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[[Birkat HaMazon]] is  a special prayer said after eating a meal with bread, thanking God for the food He has given us, as well as beseeching Him to keep providing for us, among other [[Tefillah|Tefillot]]. It contains several blessings, composed by numerous people, including Moshe Rabbeinu, Yehoshua, King David, and Rabban Gamliel. Special insertions are made for the [[Yom tov|Yamim Tovim]], [[Shabbat]], [[Chanukah]], and [[Purim]].
[[Birkat HaMazon]] is  a special prayer said after eating a meal with bread, thanking God for the food He has given us, as well as beseeching Him to keep providing for us, among other [[Tefillah|Tefillot]]. It contains several blessings, composed by numerous people, including Moshe Rabbeinu, Yehoshua, King David, and Rabban Gamliel. Special insertions are made for the [[Yom tov|Yamim Tovim]], [[Shabbat]], [[Chanukah]], and [[Purim]].
==Preparations for Birkat HaMazon==
==The Obligation==
===Minimum Amount of Bread to Be Obligated in Birkat HaMazon===


#One must not remove the tablecloth or the bread from the table until after those who have eaten have recited Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:1 </ref>
#One is not obligated to recite Birkat HaMazon unless one eats a minimum of a [[Kezayit]] of bread.<ref>S”A 168:9, 184:6, and 210:1 </ref> The amount of bread necessary in order to make [[HaMotzei]] and [[Netilat_Yadayim_for_a_meal|Netilat Yadayim]] are discussed in the articles specific to those topics.
#One should leave bread on the table otherwise he will never experience Hashem's blessing.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:2 </ref> Nowadays, it is sufficient to leave crumbs for this purpose.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:3, Az Nidabru 11:46:2 </ref>
#How large is a kzayit of bread? According to Ashkenazim the [[Kezayit]] is slightly less than one ounce of volume. A good approximation is half the center piece of a 1 lb rye bread.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] Addendum 1, pg 246 </ref> According to Sephardim the [[Kezayit]] is 27 grams in weight.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 158:4 </ref> For more specific halachot about [[Kezayit]], see the [[Halachot of Kezayit]].
 
===Who's obligated to say Birkat HaMazon===
 
#There is a dispute whether women are obligated in Birkat HaMazon on Torah level or only Rabbinically. Therefore, if a woman ate bread and is full and is now unsure whether she said Birkat HaMazon, there’s is a dispute whether she should say it to be sure and there’s what to rely on to make it to be sure. Additionally, a woman can fulfill the obligation of a man if he listens to her Birkat HaMazon, however, she shouldn’t fulfill his obligation if the man ate to satisfaction but rather one if he ate a [[Kezayit]] and not to satisfaction.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:1, Mishna Brurah 186:3. See Shitat HaKadmonim (last page of bava kama) referenced on the [[Mitzvot_Aseh_SheHazman_Grama]] page regarding the obligation of women in Birkat HaMazon. </ref>
#A child, who isn't yet [[Bar Mitzvah]]'ed, is obligated to say Birkat HaMazon on a derabbanan level because of [[Chinuch]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:2. Rav Moshe HaLevi (Birkat Hashem v. 2, p. 317) writes that after the fact a child who said the Birkat HaMazon in order to fulfill the obligation of an adult has fulfilled his obligation. Rabbi Mansour on [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1584 dailyhalacha.com] quotes this as halacha. </ref>Therefore, a child can't fulfill the obligation of an adult who doesn't know how to say Birkat HaMazon unless the adult didn't eat until he was satisfied, otherwise the adult is obligated on a deoritta level to say Birkat HaMazon and can't fulfill his obligation with that of a child.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:2. Mishna Brurah 186:6 writes that a child shouldn't fulfill the obligation of a woman because perhaps the woman's obligation is deoritta whereas the child's is only derabbanan. Mishna Brurah 186:7 adds that there is a dispute whether a child who didn't eat to satisfaction can fulfill the obligation of an adult considering that the child is only obligation by force of two derabbanan factors. He concludes that one should be stringent. </ref>
#Some say that children from the age of 6 should say Birkat Hamazon.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1584 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] writes that parents should ensure that children from the age of 6 say Birkat HaMazon.</ref>
 
