• TABLE OF CONTENTS •
Grace After Meals...... 4 Sheva Brachot...... 24 Candle Lighting...... 28 Shalom Aleichem...... 30 Blessing Over the Younger Generation...... 32 Hand Washing...... 34 HaMotzi...... 34 Apples in Honey...... 34 Kiddush for Friday Night...... 36 Kiddush for Holiday Eve...... 38 Kiddush for Rosh Hashanah Eve...... 44 Daytime Kiddush for Shabbat & Holidays...... 48 Havdallah...... 52
Originally compiled and written by José and Josh Portuondo-Dember Revised by Lara Chausow and Lauren Weiss Edited by Lara Chausow, Lauren Weiss, and Hillel Smith Designed by Hillel Smith · hillelsmith.info
This bencher is made available under an Attribution- NonCommercial 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC 3.0 US) license. You are free to share and adapt it while giving attribution to its creators and not using it for commercial purposes. • REGARDING TRANSCRIPTION •
Our goal in transcription has been to create a text that will be as easy as possible to read “correctly” without knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet or language. We have attempted to mirror as closely as possible how the sounds would be written in English avoiding special characters and multiple characters that might cause confusion.
ch is used to represent the sound similar to “ch” in German ei/ey is used to represent the sound at the end of the word “grey” ai/ay is used to represent the sound at the end of the word “sky” ’ is used to show that two letters should be pronounced distinctly.
Regarding vowels:
a - always like a in father, never like a in able e - always like e in get, never like e in greet i - always like i in sing, never like i in ice o - always like o in rope, never like o in soft u - always like u in rule, never like u in up • INTRODUCTORY NOTE •
This book of prayers for the home—commonly referred to as a bentcher in Yiddish—contains the blessings that many Jews invoke after meals, during the Sabbath (Shabbat) and holidays, and in honor of weddings.1
We hope that this bentcher will provide our guests with a valued memento from our wedding. As with our entire wedding, we strove to create a bentcher that represented our values, both as individuals and as a couple. The title of this bentcher, “Kol Yoshvei Tevel,” translates to “all who dwell on Earth.” This is a phrase that many add to prayers for peace that traditionally are for “us” (those saying the prayer) and “for all of the people of Yisrael” (Jews everywhere). By expanding the prayers, we are not only wishing for peace for all people, but also stating that we are part of, and cannot be separated from, all of humanity.
Additionally, this bentcher uses gender-neutral words for God and for humanity, includes our foremothers as equals to our forefathers, and normalizes both same-sex and different-sex couples.2 We have included transliterations, translations, and explanatory notes in hopes that the text is accessible to all, no matter one’s level of familiarity with these prayers or fluency in Hebrew. As we could not find an existing bentcher that met these needs, we decided to make our own. We are deeply indebted to José and Josh Portuondo-Dember, who gave us the files for the bentcher they created, and to Hillel Smith, who designed this bentcher. We hope that others will want to use this bentcher going forward, either as is, or as a building block for their own creation. Contact us at [email protected] for the files.
May you use this bentcher in happiness and merriment for years to come!
1. Jews from different communities have different formulations for some of these blessings. We each come from Ashkenazic (generally, Eastern European Jewry) families, and have thus chosen to use the phrasing common to that tradition. 2. In keeping with our understanding of the gendered nature of Hebrew, we have provided options for brides and grooms. We welcome you to use additional terms for spouses as you feel best meets your and your spouse’s gender identity. 4 • ברכת המזון •
At meals for festive occasions, Grace Grace after meals is the only prayer is typically introduced with Psalm 26: explicitly mandated in the Bible: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, then שׁ ִיר הַ ּמַעֲ לוֹת בְּשׁ וּב יי אֶת שׁ ִיבַ ת praise Adonai your God, for the good צִ ּיוֹן הָ יִינוּ כְּ חֹלְמִים. אָ ז יִ ָּ מלֵא שְׂ חוֹ ק land God has given you.” (Deut. 8:10). פִּ ינוּ וּלְשׁ וֹנֵנוּ רִ נָּה אָ ז יֹאמְ רוּ בַ גּוֹיִ ם The rabbis trace the origin of the prayer הִ גְדִּ יל יי לַעֲ שׂוֹת עִם אֵ ּלֶה. הִ גְדִּ יל יי to Abraham, who offered hospitality .to any traveler who passed by his tent לַעֲ שׂוֹת עִ ָּ מנוּ הָ יִינוּ שְׂמֵחִים. שׁ וּבָ ה יי When his guests would thank him for אֶת שׁ ְבִיתֵ נוּ כַּאֲפִיקִ ים בַּ נֶּגֶב. הַ ּזֹרְ עִ ים ְ ְ food and drink, he would reply, “Was the בְּדִ מְעָה בְּרִ נָּה יִקְ צֹרוּ. הָ לוֹ ך יֵלֵ ך וּבָ כֹה food that you have eaten mine? You have נֹשֵׂא מֶשׁ ֶ ְך הַ ּזָרַ ע בּ ֹא יָ בֹא בְרִ נָּ ה נֹשֵׂ א partaken of God’s bounty. Now therefore אֲ לֻ ּמֹתָ יו. praise, glorify, and bless God, who spoke and the world came into existence.”
When the invitations to recite grace are said at a wedding, or sometimes at When 3 or more Jewish adults eat other festive events, the leader will pour together, one is designated as the leader and the following invitation a glass of wine or other grape beverage is read responsively. If 10 or more before beginning the invitation, and Jewish adults are present, include then hold it in their right hand during the words in parentheses. the entire grace. After grace is complete, LEADER they then say the blessing over wine and חָ בֵ רָ י ְ נ בָ רֵ ְך ! drink it. See the section “Seven Blessings GROUP for a Wedding” for more details יְהִי שׁ ֵם יי מְ בֹרָ ְך מֵעַ ָּ תה regarding grace after a meal held in וְעַ ד עוֹלָ ם. honor of such an event. LEADER יְהִי שׁ ֵם יי מְ בֹרָ ְך מֵעַ ָּ תה וְעַ ד עוֹלָם. בִּרְשׁ וּת חָבֵרָ י, נְבָרֵ ְך )אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ( שׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ מִשּׁ ֶ ּלוֹ .
GROUP בָּ ְרוּך )אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ( שׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ מִשּׁ ֶ ּלוֹ וּבְ טוּבוֹ חָ יִינוּ. 5 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
At meals for festive occasions, Grace At meals for festive occasions, Grace is typically introduced with Psalm 26: is typically introduced with Psalm 26:
A Pilgrim song: When Adonai brought Shir hama’a’lot b’shuv Adonai et shivat us back out of exile from Zion, we were Tziyon hayinu k’cholmim az y’malei like dreamers. Our mouths filled with s’chok pinu ul’shoneinu rina. Az yomru laughter and we sang a joyous song. vagoyim higdil Adonai la’asot im eleh. Among the nations they said, ‘Adonai Higdil Adonai la’a’sot imanu, hayinu has done great things for them.’ Yes, s’meichim. Shuva Adonai et sh’viteinu Adonai has done great things for us; we ka’a’fikim banegev. Hazor’im b’dima were filled with joy. Adonai, undo our b’rina yik’tzoru. Haloch yeileich captivity and like a stream waters dry uvachoh, nosei meshech hazara bo yavo soil, those who sow in tears will reap v’rina nosei alumotav. gladness. Weeping they scatter and plant the seeds, but they return with a joyful song, bringing home their harvest.
When 3 or more Jewish adults eat When 3 or more Jewish adults eat together, one is designated as the together, one is designated as the leader and the following invitation leader and the following invitation is read responsively. If 10 or more is read responsively. If 10 or more Jewish adults are present, include Jewish adults are present, include the words in parentheses. the words in parentheses.
LEADER: Friends, let us bless. LEADER: Chaverai n’varech.
GROUP: May the name of Adonai be GROUP: Y’hi shem Adonai m’vorach blessed for now and all time. mei’ata v’ad olam.
LEADER: May the name of Adonai be LEADER: Y’hi shem Adonai m’vorach blessed for now and all time. With mei’ata v’ad olam. Birshut chaverei the permission of those present, let us n’varech (Eloheinu) she’achalnu bless (our God) who has provided the mishshelo. food we’ve eaten. GROUP: Baruch (Eloheinu) GROUP: Blessed is (our God) the one she’achalnu mishshelo uv’tuvo who has fed us and whose goodness chayinu. has given us life. 6 • ברכת המזון •
LEADER בָּ ְרוּך )אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ( שׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ מִשּׁ ֶ ּלוֹ וּבְ טוּבוֹ חָ יִינוּ.
ALL SAY בָּ ְרוּך הוּא וּבָ ְרוּך שׁ ְ מוֹ .
At a wedding, substitute the following invitation.
LEADER חֲ בֵ רָ י ְ נ בָ רֵ ְך !
GROUP יְהִי שׁ ֵם יי מְ בֹרָ ְך מֵעַ ָּ תה וְעַ ד עוֹלָ ם.
LEADER יְהִי שׁ ֵם יי מְ בֹרָ ְך מֵעַ ָּ תה וְעַ ד עוֹלָם. דְ וַי הָסֵר וְגַם חָ רוֹן, וְאָ ז אִ ּלֵם בְּשׁ ִ יר יָרוֹן, נְחֵ נוּ בְּמַעְ גְּלֵי צֶדֶ ק, שׁ ְעֵה בִּרְ כַּת בְּ נֵי אַהֲ רֹן. בִּרְשׁ וּת מָרָ נָן וְרַ בָּ נָן וְרַ בּ וֹתַ י נְבָרֵ ְך אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ שׁ ֶהַ שִּׂמְחָה בִּמְ עוֹנוֹ, וְשׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ ִ מ שׁ ּ ֶ ּל ֹ ו .
GROUP, THEN LEADER REPEATS בָּ ְרוּך אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ שׁ ֶהַ שִּׂמְחָה בִּמְ עוֹנוֹ וְשׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ מִשׁ ֶּ ּלוֹ וּבְ טוּבוֹ חָ יִינוּ.
ALL SAY בָּ ְרוּך הוּא וּבָ ְרוּך שׁ ְ מוֹ . 7 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
LEADER: Blessed is (our God) the one LEADER: Baruch (Eloheinu) who has fed us and whose goodness she’achalnu mishshelo uv’tuvo chayinu. has given us life. ALL SAY: Baruch hu u’varuch sh’mo. ALL SAY: Blessed is God, and blessed is God’s name.
At a wedding, substitute the following At a wedding, substitute the following invitation. invitation.
LEADER: Friends, let us bless! LEADER: Chaverai n’varech!
GROUP: May Adonai’s name be GROUP: Yehi shem Adonai m’vorach blessed now and forever. mei’ata v’ad olam.
LEADER: May Adonai’s name be LEADER: Yehi shem Adonai m’vorach blessed now and forever. Remove all mei’ata v’ad olam. D’vai haseir v’gam grief, all wrath take wing, then even charon, v’az ileim b’shir yaron, those who are mute will sing. Guide n’cheinu v’maglei tzedek, sh’ei us in righteousness, heed the blessing birkat b’nei Aharon. Birshut chaverei of the children of Aaron. With the n’varech Eloheinu she’hasimcha consent of my friends, let us bless (our bim’ono v’she’achalnu mishelo. God) in whose abode is joy, and from whom we have eaten. GROUP, THEN LEADER REPEATS: Baruch Eloheinu she’hasimcha GROUP, THEN LEADER REPEATS: bim’ono v’she’achalnu mishelo Blessed is (our God) the one whose uv’tuvo chayinu. abode is joy, and who has fed us and sustained us with goodness. ALL SAY: Baruch hu uvaruch sh’mo.
ALL SAY: Blessed is God, blessed is God’s name. 8 • ברכת המזון •
בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי, אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶך הָ עוֹלָ ם, הַ ּזָן אֶת הָ עוֹלָם כֻּ ּלוֹ בְּ טוּבוֹ בְּחֵן בְּחֶסֶ ד וּבְרַחֲמִ ים הוּא נוֹתֵ ן לֶחֶ ם לְכָל בָ שָׂ ר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּ וֹ. וּבְ טוּבוֹ הַ גָּדוֹ ל ּתָמִ יד לֹא חָסַ ר לָ נוּ, וְאַ ל יֶחְסַ ר לָ נוּ מָ זוֹ ן לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. בַּעֲ בוּר שׁ ְ מוֹ הַ גָּדוֹל, כִּ י הוּא אֵ ל זָן וּמְפַרְ נֵס לַכּ ֹל וּמֵטִ יב לַכּ ֹל, וּמֵכִין מָ זוֹן לְ כֹל בְּרִ ּיוֹתָיו אֲשׁ ֶר בָּרָ א. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי, הַ ּזָן אֶת הַכּ ֹל.
