תהלים קלז Psalm 137
Psalm 137 is recited before Birkas Hamazon on weekdays in memory of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash:
עַל־נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶל By the rivers of Babylon,
שָׁם יָשַֽׁבְנוּ גַּם־בָּכִֽינוּ there we sat and we also wept,
בְּזָכְרֵֽנוּ אֶת־צִיּוֹן: when we remembered Zion.
עַל־עֲרָבִים בְּתוֹכָהּ Upon the willows in its midst,
תָּלִֽינוּ כִּנֹּרוֹתֵֽינוּ: we hung our harps.
כִּי שָׁם שְׁאֵלֽוּנוּ שׁוֹבֵֽינוּ For there our captors demanded of us
דִּבְ֒רֵי־שִׁיר words of song,
וְתוֹלָלֵֽינוּ שִׂמְחָה and our tormentors asked of us [with] mirth;
שִֽׁירוּ לָֽנוּ מִשִּׁיר צִיּוֹן: Sing to us from the song[s] of Zion.
אֵיךְ נָשִׁיר אֶת־שִׁיר־יְהֹוָה How shall we sing the song of Adonoy
עַל אַדְ֒מַת נֵכָר: on alien soil?
אִם־אֶשְׁכָּחֵךְ יְרוּשָׁלָֽםִ If I ever forget you, Jerusalem,
תִּשְׁכַּח יְמִינִי: may my right hand forget [its movement].
תִּדְבַּק לְשׁוֹנִי לְחִכִּי May my tongue cleave to my palate,
אִם־לֺא אֶזְכְּרֵֽכִי if I remember you not;
אִם־לֺא אַעֲלֶה אֶת־יְרוּשָׁלַֽםִ if I set not Jerusalem
עַל רֹאשׁ שִׂמְחָתִי: above my highest joy.
זְכֹר יְהֹוָה Remember, Adonoy,
לִבְנֵי אֱדוֹם אֵת יוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָֽםִ to the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem,
הָאֹמְ֒רִים [it was they] who said,
עָֽרוּ עָֽרוּ עַד הַיְ֒סוֹד בָּהּ: Raze it, raze it to its very foundation.
בַּת־בָּבֶל Daughter of Babylon,
הַשְּׁ֒דוּדָה you are the annihilated one;
אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיְּ֒שַׁלֶּם־לָךְ fortunate is he who will repay you
אֶת־גְּמוּלֵךְ שֶׁגָּמַלְתְּ לָֽנוּ: for all you have done to us.
אַשְׁרֵי שֶׁיֹּאחֵז Fortunate is he who will take
וְנִפֵּץ אֶת־עֹלָלַֽיִךְ אֶל־הַסָּֽלַע: and dash your little ones against the rock.
תהלים קכו Psalm 126
Psalm 126 is recited on Shabbos, Yom Tov and other festive occasions such as weddings, circumcisions or redemption of the first born.
שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹת A Song of Ascents.
בְּשׁוּב יְהֹוָה When Adonoy brings about
אֶת־שִׁיבַת צִיּוֹן the return to Zion
הָיִֽינוּ כְּחֹלְ֒מִים: 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
אָז יִמָּלֵא שְׂחוֹק פִּֽינוּ 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.
וּלְ֒שׁוֹנֵֽנוּ רִנָּה, and our tongue with joyous song.
אָז יֹאמְ֒רוּ בַגּוֹיִם Then will they say among the nations:
הִגְדִּיל יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִם־אֵֽלֶּה: ‘Adonoy has done great things for them.'
הִגְדִּיל יְהֹוָה לַעֲשׂוֹת עִמָּֽנוּ, Adonoy had done great things for us;
הָיִֽינוּ שְׂמֵחִים: we will [then] rejoice.
שׁוּבָה יְהֹוָה אֶת־שְׁבִיתֵֽנוּ Adonoy! bring back our exiles
כַּאֲפִיקִים בַּנֶּֽגֶב: 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
הַזֹּרְ֒עִים בְּדִמְעָה, Those who sow in tears
בְּרִנָּה יִקְצֹֽרוּ: 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
הָלוֹךְ יֵלֵךְ וּבָכֹה, [Though] he walks along weeping,
נֹשֵׂא מֶֽשֶׁךְ־הַזָּֽרַע, carrying the bag of seed,
בֹּא־יָבֹא בְרִנָּה, he will return with joyous song
נֹשֵׂא אֲלֻמֹּתָיו: carrying his sheaves.
