Before a Jew eats or drinks, he or she recites a blessing (called a berachah - בְּרָכָה), praising and thanking the Creator. Each category of foods has its own unique blessing text, based on the provenance of the food and its position in Jewish tradition. There is also an after blessing (called a berachah acharonah - בְּרָכָה אַחֲרוֹנָה) said after eating, tailor made for various kinds of food. “And you will eat and you will be satisfied,” says the Torah, “and you will bless the L‑rd your G‑d for the good and expansive land, which He gave you.”
There are also blessings (brachot) to be said upon seeing natural phenomena, smelling pleasant aromas, or even hearing good news. Saying blessings ensures that every meal is a sacred encounter and every experience is an act of gratitude… Learn More