==Clearing the Table in Preparation for Birkat HaMazon==
 
#One must not remove the tablecloth or the bread from the table until after those who have eaten have recited Birkat HaMazon; otherwise, he will never experience Hashem's blessing.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 180:2 based on the Gemara in Sanhedrin 92a which says that if you don't leave bread on the table you will not see a sign of blessing. Mishna Brurah 180:2 writes that this is so we can have bread ready in case poor people come in hungry. Contemporary Questions in Halacha and Hashkafa pg. 90, Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:1 </ref>
#Nowadays, it is sufficient to leave crumbs for this purpose.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:3, Az Nidabru 11:46:2 </ref>
#If one eats a sandwich and is not seated at a table then he should leave some bread in his lunch box for Birkat HaMazon so that it will be possible for Hashem's blessing to come to him.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:3 </ref>
#If one eats a sandwich and is not seated at a table then he should leave some bread in his lunch box for Birkat HaMazon so that it will be possible for Hashem's blessing to come to him.<ref>Yalkut Yosef, Berachot II, 180:3 </ref>
# If no bread remains one should place some other bread on the table.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=2588 Rabbi Eli Mansour] </ref>
#Some have the practice of removing the knife before birkat hamazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 180:5. See [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=5/20/2009 Rabbi Mansour's article] for several different explanations of this custom. </ref> This applies on Shabbat and weekdays, and with plastic or metal knives.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=5/20/2009 Rabbi Eli Mansour] </ref> This is not necessary for al hamichya of boreh nefashot after a snack.<ref>Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:136:2 </ref>
#One shouldn't clear the table while saying Birkat Hamazon but after the fact if one did one does fulfill one's obligation.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 183:10</ref>


==Interruptions in Birkat HaMazon==
==Behavior During Birkat HaMazon==
===Interruptions in Birkat HaMazon===


#One shouldn’t interrupt Birkat HaMazon at all to answer or greet someone.<ref>S”A 183:8 writes that some say that in regards to greeting or answering someone Birkat HaMazon is judged like [[Shemona Esreh]] when one doesn't interrupt to answer anyone. Halacha Brurah 183:28 writes that this opinion quoted in Shulchan Aruch is accepted as Halacha. The Mishna Brurahh 183:1 explains that Birkat HaMazon is similar to [[Shemona Esreh]] in that it may only be said in one place and not while one is moving. </ref>
#One shouldn’t interrupt Birkat HaMazon at all to answer or greet someone.<ref>S”A 183:8 writes that some say that in regards to greeting or answering someone Birkat HaMazon is judged like [[Shemona Esreh]] when one doesn't interrupt to answer anyone. Halacha Brurah 183:28 writes that this opinion quoted in Shulchan Aruch is accepted as Halacha. The Mishna Brurahh 183:1 explains that Birkat HaMazon is similar to [[Shemona Esreh]] in that it may only be said in one place and not while one is moving. </ref>
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#It is permissible to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Amen]] to a Bracha in the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (vol 3, p 265)</ref>
#It is permissible to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Amen]] to a Bracha in the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (vol 3, p 265)</ref>


==Position for Birkat Hamazon==
===Position for Birkat Hamazon===


#One should sit during Birkat HaMazon whether one ate while seated or standing for at least the four [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 183:9, Mishna Brurah 183:31, Tosafot [[Berachot]] 51b, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 84, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:6. Shulchan Aruch mentions that it should be recited sitting in order to have the proper intent and one shouldn't be lying down but rather it should be recite with awe.</ref>
#One should sit during Birkat HaMazon whether one ate while seated or standing for at least the four [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 183:9, Mishna Brurah 183:31, Tosafot [[Berachot]] 51b, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 84, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:6. Shulchan Aruch mentions that it should be recited sitting in order to have the proper intent and one shouldn't be lying down but rather it should be recite with awe.</ref>
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#Some say that one should wear a hat during Birkat Hamazon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 183:11</ref> There is a dispute if the same is true of Al Hamichya.<ref>Dirshu 183:11 cites the Steipler, Rav Chaim Kanievsky, and Rav Chaim Zonenfeld that one should wear a hat for Al Hamichya, while Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Sheinberg held that one didn't have to.</ref>
#Some say that one should wear a hat during Birkat Hamazon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 183:11</ref> There is a dispute if the same is true of Al Hamichya.<ref>Dirshu 183:11 cites the Steipler, Rav Chaim Kanievsky, and Rav Chaim Zonenfeld that one should wear a hat for Al Hamichya, while Rav Shlomo Zalman and Rav Sheinberg held that one didn't have to.</ref>