When three or more males, aged 13 or older eat together one of them leads the group in reciting the Birkas Hamazon.
The leader begins by saying:
רַבּוֹתַי נְבָרֵךְ: "Gentlemen, let us say the blessing:
The others respond:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְהֹוָה מְבֹרָךְ The Name of Adonoy will be blessed
מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם: from now forever.
The leader repeats:
יְהִי שֵׁם יְהֹוָה מְבֹרָךְ "The Name of Adonoy will be blessed
מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם: from now forever."
The leader continues: (the words "our God" are substituted for "Him" and "He" if ten males are in the group):
בִּרְ֒שׁוּת "With your permission
מָרָנָן וְרַבָּנָן וְרַבּוֹתַי our masters and teachers,
נְבָרֵךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) Let us bless (our God,) Him,
שֶׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ: for we have eaten of His bounty."
The others respond accordingly:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) Blessed is (our God) He
שֶֽׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ for we have eaten of His bounty
וּבְ֒טוּבוֹ חָיִֽינוּ: and through His goodness we live.
The leader repeats:
בָּרוּךְ (בעשרה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ) "Blessed is (our God) He
שֶֽׁאָכַֽלְנוּ מִשֶּׁלּוֹ for we have eaten of His bounty
וּבְ֒טוּבוֹ חָיִֽינוּ: and through His goodness we live."
If there are at least 10 men, add:
בָּרוּךְ הוּא וּבָרוּךְ שְׁמוֹ: Blessed is He and blessed is His Name.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ Who nourishes the entire world
בְּטוּבוֹ with His goodness,
בְּחֵן בְּ֒חֶֽסֶד וּבְ֒רַחֲמִים 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
הוּא נוֹתֵן לֶֽחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר 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.
כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ for His kindness endures forever.
וּבְ֒טוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל And through His great goodness,
תָּמִיד לֺא חָסַר לָֽנוּ we have never lacked
וְאַל יֶחְסַר לָֽנוּ מָזוֹן and we will not lack food
לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד forever and ever,
בַּעֲבוּר שְׁמוֹ הַגָּדוֹל for the sake of His great Name.
כִּי הוּא אֵל For He is Almighty
זָן וּמְ֒פַרְנֵס לַכֹּל 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,
וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל וּמֵכִין מָזוֹן does good to all, and prepares nourishment
לְכָל בְּרִיּוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא. for all His creatures which He has created.
כָּאָמוּר, As it is said:
פּוֹתֵֽחַ אֶת־יַדֶֽךָ You open Your hand
וּמַשְׂבִּֽיעַ לְכָל־חַי רָצוֹן: and satisfy the desire of every living being.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
הַזָּן אֶת הַכֹּל: 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
נוֹדֶה לְּךָ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ We thank You, Adonoy, our God,
עַל שֶׁהִנְחַֽלְתָּ for Your parceling out as a heritage
לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ to our fathers,
אֶֽרֶץ 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
חֶמְדָּה טוֹבָה וּרְ֒חָבָה desirable, good, and spacious;
וְעַל שֶׁהוֹצֵאתָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ for Your bringing us out, Adonoy, our God,
מֵאֶֽרֶץ מִצְרַֽיִם from the land of Egypt,
וּפְ֒דִיתָֽנוּ מִבֵּית עֲבָדִים and redeeming us from the house of bondage;
וְעַל בְּרִיתְ֒ךָ for Your covenant
שֶׁחָתַֽמְתָּ בִּבְ֒שָׂרֵֽנוּ which You sealed in our flesh;
וְעַל תּוֹרָתְ֒ךָ שֶׁלִּמַּדְתָּֽנוּ 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;
וְעַל חֻקֶּֽיךָ for Your statutes
שֶׁהוֹדַעְתָּֽנוּ which You made known to us;
וְעַל חַיִּים חֵן וָחֶֽסֶד for the life, favor, and kindness
שֶׁחוֹנַנְתָּֽנוּ which You granted us;
וְעַל אֲכִילַת מָזוֹן and for the provision of food
שָׁאַתָּה זָן וּמְ֒פַרְנֵס אוֹתָֽנוּ with which You nourish and maintain us
תָּמִיד בְּכָל יוֹם וּבְכָל עֵת constantly, every day, at all times
וּבְכָל שָׁעָה: and in every hour.