נוֹדֶ ה ְּ ל ָך יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ עַל שׁ ֶהִ נְחַ לְ ָּ ת לַאֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ, אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּ ה טוֹבָ ה וּרְחָבָ ה, וְעַל שׁ ֶ הוֹצֵאתָ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֵאֶרֶ ץ מִ צְרַ ים, וּפְדִיתָ נוּ, מִבֵּית עֲבָדִ ים, וְעַ ל בְּרִיתְ ָך שׁ ֶחָתַמְ ָּ ת בִּבְ שָׂרֵ נוּ, וְעַ ל ּתוֹרָתְ ָך שׁ ֶ ִּ ל ּמַדְ ָּ תנוּ, וְעַל חֻ ֶ ּק ָיך שׁ ֶ הוֹדַ עְ ָּ תנוּ וְעַ ל חַ ּיִים חֵ ן וָחֶסֶד שׁ ֶ חוֹנַנְ ָּ תנוּ, וְעַל אֲכִילַ ת מָ זוֹן שׁ ָאַ ָּ תה זָן וּמְפַרְ נֵס אוֹתָ נוּ ּתָמִ יד, בְּכָ ל יוֹם וּבְכָל עֵ ת וּבְכָל שׁ ָעָ ה.
ON CHANUKAH עַל הַ נִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָ ן וְעַל הַ גְּ בוּרוֹ ת וְעַל הַ ּתְשׁ וּעוֹת וְעַל הַ נִּפְלָאוֹת וְעַ ל הַ נֶּחָ מוֹת שׁ ֶעָ שִׂיתָ לַאֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ בַּ ּיָמִ ים הָ הֵ ם ַבּ ְ ּזמַ ן הַ ֶ ּזה .
בִּימֵי מַ ּתִתְ יָהוּ בֶּ ן יוֹחָ נָן כֹּהֵ ן גָּדוֹ ל חַשׁ ְ מוֹנַאי וּבָ נָיו. כְּשׁ ֶעָמְדָ ה מַ לְ כוּת יָוָ ן הָרְשׁ ָעָה עַל עַ ְּ מ ָך יִשְׂרָאֵ ל לְהַשׁ ְ כִּיחָ ם ּתוֹרָתֶ ָך וּלְהַעֲבִירָם מֵחֻ ּקֵי רְ צוֹנֶ ָך. 9 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
Blessed are You Adonai, God, ruler of the Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech universe, who feeds the whole universe ha’olam, hazan et ha’olam kulo b’tuvo in Your goodness, grace, kindness and b’chein b’chesed uv’rachamim, hu mercy; You give bread to all flesh for You notein lechem l’chol basar, ki l’olam are ever kind, and your great goodness chasdo. Uv’tuvo hagadol tamid lo will never be taken from us, and let chasar lanu, v’al yechsar lanu mazon our nourishment be assured forever. l’olam va’ed. Ba’avur sh’mo hagadol, You sustain all life and are good to all, ki hu El zan um’farneis lakol u’meitiv providing for every creature You have lakol, u’meichin mazon l’chol b’riyotav made. Blessed are You, Adonai, who asher bara. Baruch atah Adonai, hazan sustains all life. et hakol.
We thank You, Adonai, for the land You Nodeh l’cha Adonai Eloheinu al gave our ancestors as an inheritance she’hinchalta la’avoteinu eretz chemda and to which You brought us, Adonai tova ur’chava, v’al she’hotzeitanu Adonai our God, having taken us out of Egypt Eloheinu mei’eretz mitz’rayim uf’ditanu and redeemed us from slavery; for your mibeit avadim, v’al brit’cha she’chatamta Torah and commandments that You biv’sareinu, v’al torat’cha she’limad’tanu, have taught us and given unto us; for v’al chukecha she’hoda’tanu, v’al the life, grace and kindness that You chayim chein va’chesed she’chonantanu, bestow upon us always; for the food and v’al achilat mazon she’ata zan sustenance You provide us with always, um’farneis otanu tamid, b’chol yom every hour of every day in every season. uv’chol eit uv’chol sha’ah.
ON CHANUKAH ON CHANUKAH
For the miracles, for the salvation, for Al hanisim v’al hapurkan v’al hag’vurot the mighty deeds, for the victories, and v’al hat’shu’ot v’al hamilchamot for the battles You performed for our she’asita la’avoteinu bayamim haheim ancestors in those days, at this season baz’man hazeh. (we thank You). Bimei Matityahu ben Yochanan kohein In the days of Matityahu, son of Yohanan, gadol Chashmonai u’vanav, k’she’amda and his sons the high priests, when a malchut Yavan har’sha’a al amcha wicked Hellenic government opposed Yisrael, l’hash’kicham toratecha Your people Israel, (determined) to ul’ha’aviram meichukei r’tzonecha. 10 • ברכת המזון •
וְאַ ָּ תה בְּרַחֲמֶ ָיך הָרַ בִּים עָמַדְ ָּ ת לָהֶ ם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם רַ בְ ָּת אֶת רִ יבָם דַּ נְ ָּת אֶ ת דִּ ינָם נָקַמְ ָּת אֶ ת נִקְמָתָם מָסַרְ ָּ ת גִּבּ וֹרִ ים בְּ יַד חַ ּלָשׁ ִ ים וְרַ בִּים בְּ יַד מְעַטִּ ים וּטְמֵאִים בְּ יַד טְ הוֹרִ ים וּרְשׁ ָעִים בְּ יַ ד צַדִּיקִ ים וְזֵדִ ים בְּ יַד עוֹסְקֵ י תוֹרָתֶ ָך. וּלְ ָך עָ שִׂיתָ שׁ ֵ ם גָּדוֹל וְקָ דוֹשׁ בְּ עוֹלָמֶ ָך וּלְעַ ְּ מ ָך יִשְׂרָאֵל עָ שִׂיתָ ּתְשׁ וּעָה גְדוֹלָ ה וּפֻרְקָ ן כְּהַ ּיוֹם הַ ּזֶה. וְאַחַר כֵּן בָּ אוּ בָ נֶ ָיך לִדְ בִיר בֵּיתֶ ָך וּפִ נוּ אֶת הֵיכָלֶ ָך וְטִהֲ רוּ אֶת מִקְ דָּשׁ ֶ ָך וְהִדְ לִ יקוּ נֵּרוֹת בְּחַ צְרוֹ ת קָדְשׁ ֶ ָך וְקָבְ עוּ שׁ ְ מוֹנַת יְמֵי חֲ נֻכָּה אֵ לוּ לְהוֹדוֹת וּלְהַ ּלֵל לְשׁ ִמְ ָך הַ גָּדוֹ ל.
ON PURIM עַל הַ נִּסִּים וְעַל הַפֻּרְקָ ן וְעַל הַ גְּ בוּרוֹ ת וְעַל הַ ּתְשׁ וּעוֹת וְעַל הַ נִּפְלָאוֹת וְעַ ל הַ נֶּחָ מוֹת שׁ ֶעָ שִׂיתָ לַאֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ בַּ ּיָמִ ים הָ הֵ ם ַבּ ְ ּזמַ ן הַ ֶ ּזה .
בִּימֵי מָרְ דְּ כַי וְאֶסְ ֵּ תר בְּשׁ וּשׁ ַן הַבִּירָ ה כְּשׁ ֶעָמַד עֲ לֵיהֶם הָמָן הָרָשׁ ָע. בִּ ּקֵשׁ לְהַשׁ ְמִ יד לַהֲ רֹג וּלְאַבֵּד אֶת כָּ ל הַ ּיְהוּדִ ים מִ נַּעַר וְעַ ד זָקֵן טַ ף וְנָשׁ ִ ים בְּ יוֹם אֶחָד בִּשׁ ְ לֹשׁ ָה עָ שָׂ ר לְ חֹדֶשׁ שׁ ְ נֵ ים עָ שָׂ ר הוּא חֹדֶשׁ אֲדָ ר וּשׁ ְ לָלָם לָבוֹ ז. 11 • GRACE AFTER MEALS • make them forget Your Torah, and sin V’ata b’rachamecha harabim, amad’ta against You, You, in Your great mercy, lahem b’eit tzaratam, ravta et rivam, stood by them in their time of distress, danta et dinam, nakamta et nikmatam, You championed their cause, defended masarta giborim b’yad chalashim, their rights, and avenged their injustice. v’rabim b’yad m’atim, ut’me’im b’yad You delivered the strong into the hands t’horim, ur’sha’im b’yad tzadikim, of the weak, the many into the hands v’zeidim b’yad oskei toratecha. Ul’cha of the few, the impure into the hands of asita sheim gadol v’kadosh b’olamecha, the pure, the wicked into the hands of ul’amecha Yisrael asita t’shu’a g’dola the righteous, and the arrogant into the u’furkan k’hayom hazeh. V’achar kein hands of the students of Your Torah. You ba’u vanecha lid’vir beitecha, u’finu et made for Yourself a great and holy name hei’chalecha, v’tiharu et mikdashecha, in Your world, and for Your people Israel v’hidliku neirot b’chatzrot kodshecha, You performed a great act of salvation v’kav’u sh’monat y’mei Channukah eilu, and deliverance (unrivaled) uno this day. l’hodot ul’haleil l’shimcha hagadol. Afterwards, Your children came to the inner sanctum of Your house, cleansed Your Temple, purified Your sanctuary, lit candles in Your holy courtyards, and set these eight days of Chanukah for giving thanks and praise to Your great Name.
ON PURIM ON PURIM
For the miracles, for the salvation, for Al hanisim v’al hapurkan v’al hag’vurot the mighty deeds, for the victories, and v’al hat’shuot v’al hamilchamot for the battles You performed for our she’asita la’avoteinu bayamim haheim ancestors in those days, at this season baz’man hazeh. (we thank You). Bimei Mordechai v’Esther b’Shushan In the days of Mordechai and Esther in habira, k’she’amad aleihem Haman the fortress city of Shushan, when there harasha, bikeish l’hashmid laharog arose against them the wicked Haman, ul’abeid et kol ha’y’hudim, mina’ar who wanted to annihilate, murder, and v’ad zakein, taf v’nashim, b’yom echad, destroy all the Jews, young and old, bish’losha asar l’chodesh sh’neim asar, 12 • ברכת המזון •
וְאַ ָּ תה בְּרַחֲמֶ ָיך הָרַ בִּים הֵפַרְ ָּת אֶ ת עֲצָתוֹ וְקִ לְקַ לְ ָּת אֶת מַחֲשׁ ַבְ ּתוֹ וַהֲשׁ ֵ בוֹתָ ּלוֹ גְּ מוּלוֹ בְּ רֹאשׁ וֹ וְתָ לוּ אוֹתוֹ וְאֶת בָּ נָ יו עַ ל הָ עֵ ץ .
וְעַל הַכֹּל יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ אֲ נַחְ נוּ מוֹדִ ים לָ ְך, וּמְבָרְ כִ ים אוֹתָ ְך, יִתְ בָּרַ ְך שׁ ִמְ ָך בְּפִי כָּ ל חַ י ּתָמִ יד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. כַּכָּ תוּב, וְאָכַלְ ָּ ת וְ שְָׂבָעְ ָּ ת, וּבֵרַ כְ ָּת אֶת יי אֱ לֹהֶ ָיך עַ ל הָאָרֶץ הַטֹּבָה אֲשׁ ֶ ר נְָתַ ן לָ ְך. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי, עַל הָאָרֶ ץ וְעַל הַ ָּ מזוֹ ן.
רַחֵ ם נָא יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ, עַ ל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַ ֶּ מ ָך, וְעַ ל יְרוּשׁ ָ לַיִם עִירֶ ָך, וְעַל צִ ּיוֹן מִשׁ ְ כַּ ן כְּ בוֹדֶ ָך, וְעַל מַ לְ כוּת בֵּית דָּ וִד מְשׁ ִיחֶ ָך, וְעַל הַבַּ יִת הַ גָּדוֹל וְהַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ שׁ ֶ נִּקְרָ א שׁ ִמְ ָך עָ לָיו. אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ, אָבִ ינוּ, רְ עֵ נוּ, זוּנֵנוּ, פַּרְ נְסֵ נוּ, וְכַלְכְּלֵ נוּ, וְהַרְ וִיחֵ נוּ, וְהַרְ וַח לָ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מְהֵרָה מִכָּ ל צָרוֹתֵ ינוּ, וְנָא, אַ ל ַַּ תצְרִ יכֵ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ, לֹא לִידֵ י מַ ְּ תנַת בָּ שָׂ ר וָדָ ם, וְ לֹא לִידֵ י הַ לְוָאָתָ ם. כִּי אִ ם לְיָדְ ָך הַ ְּ מלֵאָ ה, הַפְּ תוּחָה, הַ ְ ּקדוֹשׁ ָ ה וְהָרְחָבָה, שׁ ֶ ּלֹא נֵבוֹשׁ וְ לֹא נִכָּלֵם לְעוֹלָם וָעֶ ד.