==If one left where one ate==
===Saying Birkat HaMazon Out Loud===
 
#One should recite Birkat HaMazon loud enough that one can hear oneself say the words, however if one said it quietly one fulfills one’s obligation as long as one enunciated the words with one’s lips and didn’t just read or think it.<ref>S”A 185:2, Mishna Brurah 185:2, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94, Mikor Chaim 101:2. Birkei Yosef 185:2 as well as the Shaare Teshuva 185:1 say in the name of the Sefer Charedim that if you cannot hear yourself most poskim hold that you didn't fulfill your obligation and based on that the Chesed La'alafim 185:1 and Ben Ish Chai Chukat 7 says that you should eat more bread and say [[birkat hamazon]]. However, Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94-95 says this is based on a mistaken understanding of the sefer charedim and most poskim including rif, rambam, rosh, behag, sheiltot, eshkol, Smag, Raah, Meir, Ra'avyah, Or Zarua, Rabbeinu Yerucham, Orchot Chayim, Riaz, Tur and Shulchan Aruch all hold that you have fulfilled your obligation as long as you enunciated the words with your lips and therefore you wouldn't need to go back to eat more bread. </ref>
#It’s better to say Birkat HaMazon out loud in order to inspire having proper intent and also on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] it’ll help make sure one doesn’t forget adding the appropriate paragraphs.<ref>Mishna Brurah 185:3 </ref>
 
==Complications==
===If One Left The Location Where He Ate===


#If one ate and left that place intentionally, one must return to the place where one ate and if one made Birkat HaMazon in the second place one has fulfilled one’s obligation after the fact. If one ate and left that place unintentionally, one should return to the place where one ate unless there’s a great need.<ref>S”A 184:1, Mishna Brurah 184:5, 184:7 </ref>
#If one ate and left that place intentionally, one must return to the place where one ate and if one made Birkat HaMazon in the second place one has fulfilled one’s obligation after the fact. If one ate and left that place unintentionally, one should return to the place where one ate unless there’s a great need.<ref>S”A 184:1, Mishna Brurah 184:5, 184:7 </ref>
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#According to Ashkenazim, [[Al HaMichya]] should be said in the place where one ate and so if one left it would have the same law as Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 184:12 quoting the Gra </ref>
#According to Ashkenazim, [[Al HaMichya]] should be said in the place where one ate and so if one left it would have the same law as Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Mishna Brurah 184:12 quoting the Gra </ref>


==If one is in doubt if one said Birkat HaMazon==
===If One Is Unsure if He Recited Birkat HaMazon===


