Psalm 137 (weekdays)עַל נַהֲרוֹת בָּבֶלWeekdays only
On a weekday add
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and we also wept, when we remembered Zion. Upon the willows in its midst, we hung our harps. For there our captors demanded of us words of song, and our tormentors asked of us [with] mirth; Sing to us from the song[s] of Zion. How shall we sing the song of Adonoy on alien soil? If I ever forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget [its movement]. May my tongue cleave to my palate, if I remember you not; if I set not Jerusalem above my highest joy. Remember, Adonoy, to the sons of Edom the day of Jerusalem, [it was they] who said, Raze it, raze it to its very foundation. Daughter of Babylon, you are the annihilated one; fortunate is he who will repay you for all you have done to us. Fortunate is he who will take and dash your little ones against the rock.
Psalm 126 (Shabbos & Yom Tov)שִׁיר הַמַּעֲלוֹתShabbat, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh and more only
On Shabbat, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, Chol HaMoed, Chanukah or Purim say (before bentching)
A Song of Ascents. When Adonoy brings about the return to Zion we will have been like dreamers.
Zimunזִימוּן
When eating with 3+ adults — say zimun
שלושה שאכלו כאחד חייבין בזימון, וכך מזמנין:When three or more males, aged 13 or older eat together one of them leads the group in reciting the Birkas Hamazon.
המזמן אומר:The leader begins by saying:
“Gentlemen, let us say the blessing:
המסובים עונים:The others respond:
The Name of Adonoy will be blessed from now forever.
וחוזר המזמן:The leader repeats:
“The Name of Adonoy will be blessed from now forever.”
וממשיך:The leader continues: (the words “our God” are substituted for “Him” and “He” if ten males are in the group):
בעשרה
“With your permission our masters and teachers, Let us bless (our God,) Him, for we have eaten of His bounty.”
המסובים עונים:The others respond accordingly:
בעשרה
Blessed is (our God) He for we have eaten of His bounty and through His goodness we live.
מי שלא אכל עונה:One who did not eat, responds:
בעשרה או יותר
Blessed is (our God) He, and His Name constantly, forever and ever.
וחוזר המזמן:The leader repeats:
בעשרה
“Blessed is (our God) He for we have eaten of His bounty and through His goodness we live.”
ויש המוסיפים: בָּרוּךְ הוּא וּבָרוּךְ שְׁמוֹ:Some add: Blessed is He and blessed is His Name.
First brocho — Hazon es hakolבִּרְכַּת הַזָּן
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who nourishes the entire world with His goodness, with favor, with kindness, and with mercy.
Second brocho — Nodehבִּרְכַּת הָאָרֶץ
We thank You, Adonoy, our God, for Your parceling out as a heritage to our fathers, a land which is desirable, good, and spacious; for Your bringing us out, Adonoy, our God, from the land of Egypt, and redeeming us from the house of bondage; for Your covenant which You sealed in our flesh; for Your Torah which You taught us; for Your statutes which You made known to us; for the life, favor, and kindness which You granted us; and for the provision of food with which You nourish and maintain us constantly, every day, at all times and in every hour.
Al Hanissim — Chanukahוְעַל הַנִּסִּיםChanukah only
On Chanukah add
[We thank You] for the miracles for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the deliverances, for the wonders for the consolations and for the wars that You performed for our fathers in those days at this season.
In the days of Matisyahu, son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the evil Greek kingdom rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah and to turn them away from the statutes of Your will— You, in Your abundant mercy, stood by them in their time of distress, You defended their cause, You judged their grievances, You avenged them. You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, many into the hands of the few, defiled people into the hands of the undefiled, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and insolent [sinners] into the hands of diligent students of Your Torah. And You made Yourself a great and sanctified name in Your world. And for Your people, Israel, You performed a great deliverance and redemption unto this very day. Afterwards, Your sons entered the Holy of Holies of Your Abode, cleaned Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, and kindled lights in the Courtyards of Your Sanctuary, and designated these eight days of Chanukah to thank and praise Your great Name.
Al Hanissim — Purimוְעַל הַנִּסִּיםPurim only
On Purim add
[We thank You] for the miracles for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the deliverances, for the wonders for the consolations and for the wars that You performed for our fathers in those days at this season.
In the days of Mordechai and Esther in Shushan the Capital [of Persia], when the evil Haman rose up against them, he sought to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their wealth And You, in Your abundant mercy, annulled his counsel, frustrated his intention, and brought his evil plan upon his own head, and they hanged him and his sons upon the gallows.
