What Bracha for Bread?
Learn the HaMotzi blessing before eating bread
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ 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.
When to Say HaMotzi
HaMotzi is recited before eating bread made from one of the five grains: wheat, barley, spelt, oats, or rye. This includes:
- Regular bread and rolls
- Challah (Shabbat bread)
- Pita bread
- Bagels
- Matzah (unleavened bread)
Special Status of Bread
Bread holds a special status in Jewish law. When you eat bread with a meal, the HaMotzi blessing covers all other foods in the meal (except for wine and certain desserts). This is why we traditionally begin meals with bread.
How to Say the Blessing
- Wash hands with the Netilat Yadayim blessing
- Dry hands without speaking
- Hold the bread in both hands
- Recite HaMotzi
- Cut or break the bread
- Eat a piece (many dip it in salt first)
Challah on Shabbat
On Shabbat and holidays, we use two loaves of challah (called "lechem mishneh") to commemorate the double portion of manna that fell in the desert on Fridays. Both loaves are present during HaMotzi, but typically only one is cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cakes, cookies, and pastries made from the five grains get the "Mezonot" blessing, not HaMotzi, unless you're eating a large amount as a meal.
If the bread is made from rice, corn, or other non-grain ingredients, the blessing is "Shehakol," not HaMotzi. If it contains oats (which are gluten-free for most), it may be HaMotzi.
Yes, the ritual handwashing (Netilat Yadayim) is required before eating bread. After washing, don't speak until after eating some bread following HaMotzi.