#If one ate and was full and now is unsure whether one said Birkat HaMazon, preferably one should have another [[Kezayit]] (upon which one should wash and say [[HaMotzei]]) and then say Birkat HaMazon, however, the strict law is that one should said Birkat HaMazon in cases of doubt.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 184:4, Mishna Brurah 184:15, Kaf HaChaim 184:15, Yalkut Yosef 184:3</ref> Some say that if a person was full because of all of the food he ate and not because of the bread alone he shouldn't repeat Birkat Hamazon if he's in doubt. Others don't distinguish.<ref>*Pri Megadim E"A 184:8 has a doubt whether someone who was full because of the rest of the food he ate is obligated in Birkat Hamazon Biblically or he is only Biblically obligated if he is full because of the bread. Tzlach Brachot 48a s.v. mdkatal assumes like the second explanation of the Pri Megadim. Biur Halacha 184:6 s.v. bkezayit cites the Pri Megadim but discusses whether the Radvaz 6:2224 (cited by Shaarei Teshuva 197) is a proof against the Pri Megadim. The Radvaz says that if one completed becoming full on bread he is Biblically obligated to say Birkat Hamazon and he isn't clear whether one started to eat other food or bread as part of another meal. Chazon Ish OC 34:3 agreed with the Pri Megadim and says that one isn't Biblically obligated unless one is primarily full on the bread. Daf Al Hadaf Brachot 48a cites Kitvei Madmor Mgur 33 from the Sfat Emet who rejects the proof from Brachot 48a and sides with the Pri Megadim. Divrei Shalom OC 2:46 has the same rejection.
#If one ate and was full and now is unsure whether one recited Birkat HaMazon, preferably one should have another [[Kezayit]] (upon which one should wash and say [[HaMotzei]]) and then say Birkat HaMazon, however, the strict law is that one should said Birkat HaMazon in cases of doubt.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 184:4, Mishna Brurah 184:15, Kaf HaChaim 184:15, Yalkut Yosef 184:3</ref> Some say that if a person was full because of all of the food he ate and not because of the bread alone he shouldn't repeat Birkat Hamazon if he's in doubt. Others don't distinguish.<ref>*Pri Megadim E"A 184:8 has a doubt whether someone who was full because of the rest of the food he ate is obligated in Birkat Hamazon Biblically or he is only Biblically obligated if he is full because of the bread. Tzlach Brachot 48a s.v. mdkatal assumes like the second explanation of the Pri Megadim. Biur Halacha 184:6 s.v. bkezayit cites the Pri Megadim but discusses whether the Radvaz 6:2224 (cited by Shaarei Teshuva 197) is a proof against the Pri Megadim. The Radvaz says that if one completed becoming full on bread he is Biblically obligated to say Birkat Hamazon and he isn't clear whether one started to eat other food or bread as part of another meal. Chazon Ish OC 34:3 agreed with the Pri Megadim and says that one isn't Biblically obligated unless one is primarily full on the bread. Daf Al Hadaf Brachot 48a cites Kitvei Madmor Mgur 33 from the Sfat Emet who rejects the proof from Brachot 48a and sides with the Pri Megadim. Divrei Shalom OC 2:46 has the same rejection.
*Daf Al Hadaf Brachot 48a cites Kovetz Bet Aharaon Vyisrael 16:5:9 who tries to prove that all foods combine to a Biblical obligation of Birkat Hamazon from Rashi (though Rashi is in disagreement with the Bahag). Also cited there are the Halachot Ketanot 2:227 and Keren Ldovid 48 who agree. Baal Hameor Brachot 29a s.v. amar seems to be a clear proof against the Pri Megadim. Divrei Shalom shows how the Baal Hameor might not be a proof. Igrot Moshe OC 4:41 agrees with Halachot Ketanot. Halacha Brurah (Otzrot Yosef 7:6) holds that although it is a dispute if one is in doubt one should repeat Birkat Hamazon since there is a safek safeka, since some rishonim hold that eating a kezayit generates a Biblical obligation, and even according to the other rishonim some hold that all of the foods in the meal combine to a Biblical obligation. He quotes that his father in Halichot olam (v. 2 Chukkat n. 6), Yechava Daat 6:10 in note, and Chazon Ovadia Brachot p. 238 agrees.
*Daf Al Hadaf Brachot 48a cites Kovetz Bet Aharaon Vyisrael 16:5:9 who tries to prove that all foods combine to a Biblical obligation of Birkat Hamazon from Rashi (though Rashi is in disagreement with the Bahag). Also cited there are the Halachot Ketanot 2:227 and Keren Ldovid 48 who agree. Baal Hameor Brachot 29a s.v. amar seems to be a clear proof against the Pri Megadim. Divrei Shalom shows how the Baal Hameor might not be a proof. Igrot Moshe OC 4:41 agrees with Halachot Ketanot. Halacha Brurah (Otzrot Yosef 7:6) holds that although it is a dispute if one is in doubt one should repeat Birkat Hamazon since there is a safek safeka, since some rishonim hold that eating a kezayit generates a Biblical obligation, and even according to the other rishonim some hold that all of the foods in the meal combine to a Biblical obligation. He quotes that his father in Halichot olam (v. 2 Chukkat n. 6), Yechava Daat 6:10 in note, and Chazon Ovadia Brachot p. 238 agrees.
*Based on the Pri Megadim, Divrei Shalom concludes that if a person has a doubt if he said Birkat Hamazon and was only full because of the other foods and not just because of the bread he shouldn't repeat the Birkat Hamazon. Ben Ish Chai Chukkat 10, Kaf Hachaim 184:24, and Or Letzion 2:13:6 agree.</ref>
*Based on the Pri Megadim, Divrei Shalom concludes that if a person has a doubt if he said Birkat Hamazon and was only full because of the other foods and not just because of the bread he shouldn't repeat the Birkat Hamazon. Ben Ish Chai Chukkat 10, Kaf Hachaim 184:24, and Or Letzion 2:13:6 agree.</ref>
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*[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=19550&st=&pgnum=33 Teshuva M'ahava 2:234] writes that since it is a safek safeka (similar to the case of Shach's klalei safekot YD 110:16) the woman should be exempt like the Pri Megadim 186 E"A writes about this case. Halacha Brurah (Otzrot Yosef 7:7) has the same logic. However, he believes that she should make the birkat hamazon since (1) according to the Rif she's obligated to recite birkat hamazon from the Torah, (2) even if it is a safek if she's obligated like the Rambam, perhaps she can recite the bracha since potentially making a bracha levatala is only derabbanan and (3) fulfilling a mitzvah which is the bracha itself when there is a doubt and a potential Biblical obligation is permitted even according to the Rambam. His conclusion is that she can recite the birkat hamazon but it is better for her to eat more and repeat birkat hamazon or to read the birkat hamazon without enunciating the words with her lips (hirhur).</ref>
*[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=19550&st=&pgnum=33 Teshuva M'ahava 2:234] writes that since it is a safek safeka (similar to the case of Shach's klalei safekot YD 110:16) the woman should be exempt like the Pri Megadim 186 E"A writes about this case. Halacha Brurah (Otzrot Yosef 7:7) has the same logic. However, he believes that she should make the birkat hamazon since (1) according to the Rif she's obligated to recite birkat hamazon from the Torah, (2) even if it is a safek if she's obligated like the Rambam, perhaps she can recite the bracha since potentially making a bracha levatala is only derabbanan and (3) fulfilling a mitzvah which is the bracha itself when there is a doubt and a potential Biblical obligation is permitted even according to the Rambam. His conclusion is that she can recite the birkat hamazon but it is better for her to eat more and repeat birkat hamazon or to read the birkat hamazon without enunciating the words with her lips (hirhur).</ref>


