Berakhah

Berakhah (also spelled beracha, berakhah, or b'racha) is a Hebrew term meaning “blessing.” In Jewish tradition it refers to a short liturgical formula recited before or after a specific act, in order to acknowledge God as the source of the experience or to express gratitude. The practice is rooted in the biblical injunction to bless God for the gifts of sustenance, miracles, and daily life, and it is codified in the oral and written law.

A berakhah generally follows a set structure: the opening phrase “Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha‑olam” (“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe”) followed by a brief statement identifying the reason for the blessing, such as “shehakol nih’yeh bidvaro” (“who creates all things by His word”) for food, or “asher yatzar” for bodily functions. There are also blessings for prayers, commandments, special occasions, and moments of gratitude. The Mishnah and Talmud discuss the appropriate contexts, wording, and etiquette, including the requirement that the person be in a state of mental clarity and that the blessing be uttered before the act it sanctifies.

Berakhot (the plural) form one of the 63 tractates of the Talmud, reflecting the centrality of blessings in Jewish life. In modern practice, many Jews recite berakhot daily, and the tradition has been adapted into various denominations, ranging from literal observance to more symbolic or educational uses. The concept underscores a theological perspective that sees divine presence infused in ordinary actions, fostering mindfulness and gratitude.