Close of the second brochoוְעַל הַכֹּל
For everything Adonoy, our God, We thank You and bless You. Blessed be Your Name through the mouth of all the living, constantly, forever, as it is written: When You have eaten and are satisfied, You will bless Adonoy, your God, for the good land which He has given to you. Blessed are You, Adonoy, for the land and for the food.
Third brocho — Racheimרַחֵם
Have compassion, Adonoy, our God, on Israel, Your people, on Jerusalem, Your city, on Zion, the dwelling place of Your glory, on the kingship of the house of David, Your anointed; and on the great and holy House upon which Your Name is called. Our God, our Father tend us, nourish us, maintain us, sustain us, relieve us and grant us relief Adonoy, our God, speedily from all our troubles. Adonoy, our God—may we never be in need of the gifts of men nor of their loans, but only of Your hand which is full, open, holy and generous, so that we may not be shamed nor humiliated forever and ever.
R’tzei (Shabbos)רְצֵהShabbat only
On Shabbat add
May it please You, to strengthen us Adonoy, our God, through Your commandments, and through the commandment of the seventh day, this great and holy Sabbath. For this day is great and holy before You, to refrain from work on it and to rest on it with love, as ordained by Your will. And by Your will, grant us repose Adonoy, our God, that there be no distress, sorrow, or sighing on the day of our rest. Show us Adonoy, our God, the consolation of Zion, Your city, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, city of Your Sanctuary, for You are the Master of deliverance and the Master of consolation.
Yaaleh V’yovoיַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹאRosh Chodesh, Chol HaMoed, Yom Tov and more only
On Rosh Chodesh, Yom Tov, or Chol HaMoed add
Our God and God of our fathers, may there ascend, come, and reach, appear, be desired, and heard, counted and recalled our remembrance and reckoning; the remembrance of our fathers; the remembrance of the Messiah the son of David, Your servant; the remembrance of Jerusalem, city of Your Sanctuary; and the remembrance of Your entire people, the House of Israel, before You for survival, for well-being, for favor, kindliness, compassion, for life and peace on this day of:
Remember us Adonoy, our God, on this day for well-being; be mindful of us on this day for blessing, and deliver us for life. In accord with the promise of deliverance and compassion, spare us and favor us, have compassion on us and deliver us; for to You our eyes are directed because You are the Almighty Who is King, Gracious, and Merciful.
Close of the third brochoוּבְנֵה יְרוּשָׁלַיִם
שכח לומר רצה בשבת או יעלה ויבא בראש חודש ויום טוב וחול המועד ונזכר קודם שאמר השם מברכת בונה ירושלים אומרו שם אבל אם אמר השם אם נזכר קודם שהתחיל הטוב והמטיב ראה להלן דיני שכחה:If you forgot to say רְצֵה or יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and became aware of it before starting the fourth blessing (הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב), or even if you are in doubt, see below for the appropriate blessing.
Rebuild Jerusalem, city of the Holy Sanctuary, speedily, in our days. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Builder of Jerusalem in His mercy. Amein.
Compensatory brochos (if forgotten)דִּינֵי שִׁכְחָה
If you forgot Retze / Yaale V’Yavo
דיני שכחה:The following blessings are said in the event you forgot to say רְצֵה or יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא and reminded yourself before starting the fourth blessing, הַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב.
בשבת אומר:If you forgot to say רְצֵה on Shabbos:
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel with love for a sign and a covenant. Blessed are You Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos.
בראש חודש:If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Chodesh:
Blessed are You, Adonoy King of the Universe, Who gave Rosh Chodesh days to His people Israel for remembrance.
ביו"ט אומר:If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Yom Tov:
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Yomim Tovim to His people Israel for happiness and joy, this day of (name the Yom Tov). Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Israel and the seasons.
ביו"ט שחל בשבת:If a Yom Tov occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel with love, for a sign and a covenant, and Yomim Tovim for happiness and joy, this day of (name the Yom Tov.) Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel, and the seasons.
בראש השנה:If you forgot to say יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא on Rosh Hashanah:
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Festivals to His people Israel for remembrance.