==How long does one have to say Birkat HaMazon?==
===How Long Does One Have to Recite Birkat HaMazon?===
{{How Long Does One Have to Recite Birkat Hamazon}}
{{How Long Does One Have to Recite Birkat Hamazon}}


==Minimum amount of bread==
===One Who Does Not Know Birkat HaMazon In Its Entirety===


#One is not obligated to recite Birkat HaMazon unless one eats a minimum of a [[Kezayit]] of bread.<ref>S”A 168:9, 184:6, and 210:1 </ref> The amount of bread necessary in order to make [[HaMotzei]] and [[Netilat_Yadayim_for_a_meal|Netilat Yadayim]] are discussed in the articles specific to those topics.
#If one only knows the first three [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon one should say those [[Brachot]], however, if one only knows some of the first three [[Brachot]] but not all of them, according to Sephardim, he shouldn’t say Birkat HaMazon at all, but according to Ashkenazim, if he was full then he should say the [[Brachot]] he knows.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 194:3, Mishna Brurah 194:13 </ref>
#How large is a kzayit of bread? According to Ashkenazim the [[Kezayit]] is slightly less than one ounce of volume. A good approximation is half the center piece of a 1 lb rye bread.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] Addendum 1, pg 246 </ref> According to Sephardim the [[Kezayit]] is 27 grams in weight.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 158:4 </ref> For more specific halachot about [[Kezayit]], see the [[Halachot of Kezayit]].


