דִּינָם נָקַֽמְתָּ אֶת־נִקְמָתָם מָסַֽרְתָּ גִבּוֹרִים בְּיַד חַלָּשִׁים וְרַבִּים בְּיַד מְעַטִּים וּטְמֵאִים בְּיַד טְהוֹרִים וּרְשָׁעִים בְּיַד צַדִּיקִים וְזֵדִים בְּיַד עוֹסְ֒קֵי תוֹרָתֶֽךָ וּלְךָ עָשִֽׂיתָ שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמֶֽךָ וּלְעַמְּ֒ךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל עָשִֽׂיתָ תְּשׁוּעָה גְדוֹלָה וּפֻרְקָן כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה וְאַחַר כַּךְ בָּֽאוּ בָנֶֽיךָ לִדְבִיר בֵּיתֶֽךָ וּפִנּוּ אֶת הֵיכָלֶֽךָ וְטִהֲרוּ אֶת מִקְדָּשֶֽׁךָ וְהִדְלִֽיקוּ נֵרוֹת בְּחַצְרוֹת קָדְשֶֽׁךָ וְקָבְ֒עוּ שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה אֵֽלּוּ לְהוֹדוֹת וּלְהַלֵּל לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל: In the days of Matisyahu, son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the evil Greek kingdom rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and to turn them away from the statutes of Your will— You, in Your abundant mercy, stood by them in their time of distress, You defended their cause, You judged their grievances, You avenged them. You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, many into the hands of the few, defiled people into the hands of the undefiled, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and insolent [sinners] into the hands of diligent students of Your Torah. And You made Yourself a great and sanctified name in Your world. And for Your people, Israel, You performed a great deliverance and redemption unto this very day. Afterwards, Your sons entered the Holy of Holies of Your Abode, cleaned Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, and kindled lights in the Courtyards of Your Sanctuary, and designated these eight days of Chanukah to thank and praise Your great Name.
בפורים אומרים: On Purim:
בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה כְּשֶׁעָמַד עֲלֵיהֶם הָמָן הָרָשָׁע בִּקֵּשׁ לְהַשְׁמִיד לַהֲרוֹג וּלְאַבֵּד אֶת־כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִים מִנַּֽעַר וְעַד־זָקֵן טַף וְנָשִׁים בְּיוֹם אֶחָד בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁה עָשָׂר לְחֹֽדֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר הוּא חֹֽדֶשׁ אֲדָר וּשְׁלָלָם לָבוֹז: וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים הֵפַֽרְתָּ אֶת־עֲצָתוֹ וְקִלְקַֽלְתָּ אֶת מַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ וַהֲשֵׁבֽוֹתָ לּוֹ גְּמוּלוֹ בְּרֹאשׁוֹ וְתָלוּ אוֹתוֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו עַל־הָעֵץ: In the days of Mordechai and Esther in Shushan the Capital [of Persia], when the evil Haman rose up against them, he sought to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their wealth And You, in Your abundant mercy, annulled his counsel, frustrated his intention, and brought his evil plan upon his own head, and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows.
וְעַל הַכֹּל יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ אֲנַֽחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ וּמְבָרְ֒כִים אוֹתָךְ יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ בְּפִי כָּל־חַי תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד כַּכָּתוּב וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבָֽעְתָּ וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת־יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֶֽיךָ עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה אֲשֶׁר נָתַן־לָךְ בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה עַל־הָאָֽרֶץ וְעַל־הַמָּזוֹן: For everything Adonoy, our God, We thank You and bless You. Blessed be Your Name through the mouth of all the living, constantly, forever, as it is written: When You have eaten and are satisfied, You will bless Adonoy, your God, for the good land which He has given to you.11Deuteronomy 8:10 Blessed are You, Adonoy, for the land and for the food.