On regular weekdays, continue, "For everything" on page 239
On Chanukah and Purim add:
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 [We thank You] for the miracles
וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָן וְעַל הַגְּ֒בוּרוֹת for the redemption, for the mighty deeds,
וְעַל הַתְּ֒שׁוּעוֹת וְעַל הַנִּפְלָאוֹת for the deliverances, for the wonders
וְעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת וְעַל הַמִּלְחָמוֹת for the consolations and for the wars
שֶׁעָשִֽׂיתָ לַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ that You performed for our fathers
בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בִּזְּ֒מַן הַזֶּה: in those days at this season.
On Chanukah:
בִּימֵי מַתִּתְיָֽהוּ In the days of Matisyahu,
בֶּן יוֹחָנָן כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל son of Yochanan the High Priest,
חַשְׁמוֹנָאִי וּבָנָיו the Hasmonean and his sons,
כְּשֶׁעָמְ֒דָה מַלְכוּת יָוָן הָרְ֒שָׁעָה when the evil Greek kingdom rose up
עַל עַמְּ֒ךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל against Your people Israel
לְהַשְׁכִּיחָם תּוֹרָתֶֽךָ to make them forget Your Torah
וּלְ֒הַעֲבִירָם and to turn them away
מֵחֻקֵּי רְצוֹנֶֽךָ, from the statutes of Your will—
וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים You, in Your abundant mercy,
עָמַֽדְתָּ לָהֶם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם stood by them in their time of distress,
רַֽבְתָּ אֶת רִיבָם You defended their cause,
דַּֽנְתָּ אֶת דִּינָם You judged their grievances,
נָקַֽמְתָּ אֶת נִקְ֒מָתָם You avenged them.
מָסַֽרְתָּ גִבּוֹרִים You delivered the mighty
בְּיַד חַלָּשִׁים into the hands of the weak,
וְרַבִּים בְּיַד מְעַטִּים many into the hands of the few,
וּטְ֒מֵאִים בְּיַד טְהוֹרִים defiled people into the hands of the undefiled,
וּרְ֒שָׁעִים בְּיַד צַדִּיקִים the wicked into the hands of the righteous,
וְזֵדִים בְּיַד and insolent [sinners] into the hands of
עוֹסְ֒קֵי תוֹרָתֶֽךָ diligent students of Your Torah.
וּלְ֒ךָ עָשִֽׂיתָ And You made Yourself
שֵׁם גָּדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ בְּעוֹלָמֶֽךָ a great and sanctified name in Your world.
וּלְ֒עַמְּ֒ךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל And for Your people, Israel,
עָשִֽׂיתָ תְּשׁוּעָה גְדוֹלָה You performed a great deliverance
וּפֻרְקָן כְּהַיּוֹם הַזֶּה and redemption unto this very day.
וְאַחַר כַּךְ בָּֽאוּ בָנֶֽיךָ Afterwards, Your sons entered
לִדְ֒בִיר בֵּיתֶֽךָ the Holy of Holies of Your Abode,
וּפִנּוּ אֶת הֵיכָלֶֽךָ cleaned Your Temple,
וְטִהֲרוּ אֶת מִקְדָּשֶֽׁךָ purified Your Sanctuary,
וְהִדְלִֽיקוּ נֵרוֹת and kindled lights
בְּחַצְ֒רוֹת קָדְשֶֽׁךָ in the Courtyards of Your Sanctuary,
וְקָבְ֒עוּ שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲנֻכָּה אֵֽלּוּ and designated these eight days of Chanukah
לְהוֹדוֹת וּלְ֒הַלֵּל לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל: to thank and praise Your great Name.
