January | 2018 | Onward Israel

Orthodox Ashkenazi Daytime Kiddush (Text & Audio)

This post presents a printable PDF file containing the Hebrew, English and transliterated text of the daytime Kiddush, as well as a slow, clear audio recording of the blessings sung to a popular melody.

Abbreviated Grace After Meals: The Four Blessings

This post includes the Hebrew text of the abbreviated version of the Grace After Meals, along with a printable PDF file that contains the English translation and transliteration. This shortened version of the

Women and Zimmun

This two page article by Jennifer Breger summarizes the complicated subject of a women’s participation in a “Zimmun,” (literally, “invitation”) the opening verses of the Grace After Meals recited responsively when people have

Alternative Blessings, Food for Thought, and Thought for Food

This two page PDF document includes a variety of blessings, meditations, teachings and customs to be performed before, during and after eating in order to elevate this seemingly mundane physical act into a

One Line Grace After Meals

The one-line version of the Grace After Meals, presented below in Aramaic, English and transliterated, has been adopted for general use in many Conservative communities. Some Conservative prayer books include this Aramaic phrase along

Introduction to the Grace After Meals

This thorough and informative article explains the structure, content, and development of the Grace After Meals, as well as some spiritual intentions behind the ritual and explanations of various customs. Due to its

Yemenite/Baladi Grace After Meals (Hebrew Text)

This post presents the Hebrew text for the Nusach Baladi Grace After Meals used by many Yemenite Jews. The blessing is preceded by the recitation of Psalm 23 and Psalm 77. Nusach Baladi

A Poetic Translation of Shir Hama’alot (Psalm 126)

This post presents Shim’on Menachem’s poetic and nuanced translation and interpretation of Psalm 126, which is traditionally recited before the Grace After Meals by Ashkekazi Jews on Shabbat, holidays, and other days on which the

An Emotive Rendition of the Priestly Blessing

This video presents a musical version of the Priestly Blessing, part of the blessing over the children traditionally recited on Friday nights. Sung in both Hebrew and English, the video also provides the

The Origins and Meaning Behind the Blessing Over the Children

In this 3:17 long video, Rabbi Spike Anderson from the Reform Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta explains the origins and meaning behind the custom of blessing the children on Friday night. He recites the