בונה ירושלים דוד ושלמה תקנוה. דוד תקן על ישראל עמך ועל ירושלים עירך. ושלמה תיקן ועל הבית הגדול וכו'. THIRD BERACHA
רַחֵם יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּֽךָ וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִירֶֽךָ וְעַל צִיּוֹן מִשְׁכַּן כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ וְעַל מַלְכוּת בֵּית דָּוִד מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ וְעַל־הַבַּֽיִת הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ שֶׁנִּקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלָיו אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ אָבִֽינוּ רְעֵֽנוּ זוּנֵֽנוּ פַּרְנְ֒סֵֽנוּ וְכַלְכְּ֒לֵֽנוּ וְהַרְוִיחֵֽנוּ וְהַרְוַח־לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מְהֵרָה מִכָּל־צָרוֹתֵֽינוּ וְנָא אַל־תַּצְרִיכֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ לֺא לִידֵי מַתְּ֒נַת בָּשָׂר וָדָם וְלֺא לִידֵי הַלְוָאָתָם כִּי אִם לְיָדְ֒ךָ הַמְּלֵאָה הַפְּ֒תוּחָה הַקְּ֒דוֹשָׁה וְהָרְ֒חָבָה שֶׁלֺּא נֵבוֹשׁ וְלֺא נִכָּלֵם לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: Have compassion, Adonoy, our God, on Israel, Your people, on Jerusalem, Your city, on Zion, the dwelling place of Your glory, on the kingship of the house of David, Your anointed; and on the great and holy House upon which Your Name is called. Our God, our Father tend us, nourish us,12“Tend us” by providing the basic necessities of life such as bread and water; “nourish” us with an enriched diet including foods such as fruits and vegetables.—Etz Yosef maintain us, sustain us, relieve us13“Maintain us” with food and shelter; “sustain us” by providing our needs on a regular basis, not on a feast or famine cycle; and “relieve us” by giving us ample means to live comfortably.—Etz Yosef and grant us relief Adonoy, our God, speedily from all our troubles. Adonoy, our God—may we never be in need of the gifts of men nor of their loans, but only of Your hand which is full, open, holy and generous, so that we may not be shamed nor humiliated14May we not be “ashamed” in this world due to poverty and may we not be “humiliated” in the World-to-Come, because of our transgressions. Poverty often brings shame which in turn might cause a person to lose faith.—Etz Yosef forever and ever.
בשבת מוסיפים: On regular weekdays, continue, “Rebuild”. On Shabbos add:
רְצֵה וְהַחֲלִיצֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ וּבְמִצְוַת יוֹם הַשְּׁ֒בִיעִי הַשַּׁבָּת הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ הַזֶּה כִּי יוֹם זֶה גָדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ הוּא לְפָנֶֽיךָ לִשְׁבָּת בּוֹ וְלָנֽוּחַ בּוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה כְּמִצְוַת רְצוֹנֶֽךָ וּבִרְצוֹנְ֒ךָ הָנִֽיחַ לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ שֶׁלֺּא תְהֵא צָרָה וְיָגוֹן וַאֲנָחָה בְּיוֹם מְנוּחָתֵֽנוּ וְהַרְאֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ בְּנֶחָמַת צִיּוֹן עִירֶֽךָ וּבְבִנְיַן יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִיר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ כִּי אַתָּה הוּא בַּעַל הַיְשׁוּעוֹת וּבַעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת: May it please You, to strengthen us Adonoy, our God, through Your commandments, and through the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy Sabbath. For this day is great and holy before You, to refrain from work on it and to rest on it with love, as ordained by Your will. And by Your will, grant us repose Adonoy, our God, that there be no distress, sorrow, or sighing on the day of our rest.15Even though prayers for personal needs are not recited on Shabbos, this particular prayer does contain such a request, because it is so closely interwoven with the commandment to rest on Shabbos. Since we are commanded to make Shabbos a day of sacred rest, we ask that our repose not be desecrated by distress or misfortune.—Avudraham Show us Adonoy, our God, the consolation of Zion, Your city, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, city of Your Sanctuary, for You are the Master of deliverance and the Master of consolation.