ON SHABBAT רְ צֵה וְהַחֲ לִיצֵ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתֶ ָיך וּבְמִ צְוַת יוֹם השּׁ ְבִיעִי הַשּׁ ַבָּת הַ גָּדוֹ ל 13 • GRACE AFTER MEALS • children and women, on one day, on the hu chodesh Adar, ush’lalam lavoz. thirteenth (day) of the twelfth month, V’ata b’rachamecha harabim heifarta the month of Adar, and plunder their et atzato, v’kilkalta et machashavto, property, You, in Your great mercy, vahasheivota lo g’mulo b’rosho, v’talu frustrated his plan, and ruined his plot, oto v’et banav al ha’eitz. and cause it to backfire on him, and he and his sons were hanged on the gallows.
Adonai our God, we thank You and bless V’al hakol Adonai Eloheinu anachnu You, may Your name be blessed from the modim lach, um’varchim otach, mouth of every living thing for all time. yitbarach shimcha b’fi kol chai tamid As it is said, and you shall eat, you shall l’olam va’ed. Kakatuv: v’achalta be satisfied and you shall bless Adonai v’savata u’veirachta et Adonai Elohecha your God for the good land God gave al ha’aretz hatova asher natan lach. you. Blessed are You God for the land Baruch ata Adonai, al ha’aretz v’al and for the sustenance You provide. hamazon.
Have mercy, Adonai our God, for Israel Rachem na Adonai Eloheinu al Yisrael Your people, Jerusalem Your holy city, amecha, v’al Yerushalayim irecha, Zion where Your glory dwells, for the v’al Tzion mishkan k’vodecha, v’al house of David, Your anointed one, malchut beit David m’shichecha, v’al and for the great and holy house that habayit hagadol v’hakadosh shenikra is called by Your name. Our God, our shimcha alav. Eloheinu, avinu, r’einu, sustainer, shelter us and shield us, zuneinu, parn’seinu, v’chalk’leinu, sustain and maintain us, grant us relief v’harvicheinu, v’harvach lanu Adonai from our troubles. May we never have to Eloheinu m’heira mikol tzaroteinu. rely on charity from those that will take V’na al tatz’richeinu Adonai Eloheinu advantage of us, but instead be able to lo lidei matnat basar vadam, v’lo lidei always rely on Your helping hand, which hal’va’atam, ki im l’yad’cha ham’lei’a, is full, open and generous, so we may hap’tucha, hak’dosha v’har’chava, shelo never be ashamed or humiliated. neivosh v’lo nikaleim l’olam va’ed.
ON SHABBAT ON SHABBAT
Adonai our God, refresh us with your R’tzei v’hachalitzeinu Adonai Eloheinu commandments, among them this holy b’mitzvotecha uv’mitzvat yom hash’vi’i 14 • ברכת המזון •
וְהַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ הַ זֶה. כִּ י יוֹם זֶה גָּדוֹל וְקָ דוֹ ש הוּא לְפָנֶ ָיך, לִשׁ ְבָּת בּ וֹ וְלָ נוּחַ בּ וֹ בְּאַהֲבָה כְּמִ צְוַת רְ צוֹנֶ ָך וּבִרְ צוֹנְ ָך הָ נִיחַ לָ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ, שׁ ֶ ּלֹא תְהֵ א צָרָ ה וְיָגוֹ ן וַאֲ נָחָה בְּ יוֹם מְ נוּחָתֵ נוּ. וְהַרְאֵ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ בְּ נֶחָמַ ת צִ ּיוֹן עִירֶ ָך, וּבְבִ נְיַ ן יְרוּשׁ ָ לַיִם עִיר קָדְשׁ ֶ ָך, כִּי אַ ָּ תה הוּא בַּעַל הַ יְשׁ וּעוֹת וּבַעַל הַ נֶּחָ מוֹ ת.
ON ROSH CHODESH AND FESTIVALS אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ וֵ אלֹהֵי אֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ, יַעֲ לֶה וְיָ בֹא וְ יַ ִ גּ י עַ וְ יֵ רָ אֶ ה וְ יֵ רָ צֶ ה וְ יִ שּׁ ָ מַ ע וְ יִ פּ ָ קֵ ד וְיִ ּזָכֵ ר זִכְ רוֹנֵנוּ וּפִקְ דּ וֹנֵנוּ, וְזִכְ רוֹ ן אֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ, וְזִכְ רוֹן מָשִׁ יחַ בֶּן דָּ וִד עַבְדֶּ ָך ,וְזִכְ רוֹן יְרוּשׁ ָ לַיִם עִיר קָדְשׁ ֶ ָך, וְזִכְ רוֹ ן כָּל עַ ְּ מ ָך בֵּ ית יִשְׂרָאֵ ל לְפָנֶ ָיך, לִפְלֵטָ ה לְטוֹבָה לְחֵ ן וּלְחֶסֶ ד וּלְרַחֲמִ ים, לְחַ ִ ּיים וּלְשׁ ָ לוֹם בְּ יוֹ ם
ראֹשׁ הַ חֹדֶשׁ :ROSH CHODESH
חַג הַ ַּ מצוֹ ת :PASSOVER
חַג הַשׁ ָ בוּעוֹ ת :SHAVUOT
הַ ִ ז ָכּ ר ֹ ו ן :ROSH HASHANAH
חַ ג הַ סֻּ כּ ֹ ו ת :SUKKOT
SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH: הַשׁ ְּמִ ינִי חַג הָעֲצֶרֶ ת
הַ ּזֶה. זָכְרֵ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ בּ וֹ לְטוֹבָ ה 15 • GRACE AFTER MEALS • seventh day, Shabbat. It is a great and haShabbat hagadol v’hakadosh hazeh. holy time that You have given us. Let us Ki yom zeh gadol v’kadosh hu l’fanecha, rest serenely, keeping with the desire lish’bot bo v’lanuach bo, b’ahava of your will. May there be no sorrow or k’mitzvat r’tzonecha. U’virtzon’cha trouble on our day of rest. May we live to hani’ach lanu Adonai Eloheinu, shelo see Zion comforted, for You are the God t’hei tzara v’yagon va’anacha b’yom of consolation. m’nuchateinu. V’har’einu Adonai Eloheinu b’nechamat Tzion irecha, uv’vinyan Yerushalayim ir kodshecha, ki ata hu ba’al ha’y’shuot u’va’al hanechamot.
ON ROSH CHODESH AND FESTIVALS ON ROSH CHODESH AND FESTIVALS
On Rosh Chodesh and Festivals: Our God, Eloheinu veilohei avoteinu v’imoteinu, God of our ancestors, let ascend, come, ya’aleh v’yavo v’yagia, v’yeira’eh arrive, appear, be accepted, be heard, v’yeiratzeh, v’yishama, v’yipakeid be recollected, and be remembered v’yizacheir zichroneinu u’fikdoneinu, our remembrance and recollection, v’zichron avoteinu, v’zichron Mashiach the remembrance of our ancestors, the ben David avdecha, v’zichron remembrance of the Messiah son of Yerushalayim ir kodshechah, v’zichron David, Your servant, the remembrance kol am’cha beit Yisrael l’fanecha, of Jerusalem Your holy city, and the lif’leita l’tova l’chein ul’chesed remembrance of all Your people the ul’rachamim, l’chayim ul’shalom b’yom House of Israel before you, for survival, for goodness, for grace, for kindness, and ROSH CHODESH: Rosh haChodesh for mercy, for life and for peace, on: PASSOVER: chag haMatzot
This day of the new month. SHAVUOT: chag haShavuot
This holiday of matzot. ROSH HASHANAH: haZikaron
This holiday of Shavuot. SUKKOT: chag haSukkot
This day of remembrance. SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH: This holiday of Sukkot. haSh’mini chag ha’Atzeret
This festival of Shemini Atzeret. hazeh. Zachreinu Adonai Eloheinu 16 • ברכת המזון •
וּפָּקְדֵ נוּ בוֹ לִבְרָ כָה וְהוֹשׁ ִיעֵ נוּ בוֹ לְחַ ּיִים. וּבִדְ בַ ר יְשׁ וּעָה וְרַחֲמִ ים חוּס וְחָ נֵּנוּ וְרַחֵם עָ לֵ ינוּ וְהוֹשׁ ִיעֵ נוּ, כִּי אֵ לֶ ָיך עֵ ינֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶ לֶ ְך חַ נּוּן וְרַ חוּם אָ ָּ תה.
Jerusalem, or Yerushalayim, is referred וּבְ נֵה יְרוּשׁ ָ לַיִם עִיר הַ ּקֹדֶשׁ בִּמְהֵרָ ה to many times in this blessing, and בְ יָמֵ ינוּ. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי, בּ וֹנֵה בְּרַחֲמָ יו throughout many Jewish prayers. It is יְרוּשׁ ָ לָיִם. אָמֵ ן not referring to modern day Jerusalem, but rather to the idea of the Messiah בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, and the rebuilding of the Temple, which הָאֵל אָבִ ינוּ, מַ לְכֵּ נוּ, אַדִירֵ נוּ בּ וֹרְאֵ נוּ, is not something all Jews believe in. We גּוֹאֲ לֵ נוּ, יוֹצְרֵ נוּ, קְ דוֹשׁ ֵ נוּ קְ דוֹשׁ יַעֲ קֹב, choose to think of this as a metaphor for רוֹעֵ נוּ רוֹעֵ ה יִשְׂרָאֵל. הַ ֶּ מלֶ ְך הַטּ וֹ ב, a time when we are no longer divided by וְהַ ּמֵטִ יב לַכֹּל, שׁ ֶבְּכָ ל יוֹם וָיוֹם הוּא hatred and enmity, and when peace will הֵטִ יב, הוּא מֵטִ יב, הוּא יֵיטִ יב לָ נו. fill the earth as waters fill the sea. הוּא גְמָ לָ נוּ, הוּא גוֹמְ לֵ נוּ, הוּא יִגְמְ לֵ נוּ לָ עַ ד לְ חֵ ן וּ לְ חֶ סֶ ד וּ לְ רַ חֲ מִ י ם וּ לְ רֶ וַ ח הַ ּצָלָה וְהַ צְלָחָה בְּרָ כָה וִישׁ וּעָ ה, נֶחָמָה, פַּרְ נָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה, וְרַחֲמִ ים, וְחַ ּיִים וְשׁ ָ לוֹם, וְכָ ל טוֹב, וּמִכָּ ל טוּב לְעוֹלָם אַ ל יְחַסְּרֵ נוּ.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִמְ לוֹ ְך עָ לֵ ינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶ ד.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִתְ בָּרַ ְך בַּשׁ ָמַ יִם וּבָאָרֶ ץ.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִשׁ ְ ַּ תבַּח לְדוֹר דּ וֹרִ ים, וְיִתְפָּאַר בָּ נוּ לָעַ ד וּלְנֵצַח נְצָחִ ים, וְיִתְהַדַּ ר בָּ נוּ לָעַ ד וּלְעוֹלְמֵ י עוֹלָמִ ים. 17 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
Remember us, Adonai our God, this day bo l’tova, u’fokdeinu vo livracha, for good, recall us this day for blessing, v’hoshi’einu vo l’chayim. U’vidvar save us this day for life. With salvation y’shua v’rachamim chus v’chaneinu, and mercy, spare us, be gracious to us, v’racheim aleinu v’hoshi’einu, ki have pity on us, and save us, for our eyes eilecha eineinu, ki El melech chanun are upon You, for You are a gracious and v’rachum ata. merciful Divine Ruler.
Rebuild your city, Jerusalem, soon and in Uv’nei Yerushalayim ir hakodesh our day. Blessed are You, Adonai, who in bimheira v’yameinu. Baruch ata Adonai, mercy rebuilds Jerusalem, Amen. boneh b’rachamav Yerushalayim. Amen.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech the universe, our provider, our ruler, our ha’olam’ ha’El avinu malkeinu creator, our redeemer, our Holy one; the adireinu bor’einu go’aleinu, yotz’reinu, same Holy one to Jacob, our shepherd k’dosheinu k’dosh Ya’akov, ro’einu ro’ei and shepherd to all Israel. You are a Yisrael, hamelech hatov v’hameitiv ruler who is good to all, whose goodness lakol, she’b’chol yom vayom hu is constant and everlasting. May You heitiv, hu meitiv, hu yeitiv lanu. Hu continue to grant us grace, kindness, g’malanu, hu gomleinu, hu yig’m’leinu and compassion, providing us with la’ad l’chein ul’chesed ul’rachamim deliverance, prosperity, ease, life, peace, ul’revach hatzala v’hatzlacha b’racha and all goodness. May You never deprive vishua, nechama, parnasa v’chalkala, us of your goodness. v’rachamim v’chayim v’shalom, v’chol tov u’mikol tuv l’olam al y’chasreinu.
May the Merciful One reign over us for Harachaman hu yimloch aleinu l’olam all time. va’ed.
May the Merciful One be praised in the Harachaman hu yitbarach bashamayim heavens and on earth. u’va’aretz.