On Purim:
בִּימֵי מָרְדְּכַי וְאֶסְתֵּר In the days of Mordechai and Esther
בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה in Shushan the Capital [of Persia],
כְּשֶׁעָמַד עֲלֵיהֶם הָמָן הָרָשָׁע when the evil Haman rose up against them,
בִּקֵּשׁ לְהַשְׁמִיד לַהֲרוֹג he sought to destroy, to kill,
וּלְ֒אַבֵּד אֶת כָּל הַיְ֒הוּדִים and to annihilate all the Jews,
מִנַּֽעַר וְעַד זָקֵן טַף וְנָשִׁים young and old, infants and women,
בְּיוֹם אֶחָד בִּשְׁ֒לוֹשָׁה עָשָׂר in one day, the thirteenth day
לְחֹֽדֶשׁ שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר of the twelfth month,
הוּא חֹֽדֶשׁ אֲדָר which is the month of Adar,
וּשְׁ֒לָלָם לָבוֹז: and to plunder their wealth
וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים And You, in Your abundant mercy,
הֵפַֽרְתָּ אֶת עֲצָתוֹ annulled his counsel,
וְקִלְקַֽלְתָּ אֶת מַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ frustrated his intention,
וַהֲשֵׁבֽוֹתָ לּוֹ גְּמוּלוֹ בְּרֹאשׁוֹ and brought his evil plan upon his own head,
וְתָלוּ אוֹתוֹ וְאֶת בָּנָיו and they hanged him and his sons
עַל הָעֵץ: upon the gallows.
וְעַל הַכֹּל יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ For everything Adonoy, our God,
אֲנַֽחְנוּ מוֹדִים לָךְ We thank You
וּמְ֒בָרְ֒כִים אוֹתָךְ and bless You.
יִתְבָּרַךְ שִׁמְךָ Blessed be Your Name
בְּפִי כָּל חַי through the mouth of all the living,
תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד כַּכָּתוּב constantly, forever, as it is written:
וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבָֽעְתָּ When You have eaten and are satisfied,
וּבֵרַכְתָּ אֶת יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֶֽיךָ You will bless Adonoy, your God,
עַל הָאָֽרֶץ הַטּוֹבָה for the good land
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לָךְ which He has given to you.11Deuteronomy 8:10
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy,
עַל הָאָֽרֶץ וְעַל הַמָּזוֹן: for the land and for the food.
רַחֵם יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ Have compassion, Adonoy, our God,
עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּֽךָ on Israel, Your people,
וְעַל יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִירֶֽךָ on Jerusalem, Your city,
וְעַל צִיּוֹן מִשְׁכַּן כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ on Zion, the dwelling place of Your glory,
וְעַל מַלְכוּת בֵּית דָּוִד on the kingship of the house of David,
מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ Your anointed;
וְעַל הַבַּֽיִת הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ and on the great and holy House
שֶׁנִּקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלָיו upon which Your Name is called.
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ אָבִֽינוּ רְעֵֽנוּ זוּנֵֽנוּ 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
פַּרְנְ֒סֵֽנוּ וְכַלְכְּ֒לֵֽנוּ וְהַרְוִיחֵֽנוּ 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
וְהַרְוַח לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ and grant us relief Adonoy, our God,
מְהֵרָה מִכָּל צָרוֹתֵֽינוּ speedily from all our troubles.
וְנָא אַל תַּצְרִיכֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ Adonoy, our God—may we never be in need
לֺא לִידֵי מַתְּ֒נַת בָּשָׂר וָדָם of the gifts of men
וְלֺא לִידֵי הַלְוָאָתָם nor of their loans,
כִּי אִם לְיָדְ֒ךָ but only of Your hand
הַמְ֒לֵאָה הַפְּ֒תוּחָה which is full, open,
הַקְּ֒דוֹשָׁה וְהָרְ֒חָבָה holy and generous,
שֶׁלֺּא נֵבוֹשׁ so that we may not be shamed
וְלֺא נִכָּלֵם 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
לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: forever and ever.
On regular weekdays, continue, "Rebuild"
On Shabbos add:
רְצֵה וְהַחֲלִיצֵֽנוּ May it please You, to strengthen us
יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ Adonoy, our God,
בְּמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ through Your commandments,
וּבְ֒מִצְוַת and through the commandment
יוֹם הַשְּׁ֒בִיעִי of the seventh day,
הַשַּׁבָּת הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ הַזֶּה this great and holy Sabbath.
