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#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]]. | #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 | ===Who Is 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> | #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> | ||
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===Interruptions in 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 | # 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 Brurah 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> | ||
#According to Ashkenazim, one should finish before the mezamen (the one who lead the [[Zimmun]]) finishes each Bracha so that one can answer [[Amen]] to his Bracha | # According to Ashkenazim, one should finish before the mezamen (the one who lead the [[Zimmun]]) finishes each Bracha so that one can answer [[Amen]] to his Bracha. However, the Sephardic minhag is not to answer [[Amen]] during Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Halacha Brurah 183:27</ref> | ||
#One shouldn't interrupt in the first three [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Barchu]] | # One shouldn't interrupt in the first three [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Barchu]]. However, in the middle of the fourth Bracha one may answer [[Kaddish]] or [[Kedusha]] as long as one already said Baruch Atta Hashem Elokenu Melech HaOlam and part of the middle of the Bracha.<ref>Yabia Omer 1:11, Yalkut Yosef 183:5</ref> | ||
#It is proper not to interrupt in middle of the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon | # It is proper not to interrupt in middle of the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon. However, according to the strict halacha it is permissible to interrupt at that point, yet if one is [[making Birkat HaMazon over wine]] one shouldn't interrupt.<ref>Yalkut Yosef O.C. 183:1 (vol 3, p 265). <br> | ||
#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> | The Ben Ish Chai (Chukat Halacha 18) writes that it is forbidden to speak about mundance matters, and adds that this is especially true if one plans to say birkat hamazon Al Hakos (with a cup of wine).</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> | ||
#If one was traveling on the road and ate while traveling he may say Birkat HaMazon also while traveling.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:11, Mishna Brurah 183:36 </ref> | #If one was traveling on the road and ate while traveling he may say Birkat HaMazon also while traveling.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:11, Mishna Brurah 183:36 </ref> | ||
#One should sit while making a [[Bracha Achat Mein Shalosh]] at least when it’s for [[Mezonot]] ([[Al HaMichya]]).<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:10, Mishna Brurah 183:35 quoting the Gra </ref> | #One should sit while making a [[Bracha Achat Mein Shalosh]] at least when it’s for [[Mezonot]] ([[Al HaMichya]]).<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:10, Mishna Brurah 183:35 quoting the Gra </ref> | ||
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===Saying Birkat HaMazon Out Loud=== | ===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> | # 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 | # It’s better to say Birkat HaMazon out loud in order to inspire having proper intent and also because on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] it’ll help ensure that one doesn’t forget to add the appropriate paragraphs.<ref>Mishna Brurah 185:3 </ref> | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
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#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> | ||
==Bracha of the Guest (Birkat HaOreach)== | ==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 O.C. 182:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:1, Mishna Brurah 182:4. <br> The Gemara in Pesachim 105b states that Birkat Hamazon requires a cup of wine but does not explain when. Shulchan Aruch 182:1 quotes 3 opinions from the Rishonim: | |||
# Even an individual who is reciting Birkat Hamazon should do so with a cup of wine. This is the opinion of Tosfot Pesachim 105b s.v. shma, Tur 182:1, Rabbenu Yerucham 16:7, and Rabbenu Yonah Brachot 37b s.v. gemara cited by Bet Yosef. | |||
# Only when 3 people are together, must they recite it over a cup of wine. This is the opinion of the Ri and Rabbenu Elchanan cited by Hagahot Maimon Brachot 7:15:60. | |||
# Even 3 people are not required to. This is the opinion of the Rambam Brachot 7:15, Rif 26a, Ran 26a s.v. gemara, and Smag 27 cited by Hagahot Maimon and Bet Yosef. <br> | |||
The Rama adds that all opinions agree that it is preferable to do so. Mishna Brura 182:4 writes that although Shulchan Aruch doesn't show preference for any of the 3, the Maharshal and the Bach are strict that if you have 3, you must have a cup of wine. The Mishna Brura himself concludes that it is certainly preferable to do so, but one is not obligated. Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 182:3 agrees.</ref> If you are saying birkat hamazon alone, it should not be done over a cup of wine.<ref>see previous note. Although the Tur writes that one should have a cup of wine even when reciting birkat hamazon alone, 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> | |||
# Although there doesn't seem to be any differentiation between Shabbat and Yom Tov as opposed to a regular weekday, some people have the practice to use a cup of wine only on Shabbat and Yom Tov.<ref> See Rivevot Ephraim 1:150 who suggests that this could be that since we are not technically obligated to use a cup of wine for even with 3 people, people only really make an effort to be strict in this regard when they have more free time on Shabbat and Yom Tov. Yalkut Yosef 182: 1: in the footnote adds that it could be because we are trying to get to 100 berachot. <br> | |||
see also [https://outorah.org/p/5702/ Rabbi Ari Zivotovsky] regarding special occasions</ref> | |||
# When reciting Birkat Hamazon over a cup of wine, one should raise up the cup of wine a [[Tefach]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:4 states that when making Birkat Hamazon over a cup of wine one should raise it up a [[Tefach]].</ref> | |||
#However, if one doesn’t have wine in the house one may use [[Chamar Medina]] (a drink which is drunk in the country but isn’t water).<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 45:1, Mishna Brurah 182:14 </ref> | |||
# If one drank from the cup of wine the cup is considered tainted and unfit for making on it Birkat HaMazon until one fixes it by filling it up with wine or water.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 182:3 and 182:6</ref> | |||
# The cup used in [[making Birkat HaMazon over wine]] should be washed out in the inside and outside before it is used, however, if it is already clean it doesn't need to be cleaned.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 183:1</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> | |||
# If one doesn't have a cup of wine or grape juice for making birkat hamazon over a cup of wine one may nonetheless eat the meal and it isn't necessary to fast.<ref>Tur 182:1 writes that if one doesn't have enough wine for birkat hamazon over a cup of wine he should fast. However, Magen Avraham 182:1 disagrees. Also, Shulchan Aruch records the opinions that doing a zimmun isn't absolutely necessary, it is just preferable. Mishna Brurah 182:2 concurs with the Magen Avraham.</ref> | |||
==Text== | |||
===Bracha of the Guest (Birkat HaOreach)=== | |||
#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> | ||
===Magdil/Migdol=== | ===Magdil/Migdol=== | ||
#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 | ===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> | # 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== | ||
*[[Bracha Achrona]] | *[[Bracha Achrona]] | ||
* [[Zimmun]] | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Brachot]] | [[Category:Brachot]] | ||
