Archive for 2018
Chabad Daytime Kiddush
This printable PDF file presents the Hebrew and English text of the daytime Kiddush according to the custom of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidic tradition. The actual blessing over the wine is preceded by Psalm 23,
A Reform Summer Camp’s Abbreviated Grace After Meals with Hand Motions
This almost 3 minute video from URJ Camp Kalsman demonstrates how the campers and staff at this Reform camp recite a shortened version of the traditional Grace After Meals with hand motions that
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
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
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
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
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
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
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