כִּי יוֹם זֶה For this day
גָדוֹל וְקָדוֹשׁ הוּא לְפָנֶֽיךָ is great and holy before You,
לִשְׁבָּת בּוֹ to refrain from work on it
וְלָנֽוּחַ בּוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה and to rest on it with love,
כְּמִצְוַת רְצוֹנֶֽךָ as ordained by Your will.
וּבִרְ֒צוֹנְ֒ךָ And by Your will,
הָנִֽיחַ לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ grant us repose Adonoy, our God,
שֶׁלֺּא תְהֵא צָרָה וְיָגוֹן that there be no distress, sorrow,
וַאֲנָחָה בְּיוֹם מְנוּחָתֵֽנוּ 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
וְהַרְאֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ Show us Adonoy, our God,
בְּנֶחָמַת צִיּוֹן עִירֶֽךָ the consolation of Zion, Your city,
וּבְ֒בִנְיַן יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם and the rebuilding of Jerusalem,
עִיר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ city of Your Sanctuary,
כִּי אַתָּה הוּא בַּעַל הַיְ֒שׁוּעוֹת for You are the Master of deliverance
וּבַעַל הַנֶּחָמוֹת: and the Master of consolation.
On Rosh Chodesh and Yom Tov add:
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ Our God and God of our fathers,
יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא וְיַגִּֽיעַ may there ascend, come, and reach,
וְיֵרָאֶה וְיֵרָצֶה וְיִשָּׁמַע appear, be desired, and heard,
וְיִפָּקֵד וְיִזָּכֵר counted and recalled
זִכְרוֹנֵֽנוּ וּפִקְ֒דוֹנֵֽנוּ our remembrance and reckoning;
וְזִכְרוֹן אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ the remembrance of our fathers;
וְזִכְרוֹן מָשִֽׁיחַ the remembrance of the Messiah
בֶּן דָּוִד עַבְדֶּֽךָ the son of David, Your servant;
וְזִכְרוֹן יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם the remembrance of Jerusalem,
עִיר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ city of Your Sanctuary;
וְזִכְרוֹן כָּל עַמְּ֒ךָ and the remembrance of Your entire people,
בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל לְפָנֶֽיךָ, the House of Israel, before You
לִפְ֒לֵיטָה לְטוֹבָה for survival, for well-being,
לְחֵן וּלְ֒חֶֽסֶד וּלְ֒רַחֲמִים for favor, kindliness, compassion,
וּלְחַיִּים טוֹבִים וּלְ֒שָׁלוֹם for good life and peace
בְּיוֹם on this day of:
לְר"ח: רֹאשׁ הַחֹֽדֶשׁ הַזֶּה Rosh Chodesh
לְפֶסַח: חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה the Festival of Matzos
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
זָכְ֒רֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ Remember us Adonoy, our God,
בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, on this day for well-being;
וּפָקְ֒דֵֽנוּ בוֹ לִבְ֒רָכָה, be mindful of us on this day for blessing,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים טוֹבִים, and deliver us for good life.
וּבִדְ֒בַר יְשׁוּעָה In accord with the promise of deliverance
וְרַחֲמִים and compassion,
חוּס וְחָנֵּֽנוּ, spare us and favor us,
וְרַחֵם עָלֵֽינוּ וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ, have compassion on us and deliver us;
כִּי אֵלֶֽיךָ עֵינֵֽינוּ, for to You our eyes are directed
כִּי אֵל because You are the Almighty
מֶֽלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָֽתָּה: Who is King, Gracious, and Merciful.
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 pages 249-250 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.
וּבְ֒נֵה יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם עִיר הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ Rebuild Jerusalem, city of the Holy Sanctuary,
בִּמְ֒הֵרָה בְיָמֵֽינוּ speedily, in our days.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy,
בּוֹנֵה בְרַחֲמָיו יְרוּשָׁלָֽיִם, אָמֵן: 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
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, our God, King of the Universe,
הָאֵל אָבִֽינוּ, מַלְכֵּֽנוּ, the Almighty, our Father, our King,
אַדִּירֵֽנוּ בּוֹרְ֒אֵֽנוּ, גּוֹאֲלֵֽנוּ, our Mighty One, our Creator, our Redeemer,
יוֹצְ֒רֵֽנוּ, קְדוֹשֵֽׁנוּ קְדוֹשׁ יַעֲקֹב, our Maker, our Holy One, Holy One of Jacob,
רוֹעֵנוּ רוֹעֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל, our Shepherd, Shepherd of Israel,
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ הַטּוֹב, וְהַמֵּטִיב לַכֹּל, the King, Who is good and beneficent to all.