May the Merciful One be praised in Harachaman hu yishtabach l’dor every generation, glorified through our dorim, v’yitpa’ar banu la’ad ul’neitzach lives, exalted through us always and for n’tzachim, v’yit’hadar banu la’ad eternity. ul’ol’mei olamim. 18 • ברכת המזון •
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יְפַרְ נְסֵ נוּ בְּכָ בוֹ ד.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִשׁ ְבּ וֹר עֻ ֵּ לנוּ מֵעַל צַ וָּארֵ נוּ וְ הוּא יוֹלִיכֵ נוּ קוֹמְמִ ּיוּת לְאַרְ צֵ נוּ.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִשׁ ְ לַח לָ נוּ בְּרָ כָה מְרֻ בָּ ה בַּבַּ יִת הַ ּזֶה, וְעַל שׁ ֻ לְחָ ן זֶה שׁ ֶאָכַלְ נוּ עָ לָ יו.
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יִשׁ ְ לַח לָ נוּ אֶת אֵ לִ ּיָהוּ הַ נָּבִ יא זָכוּר לַטּ וֹב, וִיבַשּ ֶׂ ר לָ נוּ בְּ שׂוֹרוֹ ת טוֹבוֹת יְשׁ וּעוֹת וְנֶחָ מוֹ ת.
This blessing for one’s host has its roots הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יְבָרֵ ְך: in the era of the Babylonian Talmud, where Rabbi Yochanan is cited as אוֹתִ י )וְאֶת אִשׁ ְ ּתִי/אִישׁ ִ י/זַרְ עִי( וְאֶ ת saying that a guest should bless their כָּל אֲשׁ ֶ ר לִ י, host that they will never have to be ashamed in this world or blush in the אֶת בַּעַל הַבַּ יִת הַ ּזֶה וְאֶת בַּעֲ לַ ת next. In recognition that we no longer הַבַּ יִת הַ ּזֶה, אוֹתָ ם וְאֶת בֵּיתָ ם וְאֶ ת live in a world where it is the pretention זַרְ עָם וְאֶת כָּל אֲשׁ ֶ ר לָהֶ ם, that one’s host will always be “the man of the house,” the prayer is presented וְאֶת כָּל הַמְסֻבִּין כַּ אן, in the masculine plural, which is the form generally used in Hebrew when אוֹתָ נוּ וְאֶת כָּל אֲשׁ ֶ ר לָ נוּ, כְּ מוֹ the number and gender referred to is שׁ ֶ נִתְ בָּרְ כוּ אִ ּמוֹתֵ ינוּ שָ ׂרָה רִ בְקָה רָחֵ ל not specified. Additionally, we cannot וְלֵאָה: הֵיטִ יב, טֹבַ ת, טוֹב, טוֹב, וּכְ מוֹ anticipate every possible combination שׁ ֶ נִתְ בָּרְ כוּ אֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ, אַבְרָהָ ם יִצְחָ ק of hosts a person might encounter and וְיַעֲ קֹב: בַּכֹּל, מִכֹּל, כֹּל. כֵּ ן יְבָרֵ ְך אוֹתָ נוּ also maintain a reasonable degree of כֻּ ָּ לנוּ יַחַד. בִּבְרָ כָה שׁ ְ לֵמָ ה, וְ נֹאמַר אָמֵ ן. legibility. If one prefers to use more specifc language the passage can be בַּ ָּ מרוֹם יְלַ ְּ מדוּ עֲ לֵיהֶ ם וְעָ לֵ ינוּ זְכוּת, .edited as appropriate שׁ ֶ ּתְהֵ א לְמִשׁ ְמֶרֶת שׁ ָ לוֹם, וְנִשּ ָׂא בְרָ כָ ה מֵאֵ ת יי וּצְדָקָה מֵאֱ לֹהֵ י יִשׁ ְעֵ נוּ, וְנִמְ צָ א 19 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
May the Merciful One give us an Harachaman hu y’far’n’seinu b’chavod. honorable livelihood. Harachaman hu yishbor uleinu mei’al May the Merciful One break the yoke of tzav’areinu v’hu yolicheinu kom’miyut our exile and lead us in dignity to our land. l’artzeinu.
May the Merciful One send abundant Harachaman hu yishlach b’racha blessing to this house and to this table at m’ruba ba’bayit hazeh, v’al shulchan which we have eaten. zeh she’achalnu alav.
May the Merciful One send us the prophet Harachaman hu yishlach lanu et Elijah, of blessed memory, who will bring us Eliyahu hanavi zachur latov, vivaser good news of deliverance and consolation. lanu b’sorot tovot y’shu’ot v’nechamot.
May the Merciful bless: Harachaman hu y’varech:
me (and my wife/ husband/ oti (v’et v’ishti/v’et ishi/v’et zar’i) children) and all that is mine, v’et kol asher li,
the hosts of this house, them and their et ba’al habayit hazeh, v’et ba’alat family, and all that is theirs, habayit hazeh, otam v’et beitam v’et zar’am v’et kol asher lahem, and all who are gathered here, V’et kol hamesubin kan, Just as You have blessed our ancestors, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah “well, otanu v’et kol asher lanu, k’mo goodly, better, and good” and Abraham, she’nitbarechu imoteinu, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob “in all, from all, with Rifka, Rachel, v’Leah, heitiv tovat tov all things,” so may You bless us, all of us, tov, uch’mo she’nitbarechu avoteinu, together with a complete blessing, and Avraham, Yitzchak, v’Ya’akov, bakol mikol let us say Amen. kol, kein y’varech otanu kulanu yachad, bivracha sh’leima, v’nomar amen. May grace be invoked from on high for them and for us, leading to enduring Bamarom y’lamdu aleihem v’aleinu peace. May we receive blessings from z’chut, she’t’hei l’mishmeret shalom, Adonai, loving-kindness from God our v’nisa v’racha mei’eit Adonai utz’daka 20 • ברכת המזון •
חֵ ן וְ שֵׂכֶ ל טוֹב בְּעֵ ינֵי אֱ לֹהִ ים וְאָדָ ם.
ON SHABBAT הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יַנְחִ ילֵ נוּ יוֹם שׁ ֶ כֻּ ּלוֹ שׁ ַבָּ ת וּמְ נוּחָ ה לְחַ ּיֵי הָ עוֹלָמִ ים.
ON ROSH CHODESH הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָ לֵ ינוּ אֶ ת הַ חֹדֶשׁ הַ ּזֶה לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָ כָ ה.
ON HOLIDAYS הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יַנְחִ ילֵ נוּ יוֹם שׁ ֶ כֻּ ּלוֹ טוֹ ב.
ON ROSH HASHANAH הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יְחַדֵּשׁ עָ לֵ ינוּ אֶ ת הַשּׁ ָ נָה הַ ּזֹאת לְטוֹבָה וְלִבְרָ כָ ה.
ON SUKKOT הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יָקִ ים לָ נוּ אֶת סֻכַּ ת דָּ וִד הַ נוֹפָלֶ ת.
הָרַחְמָ ן הוּא יַשׁ ְ כִּין שׁ ָ לוֹם בֵּין בְּ נֵ י שָׂרָ ה וּבֵין בְּ נֵי הַ גָּ ר.
הָרַחְמָ ן הוּא יְבָרֵ ְך אֶת אֲחֵ ינוּ הַ נְּתוּנִ ים בְּצָרָ ה וְיוֹצִיאָם מֵאֲפֵלָה לְאוֹרָ ה.
הָרַחְמָ ן הוּא יַשׁ ְ כִּין שׁ ָ לוֹם בֵּין בְּ נֵי אָדָ ם וְ הָ אֲ דָ מָ ה .
הָרַחֲמָ ן, הוּא יְזַכֵּ נוּ לִימוֹת הַ ּמָשׁ ִיחַ וּלְחַ ּיֵי הָ עוֹלָם הַבָּ א. 21 • GRACE AFTER MEALS • deliverer. May we find grace and good mei’Elohei yisheinu, v’nim’tza chein favor in the eyes of God and humanity. v’seichel tov b’einei Elohim v’adam.
ON SHABBAT: May the Merciful One grant ON SHABBAT: Harachaman hu us a day of true rest and restoration, yan’chilenu yom she’kulo Shabbat reflecting the life in the world to come. um’nucha l’chayei ha’olamim.
ON ROSH CHODESH: May the Merciful ON ROSH CHODESH: Harachaman hu One renew this month for goodness y’chadesh aleinu et hachodesh hazeh and for blessing. l’tova v’livracha.
ON HOLIDAYS: May the Merciful One ON HOLIDAYS: Harachaman hu grant us a day that is truly good. yan’chileinu yom she’kulo tov.
ON ROSH HASHANAH: May the ON ROSH HASHANAH: Harachaman Merciful One renew this year for hu y’chadeish aleinu et hashshana goodness and for blessing. hazot l’tovah v’livracha.
ON SUKKOT: May the Merciful One ON SUKKOT: Harachaman hu yakim restore the glory of King David. lanu et sukkat David hanofalet.
May the Merciful One instill peace Harachaman hu yashkin shalom bein between the children of Sarah and the b’nei Sarah uvein b’nei Hagar. children of Hagar. Harachaman hu y’vareich et acheinu May the Merciful One bless all people ha’n’tunim b’tzarah v’yotzi’eim who are in dire straits and take them mei’a’feilah l’orah. out of darkness into light. Harachaman hu yashkin shalom bein May the Merciful One instill peace b’nei Adam v’ha’adamah. between humans and the Earth. harachaman hu yezakenu limot May the Merciful One consider us worthy hamashiach ul’chayei haolam haba. of the messianic era and life in the world to come. 22 • ברכת המזון •
מִ גְ דּ ֹ ו ל :ON SHABBAT AND FESTIVALS
מַ גְ ִ דּ י ל :ON ALL OTHER DAYS
יְשׁ וּעוֹת מַ לְכּ וֹ, וְ עֹשֶׂה חֶסֶ ד לִמְשׁ ִ יחוֹ לְדָ וִ ד וּלְזַרְ עוֹ עַ ד עוֹלָ ם. עֹשֶׂה שׁ ָ לוֹ ם בִּמְ רוֹמָ יו, הוּא יַעֲ שֶׂה שׁ ָ לוֹם, עָ לֵ ינוּ וְעַל כָּ ל יִשְׂרָאֵ ל וְכָ ל יֹשׁ ְבֵי תֵבֵל, וְאִמְ רוּ אָ מֵ ן .
The phrase “May it be that we never יְראוּ אֶת יי קְ דוֹשׁ ָ יו, כִּי אֵין מַחְ סוֹ ר see a righteous person forsaken nor לִירֵאָיו. כְּפִירִים רָשׁ וּ וְרָ עֵ בוּ, וְדוֹרְשׁ ֵ י their children beg for bread” is often יי לֹא יַחְסְ רוּ כָ ל טוֹב. הוֹדוּ לַיי כִּ י translated as “I have never seen a טוֹב, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּ וֹ. פּ וֹתֵחַ אֶ ת יָדֶ ָך, righteous person forsaken nor their וּמַ שְׂבִּיעַ לְכָל חַי רָ צוֹן. בָּ ְרוּך הַ גֶּבֶ ר children beg for bread,” a phrase that אֲשׁ ֶ ר יִבְטַח בַיי, וְהָ יָה יי מִבְטַ חוֹ. ]לוּ immediately rings false. Rabbi Lord יְהִ י[ נַעַר הָ יִיתִ י גַם זָקַ נְ ִּ תי וְ לֹא רָאִיתִ י Jonathan Sacks’ interpretation of that line is: “The verb raiyti (seen) is also צַדִּ יק נֶעֱ זָב, וְזַרְ עוֹ מְבַקֵשׁ לָחֶ ם. יי עֹז ְ used in the Book of the Esther (8:6) but לְעַ ּמוֹ יִ ֵּ תן, יי יְבָרֵ ך אֶת עַ ּמוֹ בַשּׁ ָ לוֹ ם: there it has quite a different meaning than just ‘saw.’ In that verse it means ‘How can I bear to watch,’ in other words becoming a passive spectator of the events happening around you. Translated thus, the verse in psalms that we use to end benching now becomes ‘I was young and now am old and I have not merely stood by and watched when the righteous was forsaken and his children forced to be for bread.’” (Jonathan Sacks, To Heal a Fractured World, p. 58). 23 • GRACE AFTER MEALS •
God, who is the tower of strength, is the ON SHABBAT AND FESTIVALS: Migdol source of delivery for God’s king, loving- kindness for God’s anointed one, David, ON ALL OTHER DAYS: Magdil and his offspring for all eternity. May y’shuot malko v’oseh chesed lim’shicho God who brings peace to the universe l’David ul’zar’o ad olam. Oseh shalom bring peace to us and all Israel and the bimromav hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu entire world. And let us say, Amen. v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yosh’vei teivel v’imru amen.