בראש חודש ובחול המועד אומרים כאן "יעלה ויבא": On Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov add:
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא וְיַגִּֽיעַ וְיֵרָאֶה וְיֵרָצֶה וְיִשָּׁמַע וְיִפָּקֵד וְיִזָּכֵר זִכְרוֹנֵֽנוּ וּפִקְדוֹנֵֽנוּ וְזִכְרוֹן אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ וְזִכְרוֹן מָשִֽׁיחַ בֶּן־דָּוִד עַבְדֶּֽךָ וְזִכְרוֹן יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִיר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ וְזִכְרוֹן כָּל־עַמְּ֒ךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל לְפָנֶֽיךָ, לִפְלֵיטָה לְטוֹבָה לְחֵן וּלְחֶֽסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם בְּיוֹם Our God and God of our fathers, may there ascend, come, and reach, appear, be desired, and heard, counted and recalled our remembrance and reckoning; the remembrance of our fathers; the remembrance of the Messiah the son of David, Your servant; the remembrance of Jerusalem, city of Your Sanctuary; and the remembrance of Your entire people, the House of Israel, before You for survival, for well-being, for favor, kindliness, compassion, for life and peace on this day of:
לְר"ח: רֹאשׁ הַחֹֽדֶשׁ הַזֶּה Rosh Chodesh
לְפֶסַח: חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה the Festival of Matzos
בשבועות: חַג הַשָּׁבֻעוֹת
לְסֻכּוֹת: חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הַזֶּה the Festival of Sukkos
לש"ע וש"ת: שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶֽרֶת הַחַג הַזֶּה the Festival of Shmini Atseres
לר"ה: הַזִּכָּרוֹן הַזֶּה Remembrance
ילדים האוכלים ביו"כ: הַכִּפּוּרִים
זָכְרֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, וּפָקְדֵֽנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים, וּבִדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים חוּס וְחָנֵּֽנוּ, וְרַחֵם עָלֵֽינוּ וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ, כִּי אֵלֶֽיךָ עֵינֵֽינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָֽתָּה: Remember us Adonoy, our God, on this day for well-being; be mindful of us on this day for blessing, and deliver us for life. In accord with the promise of deliverance and compassion, spare us and favor us, have compassion on us and deliver us; for to You our eyes are directed because You are the Almighty Who is King, Gracious, and Merciful.
שכח לומר רצה בשבת או יעלה ויבא בראש חודש ויום טוב וחול המועד ונזכר קודם שאמר השם מברכת בונה ירושלים אומרו שם אבל אם אמר השם אם נזכר קודם שהתחיל הטוב והמטיב ראה להלן דיני שכחה: If you forgot to say רְצֵה or יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and became aware of it before starting the fourth blessing (הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב), or even if you are in doubt, see below for the appropriate blessing. If you reminded yourself after you had already begun the fourth blessing and have said: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', then you must repeat the entire Birkas Hamazon. These laws apply only to Shabbos, and the Festival days of Pesach, Shavuos and Sukkos. On Chol Ha-Moed or on Rosh Chodesh days that do not fall on Shabbos, you need not repeat the Birkas Hamazon even though you began the blessing of הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב.
וּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִיר הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵֽינוּ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם, אָמֵן: Rebuild Jerusalem, city of the Holy Sanctuary, speedily, in our days. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Builder of Jerusalem in His mercy. Amein.16It is unusual for one to answer Amein after his own blessing. This blessing ends with Amein because it marks the end of the three blessings, authority for which is derived from Deuteronomy (8:10) and separates them from the next blessing which is Rabbinic in origin.—Maseches Berachos 45b
הטוב והמטיב ביבנה תקנוה ביום שנתנו הרוגי ביתר לקבורה. הטוב שלא הסריחו. והמטיב שנתנו לקבורה. FOURTH BERACHA
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הָאֵל אָבִֽינוּ, מַלְכֵּֽנוּ, אַדִּירֵֽנוּ בּוֹרְ֒אֵֽנוּ, גּוֹאֲלֵֽנוּ, יוֹצְ֒רֵֽנוּ, קְדוֹשֵֽׁנוּ קְדוֹשׁ יַעֲקֹב, רוֹעֵנוּ רוֹעֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל, הַמֶּֽלֶךְ הַטּוֹב, וְהַמֵּטִיב לַכֹּל, שֶׁבְּ֒כָל יוֹם וָיוֹם הוּא הֵטִיב, הוּא מֵטִיב, הוּא יֵיטִיב לָנוּ, הוּא גְמָלָֽנוּ, הוּא גוֹמְ֒לֵֽנוּ, הוּא יִגְמְ֒לֵֽנוּ לָעַד לְחֵן וּלְחֶֽסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים וּלְרֶוַח הַצָּלָה וְהַצְלָחָה בְּרָכָה וִישׁוּעָה, נֶחָמָה, פַּרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה, וְרַחֲמִים, וְחַיִּים וְשָׁלוֹם, וְכָל־טוֹב, וּמִכָּל־טוּב לְעוֹלָם אַל יְחַסְּ֒רֵֽנוּ: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, the Almighty, our Father, our King, our Mighty One, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Maker, our Holy One, Holy One of Jacob, our Shepherd, Shepherd of Israel, the King, Who is good and beneficent to all. Every single day He has done good, does good, and will do good to us. He has rewarded us, He rewards us, He will reward us forever with favor, kindness, and compassion, relief, rescue, and success, blessing, deliverance, and consolation, maintenance, sustenance, compassion, life, peace, and everything good; and of all good things may He never deprive us.17Many people are granted the bounties of life but are unable to enjoy them. We first invoke God’s blessing for all the good things in life and then ask Him to grant us the privilege of enjoying them.—Iyun Tefilloh.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִמְלוֹךְ עָלֵֽינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: The Merciful One will reign over us forever and ever.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִתְבָּרַךְ בַּשָּׁמַֽיִם וּבָאָֽרֶץ: The Merciful One will be blessed in heaven and on earth.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁתַּבַּח לְדוֹר דּוֹרִים, וְיִתְפָּאַר בָּֽנוּ לָעַד וּלְנֵֽצַח נְצָחִים, וְיִתְהַדַּר בָּֽנוּ לָעַד וּלְעוֹלְ֒מֵי עוֹלָמִים: The Merciful One will be praised for all generations, He will be glorified through us forever and for all eternity; and He will be honored through us for time everlasting.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְפַרְנְ֒סֵֽנוּ בְּכָבוֹד: May the Merciful One maintain us with honor.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁבּוֹר עֻלֵּֽנוּ מֵעַל צַוָּארֵֽנוּ וְהוּא יוֹלִיכֵֽנוּ קוֹמְ֒מִיּוּת לְאַרְצֵֽנוּ: The Merciful One will break the yoke (of oppression) from our necks and lead us upright to our land.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָֽנוּ בְּרָכָה מְרֻבָּה בַּבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה וְעַל־שֻׁלְחָן זֶה שֶׁאָכַֽלְנוּ עָלָיו: May the Merciful One send us abundant blessing to this house, and upon this table at which we have eaten.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָֽנוּ אֶת־אֵלִיָּֽהוּ הַנָּבִיא זָכוּר לַטּוֹב, וִיבַשֶּׂר־לָֽנוּ בְּשׂוֹרוֹת טוֹבוֹת יְשׁוּעוֹת וְנֶחָמוֹת: The Merciful One will send us Elijah the prophet, who is remembered for good, who will announce to us good tidings, deliverances, and consolations.
אם סמוך על שלחן אביו יאמר: When eating at your parents’ table, say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אֶת־(אָבִי מוֹרִי) בַּֽעַל הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, וְאֶת־(אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי) בַּעֲלַת הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, אוֹתָם וְאֶת־בֵּיתָם וְאֶת־זַרְעָם וְאֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם 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.