שֶׁבְּ֒כָל יוֹם וָיוֹם הוּא הֵטִיב, Every single day He has done good,
הוּא מֵטִיב, הוּא יֵיטִיב לָנוּ, does good, and will do good to us.
הוּא גְמָלָֽנוּ, הוּא גוֹמְ֒לֵֽנוּ, He has rewarded us, He rewards us,
הוּא יִגְמְלֵֽנוּ לָעַד He will reward us forever with
לְחֵן וּלְ֒חֶֽסֶד וּלְ֒רַחֲמִים favor, kindness, and compassion,
וּלְ֒רֶוַח הַצָּלָה וְהַצְלָחָה relief, rescue, and success,
בְּרָכָה וִישׁוּעָה, נֶחָמָה, blessing, deliverance, and consolation,
פַּרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה, וְרַחֲמִים, maintenance, sustenance, compassion,
וְחַיִּים וְשָׁלוֹם, וְכָל טוֹב, life, peace, and everything good;
וּמִכָּל טוּב and of all good things
לְעוֹלָם אַל יְחַסְּ֒רֵֽנוּ: 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 The Merciful One will reign over us
לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, forever and ever.
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יִתְבָּרֵךְ The Merciful One will be blessed
בַּשָּׁמַֽיִם וּבָאָֽרֶץ, in heaven and on earth.
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יִשְׁתַּבַּח The Merciful One will be praised
לְדוֹר דּוֹרִים, for all generations,
וְיִתְפָּאֵר בָּֽנוּ He will be glorified through us
לָעַד וּלְ֒נֵֽצַח נְצָחִים, forever and for all eternity;
וְיִתְהַדַּר בָּֽנוּ and He will be honored through us
לָעַד וּלְ֒עוֹלְ֒מֵי עוֹלָמִים, for time everlasting.
הָרַחֲמָן, May the Merciful One
הוּא יְפַרְנְ֒סֵֽנוּ בְּכָבוֹד, maintain us with honor.
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יִשְׁבּוֹר עֻלֵּֽנוּ The Merciful One will break the yoke
מֵעַל צַוּארֵֽנוּ (of oppression) from our necks
וְהוּא יוֹלִיכֵֽנוּ קוֹמְ֒מִיּוּת and lead us upright
לְאַרְצֵֽנוּ, to our land.
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָֽנוּ May the Merciful One send us
בְּרָכָה מְרֻבָּה בַּבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה abundant blessing to this house,
וְעַל שֻׁלְחָן זֶה and upon this table
שֶׁאָכַֽלְנוּ עָלָיו, at which we have eaten.
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יִשְׁלַח לָֽנוּ The Merciful One will send us
אֶת אֵלִיָּֽהוּ הַנָּבִיא Elijah the prophet,
זָכוּר לַטּוֹב, who is remembered for good,
וִיבַשֶּׂר לָֽנוּ who will announce to us
בְּשׂוֹרוֹת טוֹבוֹת יְשׁוּעוֹת good tidings, deliverances,
וְנֶחָמוֹת: and consolations.
When eating at your parents' table, say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ May the Merciful One bless
אֶת אָבִי מוֹרִי my father, my teacher,
בַּֽעַל הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, the master of this house,
וְאֶת אִמִּי מוֹרָתִי and my mother, my teacher,
בַּעֲלַת הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, the mistress of this house;
אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם them, their household,
וְאֶת זַרְעָם their children
וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם and all that is theirs.
When eating at your own table, say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ May the Merciful One bless
אוֹתִי וְאֶת אִשְׁתִּי וְאֶת זַרְעִי me, my spouse, my children,
וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לִי, and all that is mine;
A guest says:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ May the Merciful One bless
אֶת בַּֽעַל הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, the host
וְאֶת אִשְׁתּוֹ בַּעֲלַת הַבַּֽיִת הַזֶּה, and the hostess,
אוֹתָם וְאֶת בֵּיתָם וְאֶת זַרְעָם them, their household, their children
וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָהֶם and all that is theirs.