Revere Adonai, you who are holy, for Y’ru et Adonai k’doshav ki ein machsor those that revere You will lack for lirei’av. K’firim rashu v’ra’eivu nothing. The wicked may suffer, but v’dorshei Adonai lo yach’seru chol those that seek You will not be denied. tov. Hodu l’Adonai ki tov ki l’olam Thank You for You are good; Your love chasdo. Potei’ach et yadecha u’masbia endures for all time. You open your hand l’chol chai ratzon. Baruch hagever and satisfy the needs of every living asher yivtach b’Adonai v’haya Adonai thing. Blessed are those who trust in mivtacho. [Lu yehi] Na’ar hayiti gam Adonai, Adonai is their security. May it zakanti v’lo ra’iti tzadik ne’ezav be that we never see a righteous person v’zaro m’vakesh lachem. Adonai oz forsaken nor their children beg for l’amo yitein Adonai y’vareich et amo bread. God, grant your people strength; vashalom. God, bless all people with peace. 24 • שבע ברכות •
The seven blessings recited have 1. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, their source in the Talmud, where the שׁ ֶהַכֹּל בָּרָ א לִכְ בוֹדוֹ . blessings for a wedding are discussed. In each place that refers to the couple, we have changed the original text to allow 2 . בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, for multiple options of pairings. The first יוֹצֵר הָאָדָ ם. option is “Bride and Bride” or “Kallah v’Kallah,” the second is “Groom and Groom” or “Chatan v’Chatan,” and the 3. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, third is “Groom and Bride” or “Chatan אֲשׁ ֶ ר יָצַר אֶת הָאָדָ ם בְּצַלְמוֹ, בְּצֶלֶ ם v’Kallah.” דְּ מוּת ּתַבְ נִיתוֹ, וְהִתְקִ ין לוֹ מִ ֶּ מנּוּ בִּ נְיַן עֲדֵ י עַד. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי, יוֹצֵ ר הָ אָ דָ ם .
4. שׂוֹשׂ ָּ תשִׂ ישׂ וְתָ גֵל הָעֲקָרָ ה בְּקִ בּ וּץ בָּ נֶיהָ לְתוֹכָ ּה בְּ שִׂמְחָה. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי, מְ שַׂ ּמֵחַ צִ ּיוֹן בְּבָ נֶיהָ .
5. שַׂ ּ ֵ מחַ ּ ְ תשַׂ ּ ַ מח רֵ עִים הָאֲ הוּבִ ים / רֵ עוֹת הָאֲ הוּבוֹ ת כְּ שַׂ ּמֵחֲ ָך יְצִירְ ָך בְּגַן עֵדֶ ן מִ ּקֶדֶ ם. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי, ּמְשַׂמֵחַ כַּ ּלָה וְכַ ּלָה / חָתָ ן וְחָתָ ן / חָתָ ן וְכַ ָּ לה.
6. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, אֲשׁ ֶר בָּרָא שָ ׂשׂוֹן וְ שִׂמְחָ ה, ַכּ ּ ָ לה וְכַ ּלָה / חָתָ ן וְחָתָן / חָתָ ן וְכַ ָּ לה, גִּילָה רִ נָּה דִּ יצָה וְחֶדְ וָה, אַהֲבָ ה וְאַחֲ וָה וְשׁ ָ לוֹם וְרֵ עוּת. מְהֵרָ ה 25 •SEVEN BLESSINGS FOR A WEDDING•
1. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, 1. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ruler of the universe, who created ha’olam, she’hakol bara lichvodo. everything for God’s glory.
2. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, 2. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ruler of the universe, who created ha’olam, yotzeir ha’adam. humankind.
3. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, 3. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ruler of the universe, who fashioned ha’olam, asher yatzar et ha’adam humanity in God’s image, the image of b’tzalmo, b’tzelem d’mut tavnito, God’s likeness, and made for humanity v’hitkin lo mimenu binyan adei ad. a perpetual form. Blessed are You, Baruch ata Adonai, yotzeir ha’adam. Adonai, who created humankind.
4. Bring great joy to the land and gather 4. Sos tasis v’tagel ha’akara b’kibutz her children to her. Blessed are You, baneha l’tocha b’simcha. Baruch ata Adonai, who gladdens Zion with her Adonai m’samei’ach Tzion b’vaneha. children.
5. Gladden the beloved partners, as 5. Samei’ach t’samach rei’im You gladdened the couple in Eden ha’ahuvim / rei’ot ha’ahuvot long ago. Blessed are You, Adonai, k’sameichacha y’tzircha b’gan gladdener of bride and bride / groom eiden mikedem. Baruch ata Adonai, and groom / groom and bride. m’samei’ach kala v’chalah / chatan v’chatan / chatan v’chalah.
6. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler 6. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe who created gladness ha’olam, asher bara sason v’simcha, & joy, bride and bride / groom and kala v’chalah / chatan v’chatan / groom / groom and bride, mirth, chatan v’chalah, gila, rina, ditza song, pleasure, delight, love & family, v’chedva, ahava v’achava v’shalom peace & partnership. Adonai our God, v’rei’ut. M’heira Adonai Eloheinu 26 • שבע ברכות •
יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ יִשׁ ָּ מַע בְּעָרֵ י יְהוּדָ ה וּבְחֻ צוֹת יְרוּשׁ ָ לָיִם קוֹל שָׂ שׂוֹן וְקוֹ ל ִׂ ש מְ חָ ה , קוֹל כַּ ּלָה וְקוֹל כַּ ּלָה / קוֹ ל חָתָ ן וְקוֹל חָתָ ן / קוֹל חָתָ ן וְקוֹ ל ַכּ ּ ָ לה , קוֹל מִ צְהֲ לוֹת חֲתָ נִים מֵחֻפָּתָ ם וּנְעָרִים מִ ּמִשׁ ְ ֵּ תה נְגִינָתָ ם. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי, מְ שַׂ ּמֵחַ כַּ ּלָה עִם הַכַּ ָּ לה / חָתָן עִם הַחָתָן / חָתָן עִם הַכַּ ָּ לה.
7. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, בּ וֹ רֵ א ּ פְ רִ י הַ ָ גּ פֶ ן . 27 •SEVEN BLESSINGS FOR A WEDDING•
let us hear in the cities of Judah and yishama b’arei Yehuda uv’chutzot yards of Jerusalem the voice of joy & Yerushalayim kol sason v’kol simcha, gladness, the voice of the bride and kol kala v’kol chalah / kol chatan bride / groom and groom / groom v’kol chatan / kol chatan v’kol kala, and bride, the voice of jubilance kol mitz’halot chatanim m’chupatam from those wed at their chuppa, and un’arim mimishtei n’ginatam. Baruch of youths feasting. Blessed are You, ata Adonai, m’samei’ach kala im Adonai, who gladdens the bride and hachalah / chatan im hachatan / bride / groom and groom / groom chatan im hachalah. and bride.
7. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler 7. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe, who creates the fruit ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen. of the vine. 28 • הדלקת נרות •
This mitzvah was initially instated as a בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, practical matter: as lighting a fire is one אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו, וְצִ וָּ נוּ לְהַדְ לִ יק of the acts prohibited on Shabbat, the ֵ נ ר שׁ ֶ ל Rabbis wanted to ensure that people lit candles before Shabbat started so they שׁ ַ ּ ב ָ ת . :ON SHABBAT would have light in the evening. The יוֹם טוֹ ב. :ON HOLIDAYS Rabbis were especially concerned that ON A HOLIDAY THAT IS ALSO SHABBAT: if people were stuck in the dark it would cause families to fight and turn the day שׁ ַבָּת וְשֶׁ ל יוֹם טוֹ ב. into a burden rather than a delight. This illuminates an important point: the יוֹם הַכִּפּ וּרִ ים. :ON YOM KIPPUR
WHEN YOM KIPPUR STARTS ON mitzvot should not be sources of strife and misery—we should take steps to שׁ ַבָּת וְשֶׁ ל יוֹם הַכִּפּ וּרִ ים :SHABBAT ensure that we observe them in a way that brings joy, not strife. ON HOLIDAYS, ADD THE FOLLOWING BLESSING: Lighting candles has come to have additional spiritual significance: two ְ ְ candles are lit in recognition of the בָּ רוּך אַ ּתָה יי, אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ך הָ עוׂלָ ם, double commandment to “keep” and שׁ ֶהֶחֱ יָנוּ וְקִ ּיְמָ נוּ וְהִ גִּיעָ נוּ לַ ּזְמַן הַ ֶ ּזה. “remember” Shabbat. Some have a tradition to light a candle for each child in the household.
Normally, one recites a blessing before performing a mitzvah, however most people take upon themselves the prohibitions of Shabbat immedietly as they recite the blessing, which would then mean the candles could not be lit. The tradition has developed to cover one’s eyes immedietly after lighting the candles, so as not to “experience” the candles until the blessing has been recited. 29 • CANDLE LIGHTING •
Blessed are You Adonai our God, ruler Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe, who has sanctified and ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav made us holy with your commandments, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel commanding us to kindle lights for: ON SHABBAT: Shabbat. Shabbat. ON HOLIDAYS: Yom Tov.
the holiday. ON A HOLIDAY THAT IS ALSO SHABBAT: Shabbat v’shel Yom Tov. Shabbat and for the holiday. ON YOM KIPPUR: Yom Hakipurim.
the Day of Atonement. WHEN YOM KIPPUR STARTS ON SHABBAT: Shabat v’shel Yom Shabbat and the Day of Atonement. Hakipurim.
ON HOLIDAYS, ADD THE FOLLOWING ON HOLIDAYS, ADD THE FOLLOWING BLESSING: BLESSING:
Blessed are You Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech the universe, who has given us life and ha’olam, she’hecheyanu v’ki’manu sustenance and brought us to this happy v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh. occasion. 30 • שלום עליכם •
שׁ ָ לוֹם עֲ לֵיכֶם מַ לְאֲכֵי הַשּׁ ָרֵת מַ לְאֲכֵ י עֶ לְיוֹן, מִ ֶּ מלֶ ְך מַ לְכֵי הַ ְּ מלָכִים הַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ בָּ ְרוּך הוּא.
בּ וֹאֲכֶם לְשׁ ָ לוֹם מַ לְאֲכֵי הַשׁ ָּ לוֹ ם מַ לְאֲכֵי עֶ לְיוֹן, מִ ֶּ מלֶ ְך מַ לְכֵי הַ ְּ מלָכִ ים הַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ בָּ ְרוּך הוּא.
בָּ רְ כוּנִי לְשׁ ָ לוֹם מַ לְאֲ כֵ י הַ שָּׁ לוֹם מַ לְאֲ כֵ י עֶ לְיוֹן, מִ ֶּ מלֶ ְך מַ לְכֵי הַ ְּ מלָכִים הַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ בָּ ְרוּך הוּא.
צֵאתְ כֶם לְשׁ ָ לוֹם מַ לְאֲכֵי הַשׁ ָּ לוֹ ם מַ לְאֲכֵי עֶ לְיוֹן, מִ ֶּ מלֶ ְך מַ לְכֵי הַ ְּ מלָכִ ים הַ ָ ּקדוֹשׁ בָּ ְרוּך הוּא. 31 • SHALOM ALEICHEM •
Peace to you, attending angels, Shalom aleichem, malachei hashareit, messengers of the Most High, the malachei elyon, mimelech malchei Supreme Ruler, the Blessed Holy One. ham’lachim, hakadosh baruch hu.
Come in peace, angels of peace, Bo’achem l’shalom, malachei hashalom, messengers of the Most High, the malachei elyon, mimelech malchei Supreme Ruler, the Blessed Holy One. ham’lachim, hakadosh baruch hu.
Bless me with peace, angels of peace, Barchuni l’shalom, malachei hashalom, messengers of the Most High, the malachei elyon, mimelech malchei Supreme Ruler, the Blessed Holy One. ham’lachim, hakadosh baruch hu.
Go in peace, angels of peace, messengers Tzeitchem l’shalom, malachei hashalom, of the Most High, the Supreme Ruler, the malachei elyon. mimelech malchei Blessed Holy One. ham’lachim hakadosh baruch hu. 32 • ברכת הבנים •
The ones giving the blessing place The tradition of blessing one’s offspring their hands on the head of the ones has its roots in the Biblical narratives receiving the blessing and recite the and the Patriarchs blessing their sons. following: The following formulation alludes to FOR GIRLS this by first comparing the person being ְ blessed to our Biblical ancestors. The יְשִׂימֵ ך אֱ לֹהִ ים second portion of the blessing however כְּ שָׂרָה רִ בְקָה רָחֵ ל וְלֵאָ ה. quotes the language that God tells FOR BOYS Aharon to use when blessing the entire nation, connecting the relationship יְשִׂימְ ָך אֱ לֹהִ ים between the people of Israel and God ְכּ אֶ פְ רַ יִ ם וְ כִ מְ נַ ׁ שּ ֶ ה . to that which ideally exists between the THEN CONTINUE generations within a family. יְבָרֶ כְ ָך יי וְיִשׁ ְמְרֶ ָך. יָאֵר יי פָּ נָ יו In most cases, the blessing is said by a אֵ לֶ ָיך וִיחֻ נֶּךָּ . יִשָּׂא יי פָּ נָיו אֵ לֶ ָיך parent for their child, but there is no וְיָשֵׂ ם לְ ָך שׁ ָ לוֹ ם. reason that another family member could not use this formula to bless someone that they care for. Similarly, there is no age limit for receiving the blessing, it is as applicable to say over an infant as an adult.