(ואם סמוך על שלחן עצמו יאמר:) When eating at your own table, say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתִי (וְאֶת־אִשְׁתִּי/בַּעֲלִי וְאֶת־זַרְעִי) וְאֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר לִי. May the Merciful One bless me, my spouse, my children, and all that is mine;
אוֹתָֽנוּ וְאֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁר לָֽנוּ, כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּתְבָּרְ֒כוּ אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ, אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב: בַּכֹּל, מִכֹּל, כֹּל, כֵּן יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָֽנוּ כֻּלָּֽנוּ יַֽחַד, בִּבְרָכָה שְׁלֵמָה, וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן: Ours and all that is ours— just as our forefathers were blessed— Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— In all things,19Abraham was blessed “in all things.” Genesis 24:1 “From everything,”20Isaac said: “I have partaken from everything.” Genesis 27:33 and “With everything”;21Jacob said: “I have everything.” Genesis 33:11 so may He bless us, all of us together, with a perfect blessing and let us say Amein.
אם אוכל על שלחן אחרים יברך לבעה"ב. ואפילו בנים הסמוכים על שלחן אביהם, וגם האב הנסמך על שלחן בניו וגם אשתו תאמר כן: A guest says:
יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁלֹּא יֵבוֹשׁ וְלֹא יִכָּלֵם בַּעַל הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה לֹא בָעוֹלָם הַזֶּה וְלֹא בָעוֹלָם הַבָּא וְיַצְלִֽיחַ בְּכָל־נְכָסָיו וְיִהְיוּ נְכָסָיו מוּצְלָחִים וּקְרוֹבִים לָעִיר וְאַל־יִשְׁלוֹט שָׂטָן בְּמַעֲשֵׂה יָדָיו וְאַל יִזְדָקֵּק לְפָנָיו שׁוּם דְּבַר חֵטְא וְהַרְהוֹר עָוֹן מַעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם: May18This blessing is quoted from the talmud (Maseches Berachos 46a). It has been omitted in most Siddurim. The Mishnah Berura (201:5) takes issue with its omission. We have incorporated it in this edition. it be God’s will that the host should not be shamed and not humiliated not in this world nor in the World to Come. And he will be successful with all his possessions. May his properties prosper and be located close to town. May no evil force have power over his endeavors. May no opportunity present itself before him any matter of sin, nor thought of iniquity from now forever.
בַּמָּרוֹם יְלַמְּ֒דוּ עֲלֵיהֶם וְעָלֵֽינוּ זְכוּת שֶׁתְּ֒הֵא לְמִשְׁמֶֽרֶת שָׁלוֹם, וְנִשָּׂא בְרָכָה מֵאֵת יְהֹוָה וּצְדָקָה מֵאֱלֺהֵי יִשְׁעֵֽנוּ, וְנִמְצָא חֵן וְשֵֽׂכֶל טוֹב בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֺהִים וְאָדָם: From on high, may there be invoked upon them and upon us, [the] merit to insure peace, And may we receive a blessing from Adonoy, and kindness from the God of our deliverance; and may we find favor and understanding in the eyes of God and man.
בשבת אומר: On Shabbos say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵֽנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ שַׁבָּת וּמְנוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים: May the Merciful One let us inherit the day which will be completely Shabbos and rest, for life everlasting.
בראש חודש: On Rosh Chodesh say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵֽינוּ אֶת הַחֹֽדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה: May the Merciful One renew for us this month for good and for blessing.
ביו"ט אומר: On Yom Tov say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יַנְחִילֵֽנוּ יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ טוֹב: May the Merciful One let us inherit that day which is completely good.
בראש השנה: On Rosh Hashono say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵֽינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָכָה: May the Merciful One renew for us this year for good and for blessing.
