List Of Jewish Prayers And Blessings

''Havdalah'' ("Separation" ceremony)

See Also: Havdalah


('' Havdalah '' is recited Saturday night, usually an hour after Sunset , measured as the time when three stars appear in the sky, when Shabbat is over.)

'' Havdalah '' is a ceremony consisting of four blessings.

First, since ''havdalah'' is recited over a cup of wine, the blessing on wine is said:

:Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri hagafen.''

:Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine."

Then, spices are smelled, preceded by the blessing on smelling spices:

:Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, bo're minei b'samim.''

:Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates varieties of spices."

The spices are then passed around and smelled by those present.

Next, a multi‑wicked candle, which has already been lit, is viewed, preceded by the blessing:

:Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, bo're m'orei ha‑esh.''

:Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the lights of the fire."

The candle is held up in the air and those present look at the reflection of the light on their fingernails.

Last is a blessing of praise for God's separating the holy from the every‑day:

:Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, ha‑mavdil bein kodesh l'hol, bein or l'hoshekh, bein yisra'el la‑amim, bein yom ha‑sh'vi'i l'sheshet y'mei ha‑ma'a'se. Barukh ata Adonai, ha‑mavdil bein kodesh l'hol.''

:Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who distinguishes between the sacred and the secular, between light and dark, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed are You, , who distinguishes between the sacred and the secular."


Hanukkah

See Also: Hanukkah


Two blessings are recited as the Hanukkah candles are lit.


Blessing for lighting the candles

See Also: Menorah



Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav vetzivanu l'hadlik ner (shel) hanuka.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the Hanukkah candle {Link without Title} ."


Blessing for the miracles of Hanukkah


Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, she‑asa nisim la‑avoteinu ba‑yamim ha‑heim ba‑z'man ha‑ze.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time."


Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (The High Holy Days)

See Also: Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur




Candle lighting


Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel yom tov.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the holiday candle {Link without Title} ."


Over apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah

On Rosh Hashanah eve, at the start of the festive meal, it is customary to dip some cut raw apples into some honey as symbolic of asking God to grant a sweet new year.

The blessings for the Apple s and Honey :

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri ha‑etz.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree."

A bite of apple dipped in honey is eaten, which is followed by:

Transliteration: ''Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha, Adonai Eloheinu velohei avoteinu, shet'hadesh aleinu shana tova um'tuka.''

Translation: "May it be Your will, our God and God of our ancestors, that you renew for us a good and sweet year."


Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)

See Also: Sukkot



Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu leishev ba‑sukah.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah."


MEZUZAH

See Also: Mezuzah


The following blessing is said when attaching a mezuzah to the doorpost:

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu likbo'a m'zuza.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix the mezuzah."


''SHEHECHEYANU'' ("WHO HAS KEPT US ALIVE")

See Also: Shehecheyanu



The blessing said whenever anything that has not happened for a while is performed. This includes all holidays except Shabbat . It is said on the first night of Hanukkah , but not for the other nights of that holiday. The blessing is also recited upon such occasions as affixing a mezuzah, buying a new dress clothes, or eating a rare fruit.

Transliteration: ''Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, she‑hehiyanu v'kiy'manu v'higi'anu la‑z'man ha‑ze.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season."


EVERYDAY PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS


Upon waking up

See Also: Modeh ani



Transliteration: ''Modeh ani lifanekha melekh hai v'kayam shehehezarta bi nishmahti b'hemla, raba emunatekha.''

Translation: "I give thanks before You, Living and Eternal King, that You have returned within me my soul with compassion; {Link without Title} abundant is Your faithfulness!"




For putting on ''tzitzit''

See Also: Tzitzit




For putting on a ''talit katan''


The tzitzit are first inspected to make sure they are properly intact before wearing the ''tallit katan''. While holding the ''tallit katan'', in readiness to put it on, the following blessing is recited.

Transliteration: ''Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu al mitzvat tzitzit.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us regarding the commandment of fringes."

After donning the ''tallit katan'', many kiss the ''tziztit''; some additionally say the following:

Transliteration: ''Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha, Adonai Elohai velohei avotai, she‑t'hei hashuva mitzvat tzitzit l'fanekha, k'ilu kiyamtiha b'khol p'rateha v'dikdukeha v'khavanoteha, v'taryag mitzvot ha‑t'luyim bah. Amen, Selah.''

Translation: "May there be the desire before You, , my God and the God of my forefathers, that the commandment of fringes should be considered before You as if I had fulfilled it in all its aspects, its details and its intentions, as well as the 613 commandments that are dependent on it. Amen , Selah ."


For putting on a ''tallit gadol'' (prayer shawl)

See Also: Tallit




= On inspection of the ''tzitzit''

Psalms 104:1–2 is traditionally read:

Transliteration: ''Barkhi nafshi et Adonai. Adonai Elohai, gadalta m'od; hod v'hadar lavashta – O'te or ka‑salma, no'te shamayim ka‑y'ri'a''.