It is also possible to expand the blessing with details particular to the person being blessed—that they may overcome a particular challenge, achieve a specific goal—whatever the person giving the blessing chooses. 33 BLESSING FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION
The ones giving the blessing place The ones giving the blessing place their hands on the head of the ones their hands on the head of the ones receiving the blessing and recite the receiving the blessing and recite the following: following:
FOR GIRLS: FOR GIRLS: May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Y’simech Elohim k’Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah. Rachel, v’Leah.
FOR BOYS: FOR BOYS: May God make you like Ephraim and Y’simcha Elohim k’Ephraim Menashe. v’chi’Menashe.
THEN CONTINUE: THEN CONTINUE: May God bless you and keep you. May Y’varechecha Adonai v’yishmarecha. God make the light of God’s face to shine Ya’er Adonai panav eilecha upon you and grant you grace. May God vi’y’chunekah. Yisah Adonai panav look upon you and grant you peace. eilecha v’yasem l’cha shalom. 34 • נטילת ידים •
Pour water over both hands and recite בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, the blessing. Traditionally, one does not אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו, וְצִ וָּ נוּ עַ ל speak between this blessing and the נְטִ ילַת יָדַ יִ ם. blessing of bread.
• המוציא •
On Shabbat and holidays, Jews make בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, ,this blessing over at least two loaves הַ ּמוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶ ץ. in recognition of the double portion of manna that God provided in the desert for Israelites.
• שנה טובה ומתוקה •
,During a festive meal on Rosh Hashanah בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, apples and honey are added to the group בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵ ץ. יְהִי רָ צוֹן מִ ּלְפָנֶ ָיך יי of special foods blessed and eaten before אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ וֵ אלֹהֵי אֲ בוֹתֵ ינוּ, שׁ ֶ ּתְחַדֵּשׁ the meal. Dip a slice of apple in honey עָ לֵ ינוּ שׁ ָ נָה טוֹבָ ה וּמְ תוּקָ ה כַּדְּ בָשׁ . and recite the blessing. 35 • HAND WASHING •
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech the universe, who has sanctified us with ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav your commandments, and commanded vitzivanu al n’tilat yadayim. us concerning the washing of the hands.
• HAMOTZI •
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech of the universe, who has brought forth ha’olam, hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz. bread from the earth.
• APPLES IN HONEY •
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melech the universe, who creates the fruit of the ha’olam, borei p’ri ha’eitz. Y’hi ratzon tree. May it be your will to renew for us she’ti’chadesh aleinu shanah tovah a good and sweet year. um’tu-kah. 36 • קידוש לליל שבת •
Kiddush is the declaration of the sanctity וַיְהִי עֶרֶ ב וַיְהִ י בֹקֶ ר of the day. In order that the declaration יוֹם הַשׁ ִּשׁ ִּ י. וַיְכֻ ּלוּ הַשׁ ָּמַ יִם וְהָאָרֶ ץ וְכָ ל and sanctification be connected to a צְבָאָ ם. וַיְכַל אֱ לֹהִים בַּ יוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעִ י physical act, the blessing is recited over מְ לַאכְ תוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר עָ שָׂ ה, וַיִשׁ ְבֹּת בַּ ּיוֹ ם a glass of wine or grape juice. If for ּ health reasons one cannot drink grape הַשׁ ְּבִיעי מִכָּל מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר עָ שָׂ ה. ְ juice or wine, then kiddush can also be וַיְבָרֶ ך אֱ לֹהִ ים אֶ ת יוֹ ם הַשׁ ּ ְבִ יעי וַיְקַ דֵּשׁ .recited over the challot אֹתוֹ, כִּ י בוֹ שׁ ָבַת מִכָּל מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶ ר בָּרָא אֱ לֹהִ ים לַעֲ שׂוֹ ת. Kiddush also establishes the beginning of the meal, and should be said at the סַ בְ רִ י , table, even if it has already been recited בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, as part of the synagogue service. בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הַ גָּפֶ ן. Incidentally, the tradition in Ashkenazic ְ ְ synagogues of reciting Kiddush at בָּ רוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ך הָ עוֹלָ ם, the end of the service derived from a אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו וְרַָ צָה בָ נוּ, practice of hosting travellers at the וְשׁ ַבַּת קָדְשׁ וֹ בְּאַהֲבָ ה וּבְרָ צוֹן הִ נְחִ ילָ נוּ, Synagogue, and thereby ensured that זִכָּ רוֹן לְמַעֲ שֵׂה בְרֵשׁ ִ ית. כִּ י הוּא יוֹ ם they would hear Kiddush. Sephardic ּתְחִ ּלָה לְמִקְרָאֵ י קֹדֶשׁ , זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַ ת communities never adopted this מִ צְ רָ ִ י ם . practice, taking a community duty to כִּי בָ נוּ בָחַרְ ָּ ת וְאוֹתָ נוּ קְ דַּשׁ ְ ָּת מִכָּ ל open their individual homes to travellers הָעַ ִּ מים. וְשׁ ַבַּת קָדְשׁ ְ ָך בְּאַהֲבָ ה וּבְרָ צוֹ ן for meals and lodging. Some Sephardic הִ נְחַ לְ ָּ תנוּ. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי מְקַ דֵּשׁ homes still have the practice of setting הַ שַׁ ָבּ ת . extra places at the table in case someone shows up in need of a meal.
DURING CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT Kiddush is recited before the blessing ADD over the bread, as a blessing over bread suffices for everything consumed בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, during the meal and would pre-empt אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו וְצִ וָּ נוּ לֵישׁ ֵ ב the blessing over wine. As a result, the ַבּ סֻּ ָכּ ה . bread is covered so that it is symbolically removed from the table and thereby 37 • KIDDUSH FOR FRIDAY NIGHT •
It was evening and it was morning. Va’y’hi erev va’y’hi boker
On the sixth day, the heavens and the Yom hashishi. Vay’chulu hashamayim earth and all their attendants were v’ha’aretz v’chol tz’va’am. Vay’chal completed. For God had finished by the Elohim bayom hashvi’i m’lachto asher seventh day God’s work which God had asa, vayishbot bayom hashvi’i mikol made, and God rested on the seventh m’lachto asher asa. Va’y’varech Elohim day from all God’s work that God had et yom hashvi’i va’y’kadesh oto, ki created to function thenceforth. vo shavat mikol m’lachto asher bara Elohim la’asot. With your attention! Savri. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, who creates the fruit of the vine. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, borei p’ri hagafen. Blessed are You, Adonai God, ruler of the universe. You have sanctified and made Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech us holy with your precepts and shown ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav your favor. With loving favor You have v’ratza vanu, v’Shabbat kodsho b’ahava given us, as a testimony to the creation uv’ratzon hin’chilanu zikaron l’ma’asei of the world your holy Shabbat. That v’reishit. Ki hu yom t’chila l’mikra’ei day is the first of the holy convocations kodesh, zeicher litzi’at Mitzrayim. Ki recalling our going forth from Egypt. vanu vacharta v’otanu kidashta mikol From all peoples You have chosen us by ha’amim, v’Shabbat kodsh’cha b’ahava sanctifying us, and with loving favor uv’ratzon hinchaltanu. Baruch ata You have caused us to inherit your holy Adonai, m’kadeish haShabbat. Shabbat. Blessed are You, Adonai, who makes holy Shabbat.
DURING CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT DURING CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT ADD ADD
Blessed are You, Adonai God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech the universe, who has sanctified us with ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav your precepts and commanded us to v’tzivanu lei’sheiv ba’sukkah. dwell in the Sukkah. 38 • קידוש לליל יום טוב •
ON FRIDAY NIGHT BEGIN HERE avoids the question of whether the blessing over the bread should take וַיְהִי עֶרֶ ב וַיְהִ י בֹקֶ ר יוֹם הַשׁ ִּשׁ ִּ י. וַיְכֻ ּלוּ precedence over the blessing for the הַשׁ ָּמַ יִם וְהָאָרֶ ץ וְכָל צְבָאָ ם. וַיְכַ ל wine. אֱ לֹהִים בַּ יוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעִי מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶ ר In most communities, the tradition is to עָ שָׂ ה, וַיִשׁ ְבֹּת בַּ ּיוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעי מִכָּ ל recite kiddush while standing, holding מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר עָ שָׂ ה. וַיְבָרֶ ְך אֱ לֹהִ ים the wine in one’s right hand, and then אֶ ת יוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעי וַיְקַ דֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ, כִּ י בוֹ upon completing the blessing sitting שׁ ָבַת מִכָּל מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר בָּרָא אֱ לֹהִ ים down to drink. The glass is usually filled לַ עֲ שׂ וֹ ת . to just overflowing representing the trust that our needs will always be met. ON SATURDAY NIGHT BEGIN HERE When one person recites kiddush on בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, behalf of others present, that person בּ וֹרֵא מְ אוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ . drinks a small amount of wine, and then passes the wine to each person to have בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, some of the kiddush wine. If there is not הַ ּמַבְדִּ יל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּ ין אוֹ ר enough for everyone to drink from the לְחוֹשׁ ֶ ְך, בֵּ ין יִשְׂרָאֵ ל לָעַ ּמִים, בֵּ ין cup, then more wine is added before the יוֹם הַשּׁ ְבִיעִ י לְשׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יְמֵי הַ ּמַעֲ שֶׂ ה. cup is drained so that everyone gets a בֵּין קְדֻשּׁ ַת שׁ ַבָּת לִקְדֻשּׁ ַ ת יוֹם טוֹ ב little bit. הִבְדַּ לְ ָּ ת. וְאֶ ת יוֹם הַשּׁ ְבִיעִי מִשּׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יְמֵי הַ ּמַעֲ שֶׂה קְ דַּשׁ ְ ּתָ. הִבְדַּ לְ ָּ ת וְקִ דַּשׁ ְ ָּ ת אֶת עַ ְּ מ ָך יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּקְדֻשּׁ ָתֶ ָך. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי הַ ּמַבְדִּ יל בֵּ ין קֹדֶשׁ לְ קֹדֶשׁ .
ON OTHER DAYS BEGIN NEXT PAGE 39 • KIDDUSH FOR HOLIDAY EVE •
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE
It was on the sixth day the heavens and Va’y’hi erev va’y’hi boker Yom hashishi. the earth and all their attendants were Vay’chulu hashamayim v’ha’aretz completed. For God had finished by the v’chol tz’va’am. Vay’chal Elohim bayom seventh day God’s work that God had hashvi’i m’lachto asher asa, vayishbot made, and God rested on the seventh bayom hashvi’i mikol m’lachto asher day from all God’s work that God had asa. Va’y’varech Elohim et yom hashvi’i created to function thenceforth. va’y’kadesh oto, ki vo shavat mikol m’lachto asher bara Elohim la’asot.
ON SATURDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE ON SATURDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE
Blessed are You, Adonai, ruler of the Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech universe, who creates the lights of the ha’olam borei m’orei ha’eish. flame. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheynu melech Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of ha’olam, hamavdil beyn kodesh the universe, who distinguishes between l’chol, bein or l’choshech, bein Yisrael the holy and mundane, between light la’amim, bein yom hashvi’i l’sheishet and dark, between Israel and the y’mei hama’aseh. Bein kedushat nations, between the Sabbath and six Shabbat l’kedushat Yom Tov hivdalta, days of labor. You have distinguished v’et yom hashvi’i m’sheishet y’mei between the holiness of Shabbat and the hama’aseh kidashta, hivdalta v’kidashta holiness of holidays; distinguished and et Yisrael b’k’dushatecha. Baruch ata sanctified Israel in your holiness. Blessed Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l’kodesh. are You, Adonai, who distinguishes between different kinds of holiness.
ON OTHER DAYS BEGIN NEXT PAGE ON OTHER DAYS BEGIN NEXT PAGE 40 • קידוש לליל יום טוב •
סַ בְ רִ י , בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הַ גָּפֶ ן.
On Friday night include the words in parentheses.
בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, אֲשׁ ֶר בָּחַר בָּ נוּ מִכָּל עָם, וְרוֹמְמָ נוּ מִכָּ ל לָשׁ ון, וְקִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו. וַ ִּ ת ֶּ תן לָ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ בְּאַהֲבָ ה )שׁ ַבָּ תוֹת לִמְ נוּחָ ה וּ ( מוֹעֲדִ ים לְשִׂמְחָה, חַ גִּ ים וּזְמַ נִּ ים לְשָׂ שׂוֹן, אֶ ת יוֹ ם )הַשּׁ ַבָּת הַ ּזֶה וְאֶ ת יוֹ ם(:
ON PASSOVER חַג הַ ַּ מ ּצוֹת הַ ּזֶה, זְמַן חֵ רוּתֵ נוּ,
ON SHAVUOT חַג הַשּׁ ָ בוּעוֹת הַ ּזֶה, זְמַן מַ ַּ תן ּת ֹ ו רָ תֵ נ ּ ו ,
ON SUKKOT חַג הַסֻּכּ וֹת הַ ּזֶה, זְמַ ן שִׂמְחָתֵ נוּ,
ON SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH הַשׁ ְמִ ינִי חַג הָעֲצֶרֶת הַ ּזֶה, זְמַ ן ִ ׂ ש מְ חָ תֵ נ ּ ו ,
)בְּאַהֲבָ ה( מִקְרָא קדֶשׁ , זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַ ת מִ צְרָ יִם. כִּי בָ נוּ בָּחַרְ ָּ ת וְאוֹתָ נוּ קִ דַּשׁ ְ ָּ ת מִכָּל הָעַ ִּ מים. )וְשׁ ַבָּ ת( וּמוֹעֲדֵי קָדְשׁ ֶ ָך )בְּאַהֲבָ ה וּבְרָ צוֹ ן( בְּ שִׂ מְ חָ ה וּ בְ שָׂ שׂ וֹ ן הִ נְחַ לְ ָּ תנוּ. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי, מְקַ דֵּשׁ 41 • KIDDUSH FOR HOLIDAY EVE •
With your attention! Savri:
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe, who creates the fruit of ha’olam borei p’ri hagafen. the vine. On Friday night include the words in On Friday night include the words in parentheses. parentheses. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of ha’olam, asher bachar banu mikol am the universe, who chose us from all nations v’rom’manu mikol lashon, v’kid’shanu and elevated us among all languages. b’mitzvotav. Va’titen lanu Adonai You have given us, Adonai our God, with Eloheinu b’ahava (Shabbatot lim’nu’cha love (Sabbaths to rest and) festivals u-) mo’a’dim l’simcha, chagim uzmanim of happiness, holidays and seasons for l’sason, et yom (haShabbat hazeh v’et rejoicing, this (Shabbat day and this) yom)
ON PASSOVER: ON PASSOVER: holiday of Matzot, time of our Chag haMatzot hazeh, z’man freedom, cheiruteinu,
ON SHAVUOT: ON SHAVUOT: holiday of shavuot, time of our Chag haShavuot hazeh, z’man matan receiving the Torah, Torateinu,
ON SUKKOT: ON SUKKOT: holiday of Sukkot, time of our Chag haSukkot hazeh, z’man rejoicing, simchateinu,
ON SHEMINI ATZERET / ON SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH: SIMCHAT TORAH: holiday Shemini Atzeret, time of our Hash’mini chag ha’Atzeret hazeh, rejoicing, z’man simchateinu, providing (with love) a declaration (b’ahava) mikra kodesh, zeicher of holiness in memory of the Exodus. li’tzi’at Mitz’rayim. Ki vanu vacharta, For You have chosen and sanctified us v’otanu kidashta mikol ha’amim, among all people giving us (Shabbat (v’Shabbat) umo’adei kod’shecha 42 • קידוש לליל יום טוב •
) ַ ה ׁ שּ ַ ָ ּ ב ת ְ ו ( יִשְׂרָאֵ ל וְהַ ּזְמַ נִּ ים.
ON SUKKOT ADD בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו וְצִ וָּ נוּ לֵישׁ ֵ ב ַבּ סֻּ ָכּ ה .
ON ALL NIGHTS EXCEPT THE LAST NIGHTS OF PESACH ADD בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, שׁ ֶהֶחֱ יָנוּ וְקִ ּיְמָ נוּ וְהִ גִּיעָ נוּ לַ ּזְמַן הַ ֶ ּזה. 43 • KIDDUSH FOR HOLIDAY EVE • and) your holy festivals with happiness (b’ahava uv’ratzon) b’simcha uv’sason and rejoicing. Blessed are You, Adonai hinchaltanu. Baruch ata Adonai our God, who sanctifies (Shabbat and) m’kadeish (haShabbat v’) Yisrael Israel and the seasons. v’haz’manim.
ON SUKKOT ADD ON SUKKOT ADD
Blessed are You Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech the universe, who sanctifies us with his ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav precepts and commands us to dwell in v’tzivanu lei’shev ba’sukkah. the Sukkah.
ON ALL NIGHTS EXCEPT THE LAST ON ALL NIGHTS EXCEPT THE LAST NIGHTS OF PESACH ADD NIGHTS OF PESACH ADD
Blessed are You Adonai our God, ruler Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe, who gives us life, ha’olam, she’hecheyanu v’ki’manu sustenance and brings us to this happy v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh. occasion. 44 • קידוש לליל ראש השנה •
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE Rosh Hashanah is observed for two “calendar” days in Israel and in the וַיְהִי עֶרֶ ב וַיְהִ י בֹקֶ ר יוֹם הַשׁ ִּשׁ ִּ י. וַיְכֻ ּלוּ Diaspora, and is considered by the הַשׁ ָּמַ יִם וְהָאָרֶ ץ וְכָל צְבָאָ ם. וַיְכַ ל rabbis to be “one long day.” It is therefor uncertain if the blessing of אֱ לֹהִים בַּ יוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעִי מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶ ר shechechiyanu” which is recited over“ עָ שָׂ ה, וַיִשׁ ְבֹּת בַּ ּיוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעי מִכָּ ל ְ new occasions should be said on the מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר עָ שָׂ ה. וַיְבָרֶ ך אֱ לֹהִ ים second night, as it is not considered a אֶ ת יוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעי וַיְקַ דֵּשׁ אֹתוֹ, כִּ י בוֹ new” day. To avoid uncertainty, many“ שׁ ָבַת מִכָּל מְ לַאכְ ּתוֹ אֲשׁ ֶר בָּרָא אֱ לֹהִ ים make it a point to eat a new fruit, or לַ עֲ שׂ וֹ ת . wear a new item of clothing for which the .blessing may be said on the second night סַ בְ רִ י , בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הַ גָּפֶ ן.
On Friday night include the words in parentheses.
בָּ ְרוּך אָ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, אֲשׁ ֶר בָּחַר בָּ נוּ מִכָּל עָם, וְרוֹמְמָ נוּ מִכָּ ל לָשׁ וֹן, וְקִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו. וַ ִּ ת ֶּ תן לָ נוּ יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ בְּאַהֲבָה אֶ ת יוֹ ם ) הַ שׁ ַ ָבּ ת הַ ֶ ּזה וְאֶ ת יוֹ ם( הַ זִכָּ רוֹן הַ ּזֶה, יוֹ ם )זִכְ רוֹ ן( ּ ְ תר ּ ו עָ ה )בְּאַהֲבָ ה( מִקְרָ א קֹדֶשׁ , זֵכֵֶ ר לִיצִיאַת מִ צְרָ יִם. כִּי בָ נוּ בָחַרְ ָּ ת וְאוֹתָ נוּ קִ דַּשׁ ְ ָּת מִכָּל הָעַ ִּ מים, וּדְ בָרְ ָך אֱמֶ ת וְקַ ּיָם לָעַד. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי, מֶ לֶך עַל כָּ ל הָ אָ רֶ ץ , מְ קַ ֵ דּ ש )הַשׁ ַבָּת וְ ( יִשְׂרָאֵ ל וְיוֹ ם הַ ּזִכָּ רוֹ ן.
CONTINUE NEXT PAGE 45 • KIDDUSH FOR ROSH HASHANAH EVE •
ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE ON FRIDAY NIGHT, BEGIN HERE
It was on the sixth day the heavens and Va’y’hi erev va’y’hi boker yom hashishi. the earth and all their attendants were Vay’chulu hashamayim v’ha’aretz completed. For God had finished by the v’chol tz’va’am. Vay’chal Elohim bayom seventh day God’s work that God had hashvi’i m’lachto asher asa, vayishbot made, and God rested on the seventh bayom hashvi’i mikol m’lachto asher day from all God’s work that God had asa. Va’y’varech Elohim et yom hashvi’i created to function thenceforth. va’y’kadesh oto, ki vo shavat mikol m’lachto asher bara Elohim la’asot.
With your attention! Savri: Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of Baruch ata Adonai eloheinu melech the vine. ha-olam borey pri hagafen.
On Friday night include the words in On Friday night include the words in parentheses. parentheses.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ruler of the universe, who has chosen ha’olam, asher bachar banu mikol am us from among all nations and v’rom’manu mikol lashon, v’kid’shanu elevated us above all languages and b’mitzvotav. Va’titen lanu Adonai sanctified us with your precepts and Eloheinu bahava et yom (haShabbat gave us with love this day (of Shabbat hazeh v’et yom) hazikaron hazeh, and this day) of remembrance, this yom (zichron) t’ru’ah (b’ahava) mikra holiday, a declaration of holiness and kodesh, zeicher li’tzi’at Mitz’rayim. Ki commemoration of the Exodus. For You vanu vacharta, v’otanu kidashta mikol have chosen us and sanctified us among ha’amim, u’d’varcha emet v’kayam all nations, and your word, our ruler, is la’ad. Baruch ata Adonai, melech al truthful and extant for all time. Blessed kol ha’aretz, m’kadesh (haShabbat v’) are You Adonai our God, ruler of all the Israel v’yom hazikaron. earth, who sanctifies (Shabbat and) Israel and the day of remembrance.
CONTINUE NEXT PAGE CONTINUE NEXT PAGE 46 • קידוש לליל ראש השנה •
WHEN ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS ON SATURDAY NIGHT, ADD בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, בּ וֹרֵא מְ אוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ .
בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, הַ ּמַבְדִּ יל בֵּין קדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּ ין אוֹ ר לְחוֹשׁ ֶ ְך, בֵּ ין יִשְׂרָאֵ ל לָעַ ּמִים, בֵּ ין יוֹם הַשּׁ ְבִיעִ י לְשׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יְמֵי הַ ּמַעֲ שֶׂ ה. בֵּין קְדֻשּׁ ַת שׁ ַבָּת לִקְדֻשּׁ ַ ת יוֹם טוֹ ב הִבְדַּ לְ ָּ ת. וְאֶ ת יוֹם הַשּׁ ְבִיעִי מִשּׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יְמֵי הַ ּמַעֲ שֶׂה קְ דַּשׁ ְ ּתָ. הִבְדַּ לְ ָּ ת וְקִ דַּשׁ ְ ָּ ת אֶת עַ ְּ מ ָך יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּקְדֻשּׁ ָתֶ ָך. בָּ ְרוּך אַ ָּ תה יי הַ ּמַבְדִּ יל בֵּ ין קֹדֶשׁ לְ קֹדֶשׁ .
בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, שׁ ֶהֶחֱ יָנוּ וְקִ ּיְמָ נוּ וְהִ גִּיעָ נוּ לַ ּזְמַן הַ ֶ ּזה. 47 • KIDDUSH FOR ROSH HASHANAH EVE •
WHEN ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS ON WHEN ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS ON SATURDAY NIGHT, ADD SATURDAY NIGHT, ADD
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech of the universe, who creates the light of ha’olam borei m’orei ha’eish. the flame. Baruch ata Adonai Eloheynu melech Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of ha’olam, hamavdil beyn kodesh l’chol, the universe, who distinguishes between bein or l’choshech, bein Israel la’amim, the holy and the mundane, between light bein yom hashvi’i l’sheishet y’mei and dark, between Israel and the nations, hama’aseh. Bein kedushat Shabbat between Shabbat and the six days of l’kedushat Yom Tov hivdalta, v’et yom labor. You distinguished between the hashvi’i m’sheishet y’mei hama’aseh holiness of Shabbat and the holiness of the kidashta, hivdalta v’kidashta et Israel holidays, You distinguished and sanctified b’k’dushatecha. Baruch ata Adonai, your people Israel in your holiness. hamavdil bein kodesh l’kodesh. Blessed are You Adonai, who distinguishes between different kinds of holiness
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech the universe, who has given us life and ha’olam, she’hecheyanu v’ki’manu sustenance and brought us to this happy v’higi’anu laz’man hazeh. occasion. 48 • קידוש רבא לשבת וליום טוב •
ON SHABBAT, BEGIN Kiddush Raba was instituted by the rabbis, whereas the kiddush recited .in the evening is Biblically sourced וְשׁ ָמְ רוּ בְ ני יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת הַשׁ ַּבָּ ת, Originally it consisted only of the לַעֲ שׂוֹת אֶת הַשׁ ַּבָּת לְ דֹרֹתָ ם בְּרִ ית blessing over wine, and in a display of עוֹלָם. בֵּ ינִי וּבֵין בְּ נֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ ל אוֹת הִ יא Rabbinic humor was named “Kiddush לְ עֹלָם, כִּי שׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יָמִים עָ שָׂה יי אֶ ת Raba” or “Great Kiddush” despite הַשׁ ָּמַ יִם וְאֶת הָאָרֶ ץ, וּבַ ּיוֹם הַשׁ ְּבִיעִ י having an inferior status to the evening שׁ ָ ַ ב ת ַ ו ִ ּי ָ ּ נ ַ פ שׁ . Kiddush. זָכוֹר אֶ ת יוֹם הַשּׁ ַבָּת לְקַ דְּשׁ וֹ. שׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת Many have a tradition of using a local יָמִ ים ּתַעֲ בֹד וְעָ שִׂיתָ כָּל מְ ּלַאכְתֶ ָך. liquor instead of wine, in which case the וְיוֹם הַשּׁ ְבִיעִי שׁ ַבָּת לַיי אֱ לֹהֶ ָיך, לֹא blessing “Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu תַעֲ שֶׂה כָל מְ לָאכָה, אַ ָּ תה וּבִ נְ ָך וּבִ ֶּ ת ָך melech ha’olam shehakol nihye b’divaro” ָ ָ ָ ָ should be said instead of the blessing עַ בְ ְ דּ ך וַ אֲ מָ תְ ך ּ ו בְ הֶ מְ ּ ֶ תך , וְ גֵ רְ ך אֲ שׁ ֶ ר ָ of “Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech בִּשׁ ְעָרֶ יך. כִּי שׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יָמִים עָ שָׂה יי אֶ ת ”.ha’olam borey pri hagafen הַשּׁ ָמַ יִם וְאֶת הָאָרֶץ אֶת הַ ּיָם וְאֶת כָּ ל אֲשׁ ֶר בָּם, וַ ּיָנַח בַּ ּיֹום הַשּׁ ְבִיעִ י. This may also explain why many have the custom of sitting during the reciting עַל כֵּן בֵּרַ ְך יי אֶ ת יוֹם הַשּׁ ַבָּ ת .of this kiddush rather than standing ַ ו ְ י ַ ק ְ ּ ד שׁ ֵ ה ּ ו .