יְהִי רָצוֹן 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
שֶׁלֺּא יֵבוֹשׁ בַּֽעַל הַבַּֽיִת host not be shamed
בָּעוֹלָם הַזֶּה in this world
וְלֺא יִכָּלֵם לָעוֹלָם הַבָּא or humiliated in the World to Come.
וְיִצְלַח מְאֹד May he have great success
בְּכָל נְכָסָיו with all his possessions.
וְיִהְיוּ נְכָסָיו וּנְכָסֵֽינוּ מֻצְלָחִים May his properties and ours prosper
וּקְרוֹבִים לָעִיר and be located close to town.
וְאַל יִשְׁלֺט שָׂטָן May no evil force have power over
לֺא בְמַעֲשֵׂי יָדָיו his endeavors
וְלֺא בְמַעֲשֵׂי יָדֵֽינוּ or our endeavors.
וְאַל יִזְדַּקֵּר לֺא לְפָנָיו May no opportunity present itself before him
וְלֺא לְפָנֵֽינוּ or before us
שׁוּם דְּבַר הִרְהוּר to contemplate
חֵטְא [committing any] sin,
וַעֲבֵרָה וְעָוֹן transgression or iniquity
מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם: from now forever.
אוֹתָֽנוּ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לָֽנוּ, Ours and all that is ours—
כְּמוֹ שֶׁנִּתְבָּרְ֒כוּ אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ, just as our forefathers were blessed—
אַבְרָהָם יִצְחָק וְיַעֲקֹב: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—
בַּכֹּל, מִכֹּל, In all things,19Abraham was blessed “in all things.” Genesis 24:1 "From everything,"20Isaac said: “I have partaken from everything.” Genesis 27:33
כֹּל, and "With everything";21Jacob said: “I have everything.” Genesis 33:11
כֵּן יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָֽנוּ so may He bless us,
כֻּלָּֽנוּ יַֽחַד, בִּבְ֒רָכָה שְׁלֵמָה, all of us together, with a perfect blessing
וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן: and let us say Amein.
בַּמָּרוֹם From on high,
יְלַמְּ֒דוּ עֲלֵיהֶם may there be invoked upon them
וְעָלֵֽינוּ זְכוּת, and upon us, [the] merit
שֶׁתְּ֒הֵא לְמִשְׁמֶֽרֶת שָׁלוֹם, to insure peace,
וְנִשָּׂא בְרָכָה מֵאֵת יְהֹוָה And may we receive a blessing from Adonoy,
וּצְ֒דָקָה and kindness
מֵאֱלֺהֵי יִשְׁעֵֽנוּ, from the God of our deliverance;
וְנִמְצָא חֵן וְשֵֽׂכֶל טוֹב and may we find favor and understanding
בְּעֵינֵי אֱלֺהִים וְאָדָם: in the eyes of God and man.
On Shabbos say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יַנְחִילֵֽנוּ May the Merciful One let us inherit
יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ שַׁבָּת the day which will be completely Shabbos
וּמְ֒נוּחָה לְחַיֵּי הָעוֹלָמִים: and rest, for life everlasting.
On Rosh Chodesh say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵֽינוּ May the Merciful One renew for us
אֶת הַחֹֽדֶשׁ הַזֶּה this month
לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְ֒רָכָה: for good and for blessing.
On Yom Tov say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יַנְחִילֵֽנוּ May the Merciful One let us inherit
יוֹם שֶׁכֻּלּוֹ טוֹב: that day which is completely good.
On Rosh Hashono say:
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵֽינוּ May the Merciful One renew for us
אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת this year
לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְ֒רָכָה: for good and for blessing.
On Sukkos say:
הָרַחֲמָן הוּא יָקִים לָֽנוּ May the Merciful One raise up for us
אֶת סֻכַּת דָּוִד הַנּוֹפָֽלֶת: the fallen Tabernacle of David.
הָרַחֲמָן, הוּא יְזַכֵּֽנוּ May the Merciful One make us worthy
לִימוֹת הַמָּשִֽׁיחַ of the days of the Messiah
וּלְ֒חַיֵּי הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא, and life of the World to Come.
מַגְדִּיל יְשׁוּעוֹת מַלְכּוֹ, He who gives great deliverance to His king,
(On Shabbos and Yom Tov say:
מִגְדּוֹל יְשׁוּעוֹת He who is a tower of deliverance
מַלְכּוֹ, 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.)