בראש השנה שחל בשבת:If Rosh Hashanah occurs on Shabbos and you forgot to say רְצֵה and יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא:
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, Who gave Shabbosos for rest to His people Israel, with love for a sign and a covenant, and Yomim Tovim to Israel, for remembrance. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Sanctifier of Shabbos, Israel, and the Day of Remembrance.
Fourth brochoהַטּוֹב וְהַמֵּטִיב
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, the Almighty, our Father, our King, our Mighty One, our Creator, our Redeemer, our Maker, our Holy One, Holy One of Jacob, our Shepherd, Shepherd of Israel, the King, Who is good and beneficent to all. Every single day He has done good, does good, and will do good to us. He has rewarded us, He rewards us, He will reward us forever with favor, kindness, and compassion, relief, rescue, and success, blessing, deliverance, and consolation, maintenance, sustenance, compassion, life, peace, and everything good; and of all good things may He never deprive us.
Horachamonsהָרַחֲמָן
The Merciful One will reign over us forever and ever.
The Merciful One will be blessed in heaven and on earth.
The Merciful One will be praised for all generations, He will be glorified through us forever and for all eternity; and He will be honored through us for time everlasting.
May the Merciful One maintain us with honor.
The Merciful One will break the yoke (of oppression) from our necks and lead us upright to our land.
May the Merciful One send us abundant blessing to this house, and upon this table at which we have eaten.
The Merciful One will send us Elijah the prophet, who is remembered for good, who will announce to us good tidings, deliverances, and consolations.
Blessing for the hosts / householdהָרַחֲמָן הוּא יְבָרֵךְ
אם סמוך על שלחן אביו יאמר:When eating at your parents’ table, say:
May the Merciful One bless my father, my teacher, the master of this house, and my mother, my teacher, the mistress of this house; them, their household, their children and all that is theirs.
(ואם סמוך על שלחן עצמו יאמר:)When eating at your own table, say:
May the Merciful One bless me, my spouse, my children, and all that is mine;
Ours and all that is ours— just as our forefathers were blessed— Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob— In all things, “From everything,” and “With everything”; so may He bless us, all of us together, with a perfect blessing and let us say Amein.
A guest's blessing for the hostבִּרְכַּת הָאוֹרֵחַ
At someone else’s table: bless your host
אם אוכל על שלחן אחרים יברך לבעה"ב. ואפילו בנים הסמוכים על שלחן אביהם, וגם האב הנסמך על שלחן בניו וגם אשתו תאמר כן:A guest says:
May it be God’s will that the host should not be shamed and not humiliated not in this world nor in the World to Come. And he will be successful with all his possessions. May his properties prosper and be located close to town. May no evil force have power over his endeavors. May no opportunity present itself before him any matter of sin, nor thought of iniquity from now forever.
Bamaromבַּמָּרוֹם
From on high, may there be invoked upon them and upon us, [the] merit to insure peace, And may we receive a blessing from Adonoy, and kindness from the God of our deliverance; and may we find favor and understanding in the eyes of God and man.
Horachamon for Shabbosהָרַחֲמָן — שַׁבָּתShabbat only
On Shabbat add
May the Merciful One let us inherit the day which will be completely Shabbos and rest, for life everlasting.
Horachamon for Rosh Chodeshהָרַחֲמָן — רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁRosh Chodesh only
On Rosh Chodesh add
May the Merciful One renew for us this month for good and for blessing.
Horachamon for Yom Tovהָרַחֲמָן — יוֹם טוֹבYom Tov only
On Yom Tov add
May the Merciful One let us inherit that day which is completely good.
Horachamon for Rosh Hashanahהָרַחֲמָן — רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָהRosh Hashanah only
On Rosh Hashanah add
May the Merciful One renew for us this year for good and for blessing.
Horachamon for Sukkosהָרַחֲמָן — סֻכּוֹתSukkos only
On Sukkos add
May the Merciful One raise up for us the fallen Tabernacle of David.
Closing versesיְראוּ אֶת ה׳
May the Merciful One make us worthy of the days of the Messiah and life of the World to Come. He who gives great deliverance to His king, (On Shabbos, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh and Chol HaMoed say: He who is a tower of deliverance to His king,) and shows kindness to His anointed— to David and his descendants forever. He Who makes peace in His high heavens may He make peace for us and for all Israel, and say, Amein.
Fear Adonoy, [you] His holy ones, for those who fear Him suffer no deprivation. Young lions may feel want and hunger, but those who seek Adonoy, will not be deprived of any good thing.