BROCHAS
Dear Family,
I hope everyone is well.
In Elul we experience a greater closeness to Hashem, and what came to my attention this week which I would like to share, is the making of brochas ie blessings.
Everything in the world belongs to Hashem, and by making brochas when we benefit from these items, we are acknowledging that they belong to Hashem, and expressing our gratitude (Gemorra Brachos and Sotah)
The Zohar states that only by saying a brocha can one receive brochas.
Rabeinu Bechaye explains this as follows. When one does not say a brachah, one places oneself under the control of nature, (which is limited) and thus not allowing a connection to the Source which is above nature (from where brochas to us can arise)
The Rebbe taught that not only should we make sure that a child never eats without saying a brochah, but we should also give them snacks to increase the opportunities for making brochas.
There is a beautiful short brachah for children to say after eating bread instead of birkat hamazon in Aramaic as follows:
'Brich Rachmana Elahana, Malka dealma, Mara dehai pita.' - Blessed is the Merciful one, our G-d, King of the world, the Master of this bread.
(I presume adults can also say this if circumstances dictate)
To summarise briefly the categories of brochas from Rambam: (Sefer Ahavah, Hilchot Brachot)
1. There is one Scriptural Command, and that is to bless Hashem after eating a meal - Birkat hamazon (ie after a meal where one has washed for bread)
The rest of brochas that we say were established by the Rabbanim,
2. Those said over items from which we derive benefit, as follows:
A. To recite appropriate blessing before eating any food or drink.
a. Fruit of trees - etz
b. Fruit of earth and vegetables - adamah
c. Other foods eg cheese, fish, meat, drinks etc - shehakol d. The 7 species of Eretz Yisrael have special brochas
B. To bless after eating food or drink
C. To bless before smelling pleasant fragrances.
a. Scent of trees - atzei besamim
b. Scent of herbs - isvei besamim
c. Other scents - minei besamim
3. Blessings before doing a mitzvah
4. Blessings of praise and thanks.
Gut Shabbos to all.