==In any language==
===Regarding Reciting Birkat Hamazon While Drunk===


#It’s preferable to say Birkat HaMazon in Hebrew, but strictly speaking it is permissible to say it in any language one understands.<ref>S”A 185:1, Mishna Brurah 185:1 </ref>
#[[Avoiding Davening After Drinking Intoxicating Beverages]]
 
==Saying it aloud==
 
#One should say Birkat HaMazon loud enough that one can hear oneself say the words, however if one said it quietly one fulfills one’s obligation as long as one enunciated the words with one’s lips and didn’t just read or think it.<ref>S”A 185:2, Mishna Brurah 185:2, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94, Mikor Chaim 101:2. Birkei Yosef 185:2 as well as the Shaare Teshuva 185:1 say in the name of the Sefer Charedim that if you cannot hear yourself most poskim hold that you didn't fulfill your obligation and based on that the Chesed La'alafim 185:1 and Ben Ish Chai Chukat 7 says that you should eat more bread and say [[birkat hamazon]]. However, Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94-95 says this is based on a mistaken understanding of the sefer charedim and most poskim including rif, rambam, rosh, behag, sheiltot, eshkol, Smag, Raah, Meir, Ra'avyah, Or Zarua, Rabbeinu Yerucham, Orchot Chayim, Riaz, Tur and Shulchan Aruch all hold that you have fulfilled your obligation as long as you enunciated the words with your lips and therefore you wouldn't need to go back to eat more bread. </ref>
#It’s better to say Birkat HaMazon out loud in order to inspire having proper intent and also on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] it’ll help make sure one doesn’t forget adding the appropriate paragraphs.<ref>Mishna Brurah 185:3 </ref>


==Reciting Birkat Hamazon in the Presence of Feces or Urine==
===Reciting Birkat Hamazon in the Presence of Feces or Urine===


#It’s forbidden to say any Bracha or Torah within 4 [[amot]] of feces. However, after the fact, if one said Birkat HaMazon one should say Birkat HaMazon again, but if one said Birkat Mazon within 4 [[amot]] of urine one doesn’t go back to make Birkat Hamazon.<ref>S”A 185:4, Mishna Brurah 185:7-8 </ref>
#It’s forbidden to say any Bracha or Torah within 4 [[amot]] of feces. However, after the fact, if one said Birkat HaMazon one should say Birkat HaMazon again, but if one said Birkat Mazon within 4 [[amot]] of urine one doesn’t go back to make Birkat Hamazon.<ref>S”A 185:4, Mishna Brurah 185:7-8 </ref>


==Who's obligated to say Birkat HaMazon==
==Bracha of the Guest (Birkat HaOreach)==
 
#There is a dispute whether women are obligated in Birkat HaMazon on Torah level or only Rabbinically. Therefore, if a woman ate bread and is full and is now unsure whether she said Birkat HaMazon, there’s is a dispute whether she should say it to be sure and there’s what to rely on to make it to be sure. Additionally, a woman can fulfill the obligation of a man if he listens to her Birkat HaMazon, however, she shouldn’t fulfill his obligation if the man ate to satisfaction but rather one if he ate a [[Kezayit]] and not to satisfaction.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:1, Mishna Brurah 186:3. See Shitat HaKadmonim (last page of bava kama) referenced on the [[Mitzvot_Aseh_SheHazman_Grama]] page regarding the obligation of women in Birkat HaMazon. </ref>
#A child, who isn't yet [[Bar Mitzvah]]'ed, is obligated to say Birkat HaMazon on a derabbanan level because of [[Chinuch]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:2. Rav Moshe HaLevi (Birkat Hashem v. 2, p. 317) writes that after the fact a child who said the Birkat HaMazon in order to fulfill the obligation of an adult has fulfilled his obligation. Rabbi Mansour on [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1584 dailyhalacha.com] quotes this as halacha. </ref>Therefore, a child can't fulfill the obligation of an adult who doesn't know how to say Birkat HaMazon unless the adult didn't eat until he was satisfied, otherwise the adult is obligated on a deoritta level to say Birkat HaMazon and can't fulfill his obligation with that of a child.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 186:2. Mishna Brurah 186:6 writes that a child shouldn't fulfill the obligation of a woman because perhaps the woman's obligation is deoritta whereas the child's is only derabbanan. Mishna Brurah 186:7 adds that there is a dispute whether a child who didn't eat to satisfaction can fulfill the obligation of an adult considering that the child is only obligation by force of two derabbanan factors. He concludes that one should be stringent. </ref>
#Some say that children from the age of 6 should say Birkat Hamazon.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1584 Rabbi Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] writes that parents should ensure that children from the age of 6 say Birkat HaMazon.</ref>
 
