Hamotzi

Hamotzi lechem min ha-aretz is a blessing in Judaism recited before eating bread. The word hamotzi means “who brings forth,” and lechem means “bread.” The blessing expresses gratitude to God for providing bread from the earth and is part of the category of blessings, or berakhot, that accompany daily life and meals.

The standard text in Hebrew is: Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam Hamotzi Lechem Min Ha’aretz. The blessing applies to bread made from the five grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye, or spelt) that has been baked. It is typically recited before the first bite of bread at a meal.

Practice and occasions: The blessing is commonly spoken at most meals that include bread, including Shabbat and Jewish holidays. When two loaves are used on Shabbat or festivals, the blessing is still recited over the two loaves with one blessing, after which the breads are shared. The blessing is followed by other prayers and, after the meal, by Birkat HaMazon (the grace after meals).

Variations and notes: On Passover, matzah has a separate blessing, al achilat matzah, and many communities recite that blessing when eating matzah during the festival. Some grain-based items that are not considered regular bread may require different blessings (such as mezonot). Hamotzi is thus a key element of the Jewish approach to blessings before consuming staple foods.