Translation: "Bless, (O) my soul, the . my God, You are very great; glory and majesty have You worn – Who dons light as a garment, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain."


= Before putting on the ''tallit''


Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hit'atef ba‑tzitzit''.

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to wrap ourselves with fringes."


= After wrapping the ''tallit'' around the body

Psalms 36:8–11 is traditionally recited:

Transliteration: ''Ma yakar hasd'kha Elohim, uvnei adam b'tzel k'nafekha yehesayun. Yirv'yun mi‑deshen beitekha, v'nahal adanekha tashkem. Ki im'kha m'kor hayim, b'or'kha nir'e or. M'shokh hasd'kha l'yod'ekha, v'tzidkat'kha l'yish'rei lev''.

Translation: "How precious is your kindness, {Link without Title} God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They are sated from the abundance of Your house, and from the stream of Your delights You give them to drink. For with You is the source of life; by Your light shall we see light. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright of heart."


For putting on ''tefillin''

See Also: Tefillin




On placement of the ''tefillin'' for the hand


Transliteraion: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hani'ah t'filin.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to put on tefillin."


On placement of the ''tefillin'' for the head


Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al mitzvat t'filin''.

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us regarding the commandment of tefillin."


After tightening the head ''tefillin''


Transliteration: ''Barukh shem k'vod malkhuto l'olam va'ed''.

Translation: "Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever."


Blessings during a meal


''N'tilat Yadayim'' (Ritual washing of hands)

The hands are ritually washed before eating bread, at which time this blessing is said:

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al n'tilat yadayim.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning washing of hands."


Before eating bread

This blessing is made only for Bread made from one or all of Wheat , Barley , Rye , Oat s, Spelt .

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, ha‑motzi lehem min ha‑aretz.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."


After the meal

See Also: Birkat Hamazon


The combined blessing of Birkat Hamazon is made only after eating a meal containing Bread (including Matza ) made from one or all of Wheat , Barley , Rye , Oat s, Spelt .


Blessings over food

Additionally, appropriate blessings are said on food when not having a full (i.e. bread-based) meal.

There are five '' Halakhic '' "food groups:"


= Before eating grain products – M'zonot

Before eating non-bread (e.g. cake) products of Wheat , Barley , Rye , Oat s, or Spelt (and Rice , according to many opinions):

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, bo're minei m'zonot.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates varieties of nourishment."


= Before drinking wine – Ha-Gafen

This blessing is made for Wine made from Grape s, but not any other fermented drink. Wine made from other fruits, and other alcohols, require the ''Shehakol'' blessing (see below).



Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri ha‑gafen.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine."


= Before eating fruit – Ha-Etz


Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri ha‑etz.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree."


= Before eating non-fruit produce – Ha-Adama

Before eating produce that grew directly from the earth:

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, bo're p'ri ha‑adama.''

Translation: Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the ground."


= Before eating other foods – She-Hakol

Before eating or drinking any foods not in the first four categories:

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha‑olam, she‑hakol nih'ye bidvaro.''

Translation: "Blessed are you, , our God, King of the universe, through whose word everything comes into being."


On immersion in a ''Mikvah''

See Also: Mikvah


This blessing is made on immersion in a Mikvah (ritual bath), e.g. by a woman following menstruation or when kashering utensils.

Transliteration: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al ha‑t'vila.''

Translation: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning immersion."


BLESSING FOR SURVIVING ILLNESS OR DANGER

The ''Birkhat Ha‑Gomel'' blessing is said after surviving illness, childbirth, or danger.

Transliteration:

:Blessing: ''Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha‑olam, ha‑gomel lahayavim tovot sheg'malani kol tov.''

:Congregational Response: ''Amen. Mi sheg'malkha'' (for a woman: ''sheg'malayikh'') ''kol tov hu yigmalkha'' (''yigmalayikh'') ''kol tov. Selah.''

Translation:

:Blessing: "Blessed are You, , our God, King of the Universe, who bestows good things on the unworthy, and has bestowed on me every goodness."

:Congregational Response: "Amen. He Who has bestowed on you every goodness, may He continue to bestow on you every goodness. Selah ."

Note: Most (sacrifices) which women were obligated to offer (e.g. after childbirth) in the days of the Temple In Jerusalem . Accordingly, these authorities say that women are eligible to be counted in the minyan of 10 equally with men for the special purpose of the Mitzvah of saying the ''HaGomel'' blessing and its congregational response publicly.


SEE ALSO

• Jewish Services


• Siddur


• Birkat HaHammah (blessings for when the Sun aligns with the Earth at certain times)


• Berakhah


• Shuckling (Swaying to and fro while praying)

EXTERNAL LINKS

• Judaism 101 – Common Prayers and Blessings


• Why a Blessing?


• A comprehensive guide to blessings


• Ariel Benjamin's online siddur project