==One Who Does Not Know Birkat HaMazon In Its Entirety==
 
#If one only knows the first three [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon one should say those [[Brachot]], however, if one only knows some of the first three [[Brachot]] but not all of them, according to Sephardim, he shouldn’t say Birkat HaMazon at all, but according to Ashkenazim, if he was full then he should say the [[Brachot]] he knows.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 194:3, Mishna Brurah 194:13 </ref>
 
==Bracha of the Guest==


#A guest should bless the homeowner who provided the food for the meal.<ref>Gemara Brachot 46a. Smag Asin 27 and Avudraham (Birchat Halechem s.v. vamrinan) cite a source from chazal that learns the idea of blessing the homeowner from the pasuk ואכלת ושבעת וברכת את ה'  that את includes the bracha of a guest for the homeowner. Encyclopedia Talmudimit (Orach fnt. 72) cites the same from the Roke'ach 319.</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to recite shortened bracha "הרחמן הוא יברך את בעל הבית הזה" but it is better to recite the full text of the bracha "יהי רצון שלא יבוש ולא יכלם בעל הבית הזה לא בעולם הזה ולא בעולם הבא ויצליח בכל נכסיו ויהיו נכסיו מוצלחים וקרובים לעיר ולא ישלוט שטן במעשי ידיו ואל יזדקק לפניו שום דבר חטא והרהור עון מעתה ועד עולם".<ref>The full text is found in the Gemara Brachot 46a and is codified by Shulchan Aruch 201:1. The Mishna Brurah 201:5 points out that the minhag is to recite a shortened text of the bracha but really we should recite the longer one. Piskei Teshuvot 201 fnt. 9 cites the Teshuvot Vehanhagot 2:122 writes that the Griz was careful to say the text of the Gemara. He also cites the Sidur Yavetz who disapproves of the shortened text.</ref>
#A guest should bless the homeowner who provided the food for the meal.<ref>Gemara Brachot 46a. Smag Asin 27 and Avudraham (Birchat Halechem s.v. vamrinan) cite a source from chazal that learns the idea of blessing the homeowner from the pasuk ואכלת ושבעת וברכת את ה'  that את includes the bracha of a guest for the homeowner. Encyclopedia Talmudimit (Orach fnt. 72) cites the same from the Roke'ach 319.</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to recite shortened bracha "הרחמן הוא יברך את בעל הבית הזה" but it is better to recite the full text of the bracha "יהי רצון שלא יבוש ולא יכלם בעל הבית הזה לא בעולם הזה ולא בעולם הבא ויצליח בכל נכסיו ויהיו נכסיו מוצלחים וקרובים לעיר ולא ישלוט שטן במעשי ידיו ואל יזדקק לפניו שום דבר חטא והרהור עון מעתה ועד עולם".<ref>The full text is found in the Gemara Brachot 46a and is codified by Shulchan Aruch 201:1. The Mishna Brurah 201:5 points out that the minhag is to recite a shortened text of the bracha but really we should recite the longer one. Piskei Teshuvot 201 fnt. 9 cites the Teshuvot Vehanhagot 2:122 writes that the Griz was careful to say the text of the Gemara. He also cites the Sidur Yavetz who disapproves of the shortened text.</ref>
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#The bracha of a guest is said on Shabbat and Yom Tov and it isn't considered asking requests on Shabbat since it is part of the regular brachot we say everyday.<ref>Divrei Shalom 2:49 based on Bet Yosef 188:4 quoting the Shibolei Haleket</ref>
#The bracha of a guest is said on Shabbat and Yom Tov and it isn't considered asking requests on Shabbat since it is part of the regular brachot we say everyday.<ref>Divrei Shalom 2:49 based on Bet Yosef 188:4 quoting the Shibolei Haleket</ref>


==Making Birkat HaMazon Over Wine==
==Making Birkat HaMazon Over Wine (Benching Al HaKos)==