בסוכות: On Sukkos say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָֽנוּ אֶת־סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפָֽלֶת: May the Merciful One raise up for us the fallen Tabernacle of David.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְזַכֵּֽנוּ לִימוֹת הַמָּשִֽׁיחַ וּלְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, מַגְדִּיל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ (בשבת וביו"ט אומר: מִגְדּוֹל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ), וְעֹֽשֶׂה חֶֽסֶד לִמְשִׁיחוֹ לְדָוִד וּלְזַרְעוֹ עַד עוֹלָם: עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ וְעַל כָּל־יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: May the Merciful One make us worthy of the days of the Messiah and life of the World to Come. He who gives great deliverance to His king, (On Shabbos and Yom Tov say: He who is a tower of deliverance to His king,22During weekdays when we feel the darkness of exile we say: “God gives deliverance to His king,” thus acknowledging His preparation for the time of redemption. On Shabbos and Yom Tov which are reminiscent of the time of the Messiah, when God will be a tower of deliverance, we state it as a fact.) and shows kindness to His anointed— to David and his descendants forever.23II Samuel 22:51 He Who makes peace in His high heavens may He make peace for us and for all Israel, and say, Amein.
יְראוּ אֶת־יְהֹוָה קְדוֹשָׁיו, כִּי אֵין מַחְסוֹר לִירֵאָיו: כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵֽבוּ, וְדוֹרְ֒שֵׁי יְהֹוָה לֺא־יַחְסְ֒רוּ כָל־טוֹב: הוֹדוּ לַיהוָֹה כִּי־טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ: פּוֹתֵֽחַ אֶת־יָדֶֽךָ, וּמַשְׂבִּֽיעַ לְכָל־חַי רָצוֹן: בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּֽבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיהוָֹה, וְהָיָה יְהֹוָה מִבְטַחוֹ: נַֽעַר הָיִֽיתִי גַם־זָקַֽנְתִּי וְלֺא־רָאִֽיתִי צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֶּשׁ־לָֽחֶם: יְהֹוָה עוֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, יְהֹוָה יְבָרֵךְ אֶת־עַמּוֹ בַּשָּׁלוֹם: Fear Adonoy, [you] His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no deprivation. Young lions may feel want and hunger, but those who seek Adonoy, will not be deprived of any good thing.24Psalms 34:10-11 Give thanks to Adonoy, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.25Psalms 136:1 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living being.26Psalms 145:16 Blessed is the man who trusts in Adonoy, so that Adonoy is his security.27Jeremiah 17:7 I was young and I have grown old, yet I have never seen a righteous man forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.28Psalms 37:25 Adonoy will give strength to His people, Adonoy will bless His people with peace.29Psalms 29:11
דיני שכחה: The following blessings are said in the event you forgot to say רְצֵה or יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and reminded yourself before starting the fourth blessing, הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב.
בשבת אומר: If you forgot to say רְצֵה on Shabbos:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel with love for a sign and a covenant. Blessed are You Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos.
בראש חודש: If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Chodesh:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן: Blessed are You, Adonoy King of the Universe, Who gave Rosh Chodesh days to His people Israel for remembrance.
ביו"ט אומר: If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Yom Tov:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה אֶת יוֹם חַג (פלוני) הַזֶּה: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּ֒מַנִּים: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Yomim Tovim to His people Israel for happiness and joy, this day of (name the Yom Tov). Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Israel and the seasons.
ביו"ט שחל בשבת: If a Yom Tov occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית וְיָמִים טוֹבִים לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה אֶת יוֹם חַג (פלוני) הַזֶּה: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת וְיִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּ֒מַנִּים: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel with love, for a sign and a covenant, and Yomim Tovim for happiness and joy, this day of (name the Yom Tov.) Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel, and the seasons.
בראש השנה: If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Hashanah:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Festivals to His people Israel for remembrance.
בראש השנה שחל בשבת: If Rosh Hashanah occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית וְיָמִים טוֹבִים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת וְיִשְׂרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַזִכָּרוֹן: Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel, with love for a sign and a covenant, and Yomim Tovim to Israel, for remembrance. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel, and the Day of Remembrance.