ON PASSOVER, SHAVUOT, AND SUKKOT
אֵ ּלֶה מוֹעֲדֵ י יי מִקְרָאֵ י קֹדֶשׁ , אֲשׁ ֶ ר ּתִקְרְ אוּ אֹתָ ם בְּ מוֹעֲדָ ם. וַיְדַ בֵּ ר מֹשׁ ֶ ה אֶ ת מֹעֲדֵ י יי, אֶל בְּ נֵי יִשְׂרָאֵ ל.
ON ROSH HASHANAH
ּתִקְ עוּ בַ חֹדֶשׁ שׁ וֹפָר בַּכֶּסֶ ה לְיוֹם חַ גֵּ נוּ. כִּ י חֹק לְיִשְׂרָאֵ ל הוּא, מִשׁ ְפָּט לֵ אלֹהֵ י יַעֲ קֹב. 49 • DAYTIME KIDDUSH •
ON SHABBAT, BEGIN ON SHABBAT, BEGIN
The children of Israel shall keep Shabbat, V’shamru v’nei Yisrael et haShabbat, making Shabbat an everlasting covenant la’asot et haShabbat l’dorotam b’rit through their generations. It is a sign olam. Beini u’vein b’nei Yisrael ot hi between God and the children of Israel l’olam, ki sheishet yamim asa Adonai forever that in six days Adonai made heaven et hashamayim v’et ha’aretz, u’vayom and earth and rested on the seventh day. hash’vi’i shavat va’yinafash.
Remember Shabbat to keep it holy. Six Zachor et yom haShabbat l’kadsho. days shall you labor and do all your work, Sheishet yamim ta’avod v’asita kol but the seventh day is Shabbat to Adonai m’lachtecha. V’yom hashvi’i Shabbat your God. Do not do any work: not you, l’Adonai Elohecha, lo ta’aseh kol your son, or your daughter, nor your m’lacha, ata u’vincha u’vitecha avd’cha servingman or servingwoman, nor your va’amatcha uv’hemtecha, v’geircha cattle, nor the stranger within your gates, asher bisharecha. Ki sheishet yamim since for six days Adonai made the heavens asa Adonai et hashamayim v’et ha’aretz and the earth, the seas, and all they et hayam v’et kol asher bam, vayanach contain, and rested on the seventh day. bayom hashvi’i.
Therefore, Adonai blessed the seventh Al kein beirach Adonai et yom day and made it holy. haShabbat vayikad’sheihu.
ON PASSOVER, SHAVUOT, ON PASSOVER, SHAVUOT, AND SUKKOT AND SUKKOT
These are the festivals of Adonai Eleh mo’adei Adonai mikra’ei kodesh declared Holy, which you shall declare asher tik’r’u otam b’mo’adam. in their season. Thus Moses declared the Vay’daber Moshe et mo’adei Adonai el festivals of Adonai to Israel. b’nei Yisrael.
ON ROSH HASHANAH ON ROSH HASHANAH
Sound the shofar on the new moon for the Tik’u va’chodesh shofar, bakeseh l’yom day of our holiday. For it is a precept for chagienu. Ki chok l’Yisrael hu, mishpat Israel, a judgement of the God of Jacob. l’Elohei Ya’akov. 50 • קידוש רבא לשבת וליום טוב •
ALL DAYS
סַ בְ רִ י , בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הַ גָּפֶ ן.
ON SUKKOT
בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, אֲשׁ ֶר קִ דְּשׁ ָ נוּ בְּמִ צְוֹתָ יו וְצִ וָּ נוּ לֵישׁ ֵ ב ַבּ סֻּ ָכּ ה . 51 • DAYTIME KIDDUSH •
ALL DAYS ALL DAYS
With your attention! Savri:
Blessed are You, Adonai God, ruler of the Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. ha’olam borei p’ri hagafen.
ON SUKKOT ON SUKKOT
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, who Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech has sanctified and made us holy with ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav God’s commandments, commanding us v’tzivanu lei’shev ba’sukkah. to dwell in the Sukkah. 52 • הבדלה •
Havdallah was originally part of the הִ נֵּה אֵ ל יְשׁ וּעָתִי אֶבְטַ ח וְ לֹא אֶפְחָ ד synagogue service, but was introduced כִּי עָ ּזִי וְזִמְרָ ת יָ ּה יי וַיְהִ י לִי לִישׁ וּעָ ה. into the home service so that children ּוּשְׁאַבְתֶם מַיִם בְּשָׂשׂוֹן ּמִמַעַיְנֵי too young to attend synagogue could הַ יְשׁ וּעָ ה. לַייָ הַ יְשׁ וּעָה עַל עַ ְּ מ ָך בִּרְ כָתֶ ָך participate in the practice and share a סֶּ לָ ה. יי צְבָ אוֹ ת עִ ָּ מנוּ מִ שְׂ גָּ ב לָ נוּ אֱ לֹהֵ י drop of the wine. יַעֲ קֹב סֶ לָה. יי צְבָ אוֹת אַשׁ ְרֵי אָדָ ם The introductory passages vary not only בֹּטֵחַ בָּ ְך. יי הוֹשׁ ִיעָה, הַ ֶּ מלֶ ְך יַעֲ נֵנוּ ,among Ashkenazim and Sephardim בְ יוֹם קָרְאֵ נוּ. לַ ּיְהוּדִ ים, הָ יְתָ ה אוֹרָ ה but also widely within Sephardic וְ שִׂמְחָ ה, וְ שָׂ שׂוֹן, וִיקָ ר. כֵּ ן ּתִהְ יֶה לָ נוּ. .communities כּ וֹס יְשׁ וּעוֹת אֶשּ ָׂ א, וּבְשׁ ֵם יי אֶקְרָ א.
The references to Elijah refer to a סַ בְ רִ י , tradition that Elijah will return on a ְ ְ Shabbat night to announce the coming בָּ רוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ך הָ עוֹלָ ם, .of the Messiah בּ וֹרֵא פְּרִי הַ גָּפֶ ן.
HOLD UP THE WINE In addition to the blessing over wine, Havdallah includes a blessing over spices בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, .and the light of the flame בּ וֹרֵא מִ ינֵי בְ שָׂמִ ים.
SMELL THE SPICES Resh Lakish interpreted the purpose of the sweet spices to serve as a בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, consolation for the departure of the בּ וֹרֵא מְ אוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ . “additional soul” that is given to every LOOK AT THE FLAME Jew on Shabbat. Maimonides understood the purpose similarly, if more prosaicly, בָּ ְרוּך אַ ּתָה יי אֱ לֹהֵ ינוּ מֶ לֶ ְך הָ עוֹלָ ם, as a consolation for the sadness of הַ ּמַבְדִ יל בֵּ ין קֹדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּ ין אוֹ ר Shabbat’s departure. לְחשׁ ֶ ְך, בֵּ ין יִשְׂרָאֵ ל לָעַ ּמִים, בֵּ ין יוֹ ם Another interpretation connects the הַשׁ ְבִיעִ י, לְשׁ ֵשׁ ֶ ת יְמֵי הַ ּמַעֲ שֶׂה. בָּ ְרוּך .spices with the blessing over the fire אַ ּתָה יי, הַ ּמַבְדִ יל בֵּ ין קֹדֶשׁ לְחוֹ ל. Since lighting a fire is prohibited DRINK THE WINE on Shabbat, lighting one is an act recognizing that Shabbat is over. In the Mishnaic times, there was a custom of 53 • HAVDALLAH •
Behold the God of my salvation, I will Hinei El y’shu’ati evtach v’lo efchad, ki trust and be unafraid. Adonai is my azi v’zimrat Yah Adonai va’y’hi li lishu’a. strength, my might and my deliverance. Ush’avtem mayim b’sason mima’anei With joy shall you draw water from the hay’shu’a. Ladonai hay’shu’a, al well of deliverance. Deliverance comes amcha birchatecha selah. Adonai from Adonai; bless your people, sela. tz’va’ot imanu, misgav lanu Elohei Adonai Tzevaot is with us, the God of Ya’akov selah. Adonai tz’va’ot ashrei Jacob our fortress. Happy are they who adam botei’ach bach. Adonai hoshi’a rely on the Adonai Tzevaot. Adonai will deliver us, the Ruler will answer when hamelech ya’aneinu v’yom koreinu. we call. For the Jews were blessed with La’y’hudim ha’y’ta ora v’simcha v’sason light, gladness, joy and honor—may vikar. Kein tihyeh lanu. Kos y’shu’ot esa we be so blessed. I will raise the cup of uv’sheim Adonai ekra. deliverance and call upon Adonai. Savri: With your attention! Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech Blessed are You, Adonai God, ruler of the ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen. universe, who creates the fruit of the vine. HOLD UP THE WINE HOLD UP THE WINE Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of ha’olam, borei minei b’samim. the universe, who creates diverse spices
SMELL THE SPICES SMELL THE SPICES
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of the Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech universe, who creates the light of the fire. ha’olam borei m’orei ha’eish.
LOOK AT THE FLAME LOOK AT THE FLAME
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, ruler of Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech the universe, who distinguishes between ha’olam, hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol, holy and mundane, between light and dark, bein or l’choshech, bein Yisrael between Israel and the nations, between la’amim, bein yom hashvi’i l’sheishet the seventh day and the six days of creation. y’mei hama’aseh. Baruch ata Adonai, Blessed are You Adonai, who distinguishes hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol. between sacred and mundane. DRINK THE WINE DRINK THE WINE 54 • שירי הבדלה •
burning spices on hot coals at the end אֵ לִיָהוּ הַ נָבִיא, אֵ לִיָהוּ הַ ּתִשׁ ְבִּי, אֵ לִיָהוּ of a meal to perfume the air. Since this הַ גִלְעָדִ י בִּמְהֵרָ ה יָבוֹא אֵ לֵ ינוּ עִ ם was not possible on Shabbat, smelling מָשׁ ִיחַ בֶּן דָ וִ ד. sweet spices recalled a luxury that was unavailable during Shabbat, and served מִרְ יָם הַ נְּבִיאָ ה עֹז וְזִמְרָ ה בְּיָדָ הּ both to make up for the lost opportunity מִרְ יָ ם תִּרְ קֹד אִ תָּנוּ לְהַ גְ דִּיל זִמְרַ ת עוֹלָ ם and also to remind us that while מִרְ יָ ם תִּרְ קֹד אִ תָּנוּ לְתַ קֵּן אֶת הָ עוֹלָ ם. Shabbat is a joy and respite from the בִּמְהֵרָ ה בְ יָמֵינוּ הִ יא תְּבִיאֵ נוּ ,week, the week is sweet in it’s own way אֶל מֵי הַ יְשׁוּעָ ה. as it has many special joys of its own to be savored and cherished. 55 • SONGS FOR HAVDALLAH •
May Elijah the Prophet come to us, Eliyahu hanavi, Eliyahu haTishbi, heralding the Messiah, soon and in our Eliyahu haGiladi. Bimheira v’yameinu days! yavo eleinu, im Mashiach ben David.
Miriam the Prophetess, strength and Miriam hanevi’a, oz v’zimra b’yadah. song in her hand, will dance with us Miriam tirkod itanu l’hagdil zimrat to repair the world. Soon, and in our olam. Miriam tirkod itanu l’taken days, may she bring us to the waters of et ha’olam. Bimheira v’yameinu, hi redemption! t’vi’einu el mei ha’y’shuah.