#It’s preferable to make a Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine when making a [[Zimmun]] of three.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 182:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:1, Mishna Brurah 182:4. The Zohar Bamidbar 245b clarifies that there's no obligation to make a birkat hamazon over wine unless there is at least a zimmun of three. Yalkut Yosef 182:1 cites the Zohar and adds that one shouldn't do a birkat hamazon over a cup when he is saying birkat hamazon himself but if one still wants to he shouldn't pick up the cup.</ref>
#It’s preferable to make a Birkat HaMazon over a cup of wine when making a [[Zimmun]] of three.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 182:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:1, Mishna Brurah 182:4. The Zohar Bamidbar 245b clarifies that there's no obligation to make a birkat hamazon over wine unless there is at least a zimmun of three. Yalkut Yosef 182:1 cites the Zohar and adds that one shouldn't do a birkat hamazon over a cup when he is saying birkat hamazon himself but if one still wants to he shouldn't pick up the cup.</ref>
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#The cup of wine should be filled up completely.<ref>Rama 183:2</ref>
#The cup of wine should be filled up completely.<ref>Rama 183:2</ref>
#The cup of wine must have a [[Reviyit]] as a minimum, but it is preferable to have it filled up completely. Some have the practice to fill it up so that it spills over the sides and some don't fill it up so much that it spills over.<ref>Rama 183:2, Mishna Brurah 183:9</ref>
#The cup of wine must have a [[Reviyit]] as a minimum, but it is preferable to have it filled up completely. Some have the practice to fill it up so that it spills over the sides and some don't fill it up so much that it spills over.<ref>Rama 183:2, Mishna Brurah 183:9</ref>
==Regarding Reciting Birkat Hamazon While Drunk==
#[[Avoiding Davening After Drinking Intoxicating Beverages]]
==Clearing the Table==
#One should leave some bread on the table why he says [[birkat hamazon]].<ref>Contemporary Questions in Halacha and Hashkafa pg. 90, Shulchan Aruch 180:2 based on the Gemara in Sanhedrin 92a which says that if you don't leave bread on the table you will not see a sign of blessing. Mishna Brurah 180:2 writes that this is so we can have bread ready in case poor people come in hungry.  </ref> If no bread remains one should place some other bread on the table.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=2588 Rabbi Eli Mansour] </ref>
#Some have the practice of removing the knife before birkat hamazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 180:5. See [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=5/20/2009 Rabbi Mansour's article] for several different explanations of this custom. </ref> This applies on Shabbat and weekdays, and with plastic or metal knives.<ref>[http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=5/20/2009 Rabbi Eli Mansour] </ref> This is not necessary for al hamichya of boreh nefashot after a snack.<ref>Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:136:2 </ref>
#One shouldn't clear the table while saying Birkat Hamazon but after the fact if one did one does fulfill one's obligation.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 183:10</ref>


==Text==
==Text==
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#The practice is that on days [[Musaf]] is not recited in davening, the pasuk recited at the end of Birkat Hamazon is recited as magdil (מגדיל) yeshuot malko, while on days that [[Musaf]] is recited, it is changed to Migdol (מגדול) yeshuot malko.<ref>Ben Ish Chai Year 1, Parashat Chukat: Halacha 19 writes that this is based on mystical reasons </ref>
#The practice is that on days [[Musaf]] is not recited in davening, the pasuk recited at the end of Birkat Hamazon is recited as magdil (מגדיל) yeshuot malko, while on days that [[Musaf]] is recited, it is changed to Migdol (מגדול) yeshuot malko.<ref>Ben Ish Chai Year 1, Parashat Chukat: Halacha 19 writes that this is based on mystical reasons </ref>
#At the end of [[Birkat HaMazon]] for [[Melava Malka]], some authorities hold that one should say say "migdol yishuot malko" like on [[shabbat]] itself, instead of "magdil yishuot"<ref>Kaf Hachaim 189:11</ref>, while others say that one should say the regular "magdil yishuot" on [[Melava Malka]] just like during the week.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 300:4) </ref>
#At the end of [[Birkat HaMazon]] for [[Melava Malka]], some authorities hold that one should say say "migdol yishuot malko" like on [[shabbat]] itself, instead of "magdil yishuot"<ref>Kaf Hachaim 189:11</ref>, while others say that one should say the regular "magdil yishuot" on [[Melava Malka]] just like during the week.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 300:4) </ref>
===In any language===
#It’s preferable to say Birkat HaMazon in Hebrew, but strictly speaking it is permissible to say it in any language one understands.<ref>S”A 185:1, Mishna Brurah 185:1 </ref>


==Related Pages==
==Related Pages==
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