וְעֹֽשֶׂה חֶֽסֶד לִמְ֒שִׁיחוֹ and shows kindness to His anointed—
לְדָוִד וּלְ֒זַרְעוֹ עַד עוֹלָם: to David and his descendants forever.23II Samuel 22:51
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, He Who makes peace in His high heavens
הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵֽינוּ may He make peace for us
וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, and for all Israel,
וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן: and say, Amein.
יְראוּ אֶת יְהֹוָה קְדוֹשָׁיו, Fear Adonoy, [you] His holy ones,
כִּי אֵין מַחְסוֹר לִירֵאָיו: for those who fear Him suffer no deprivation.
כְּפִירִים רָשׁוּ וְרָעֵֽבוּ, Young lions may feel want and hunger,
וְדוֹרְ֒שֵׁי יְהֹוָה but those who seek Adonoy,
לֺא יַחְסְ֒רוּ כָל טוֹב: will not be deprived of any good thing.24Psalms 34:10-11
הוֹדוּ לַיהוָֹה כִּי טוֹב, Give thanks to Adonoy, for He is good,
כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ: for His kindness endures forever.25Psalms 136:1
פּוֹתֵֽחַ אֶת יָדֶֽךָ, You open Your hand
וּמַשְׂבִּֽיעַ לְכָל חַי רָצוֹן: and satisfy the desire of every living being.26Psalms 145:16
בָּרוּךְ הַגֶּֽבֶר אֲשֶׁר יִבְטַח בַּיהוָֹה, Blessed is the man who trusts in Adonoy,
וְהָיָה יְהֹוָה מִבְטַחוֹ: so that Adonoy is his security.27Jeremiah 17:7
נַֽעַר הָיִֽיתִי גַם זָקַֽנְתִּי I was young and I have grown old,
וְלֺא רָאִֽיתִי yet I have never seen
צַדִּיק נֶעֱזָב, a righteous man forsaken,
וְזַרְעוֹ מְבַקֵּשׁ לָֽחֶם: nor his children begging for bread.28Psalms 37:25
יְהֹוָה עוֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, Adonoy will give strength to His people,
יְהֹוָה יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַּשָּׁלוֹם: Adonoy will bless His people with peace.29Psalms 29:11
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.
If you forgot to say רְצֵה on Shabbos:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה Who gave Shabbosos for rest
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה to His people Israel with love
לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית for a sign and a covenant.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You Adonoy,
מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת: Sanctifier of Shabbos.
If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Chodesh:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים Who gave Rosh Chodesh days
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן: to His people Israel for remembrance.
If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Yom Tov:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים Who gave Yomim Tovim
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה to His people Israel for happiness and joy,
אֶת יוֹם חַג (פלוני) הַזֶּה, this day of (name the Yom Tov).
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy,
מְקַדֵּשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהַזְּ֒מַנִּים: Sanctifier of Israel and the seasons.
If a Yom Tov occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה Who gave Shabbosos for rest
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה to His people Israel with love,
לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית for a sign and a covenant,
וְיָמִים טוֹבִים לְשָׂשׂוֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָה and Yomim Tovim for happiness and joy,
אֶת יוֹם חַג (פלוני) הַזֶּה, this day of (name the Yom Tov.)
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy,
מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת וְיִשְׂרָאֵל Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel,
וְהַזְּ֒מַנִּים: and the seasons.
If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Hashanah:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יָמִים טוֹבִים Who gave Festivals
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן: to His people Israel for remembrance.
If Rosh Hashanah occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy
אֱלֺהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם our God, King of the Universe,
אֲשֶׁר נָתַן שַׁבָּתוֹת לִמְנוּחָה Who gave Shabbosos for rest
לְעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה to His people Israel, with love
לְאוֹת וְלִבְרִית for a sign and a covenant,
וְיָמִים טוֹבִים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל and Yomim Tovim to Israel,
לְזִכָּרוֹן for remembrance.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You, Adonoy,
מְקַדֵּשׁ הַשַּׁבָּת וְיִשְׂרָאֵל Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel,
וְיוֹם הַזִכָּרוֹן: and the Day of Remembrance.