What is a bracha (blessing)?

A bracha (blessing) is a Jewish prayer that acknowledges God as the source of all things. Before eating, we say a bracha to thank God for the food. Different foods require different blessings based on their category: Hamotzi for bread, Mezonot for grain products, Ha'etz for tree fruits, Ha'adamah for vegetables, Shehakol for other foods, and Ha'gafen for wine.

What bracha do you say on bread?

On bread, we say 'Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz' (Who brings forth bread from the earth). This blessing is said on bread made from wheat, barley, spelt, oats, or rye. When eating a meal with bread, the Hamotzi covers most other foods eaten during that meal, and we conclude with Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals).

What is the difference between Mezonot and Hamotzi?

Hamotzi is said on bread that is the main part of a meal. Mezonot is said on grain-based foods that are not bread-like, such as cookies, cake, pasta, and crackers. The distinction depends on factors like how the dough was made, its consistency, and how the food is eaten. When in doubt, consult a rabbi.

What blessing do you say after eating?

After eating bread, we say Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals). After eating foods made from the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, oats, rye), wine, or the seven species of Israel, we say Al Hamichya or its variations. After other foods, we say Borei Nefashot. The bracha acharona is only required if you ate a sufficient amount (k'zayit).

What bracha do you say on water?

On water and most beverages (except wine and grape juice), we say 'Shehakol nihiyeh bidvaro' (that everything was created by His word). This blessing is also said on meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and foods that don't grow from the ground.

What bracha do you say on fruits and vegetables?

For fruits that grow on trees, we say 'Borei pri ha'etz' (Creator of the fruit of the tree). For vegetables and fruits that grow from the ground (like strawberries, melons, bananas), we say 'Borei pri ha'adamah' (Creator of the fruit of the ground). The key factor is whether the plant has a permanent trunk or stem.

What is the after-bracha for Challah?

After eating Challah, you say Birchat Hamazon.

How do you say the bracha for Challah?

The blessing is: "Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz." which means "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.".

Back to all foods

baked goods

What Bracha for Challah?

Learn the correct blessing before and after eating Challah

Bracha Before Eating

Hamotzi

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

Why This Bracha?

Challah is bread, so the bracha is Hamotzi. Wash hands with Netilat Yadayim before eating. After eating, recite the full Birkat Hamazon. Challah is traditionally eaten on Shabbat and holidays.

Bracha After Eating

Birchat Hamazon

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ בְּחֵן בְּחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים, הוּא נוֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ. וּבְטוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל תָּמִיד לֹא חָסַר לָנוּ, וְאַל יֶחְסַר לָנוּ מָזוֹן לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. בַּעֲבוּר שְׁמוֹ הַגָּדוֹל, כִּי הוּא אֵל זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס לַכֹּל וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל וּמֵכִין מָזוֹן לְכָל בְּרִיּוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳, הַזָּן אֶת הַכֹּל.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hazan et ha'olam kulo b'tuvo b'chen b'chesed uv'rachamim...

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who nourishes the entire world in His goodness, with grace, with kindness and with mercy. He gives food to all flesh, for His kindness endures forever. And through His great goodness, we have never lacked, and may we never lack food forever and ever...

(Said after eating a k'zayis - approximately 1 oz)

Related Foods

Angel Food Cake

Mezonos

Apple Cake

Mezonos

Apple Strudel

Mezonos

Bagel

Hamotzi

Baguette

Hamotzi

Baked Ziti

Mezonos

Back to all foods

baked goods

What Bracha for Challah?

Learn the correct blessing before and after eating Challah

Bracha Before Eating

Hamotzi

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

Why This Bracha?

Challah is bread, so the bracha is Hamotzi. Wash hands with Netilat Yadayim before eating. After eating, recite the full Birkat Hamazon. Challah is traditionally eaten on Shabbat and holidays.

Bracha After Eating

Birchat Hamazon

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hazan et ha'olam kulo b'tuvo b'chen b'chesed uv'rachamim...

(Said after eating a k'zayis - approximately 1 oz)

Related Foods

Angel Food Cake

Mezonos

Apple Cake

Mezonos

Apple Strudel

Mezonos

Bagel

Hamotzi

Baguette

Hamotzi

Baked Ziti

Mezonos