2. Language:^[1]

See the previous Halacha for the full background on this matter!

All blessings, including even Birchas Hamazon which is Biblical, may be recited in any language that one understands [i.e. English, Spanish or Yiddish] and pays attention to while reciting it. Nonetheless, the custom is to recite Birchas Hamazon [and all blessings for that matter] in Lashon Hakodesh [even if one does not understand the language].^[2] Despite the custom, [due to the reasons explained in the previous Halacha] it remains preferable to recite Birchas Hamazon [and other blessings] in a language that one understands, than to say it in Hebrew, if one does not understand the language.^[3]

Lack of Concentration or understanding of language: As explained in the previous Halacha, it is of utmost importance to understand the words that one is saying in the blessing. Lack of understanding or concentration can potentially invalidate the blessing depending on language and on the type of blessing. Practically, as we explained there, Bedieved due to the rule of Safek  Brachos Lihakel, one fulfills his obligation even if he recites a blessing in a language that he does not understand or recites it in a distracted state without paying attention to the words, even if recited in languages other than Hebrew. This, however, is with exception to Birchas Hamazon by which we rule that if it was recited in a language other than Hebrew then lack of understanding or concentration invalidates the blessing and requires it to be repeated.

• Final recommendation: Based on all the above, our final recommendation is as follows: Initially, all blessings should be recited in their Hebrew original after careful study of their words and their meaning. If one does not understand the words and their meaning, then it is actually better to recite the blessings in one’s native language in which one can understand every word, than to say it in Hebrew without understanding every word. However, this itself only applies if one is assured that he will concentrate on the words upon saying them, however, if it is common for one’s mind to wander while saying blessings even in one’s native language, then it is better that he say it in the Hebrew original, then to say it in another language without concentration.^[4]
• Example: Suppose Sarah grew up speaking English and does not understand Hebrew well. When reciting Birchas Hamazon after a meal, she can choose to say it in English if she plans to concentrate and pay attention to the words throughout. This is preferable to reciting it in Hebrew while not understanding the meaning. However, if she finds she often gets distracted and does not focus in English, she should recite it in Hebrew, as tradition suggests.

Summary

It is permissible to recite blessings, including Birchas Hamazon, in any language one understands. While tradition favors reciting blessings in Hebrew, it is actually preferable to say them in a language you fully understand rather than reciting them in Hebrew without comprehension. However, if you are likely to lose focus in your native language, it may be better to recite it in Hebrew. Concentration and understanding are key, especially for Birchas Hamazon, especially in a non-Hebrew language; if you do not understand or pay attention when saying it in a non-Hebrew language, you may need to repeat it.

Table: Language, Understanding, and Blessing Validity

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[1] See Admur 185:1; 206:4; Michaber 185:1; 206:3; Rambam Brachos 1:6; Brachos 40b; Mishneh Sota 32a; Encyclopedia Talmudit Vol. 4 Erech Berachos pp. 299

[2] Admur 185:1; Rama 199:7; Taz 193:2; M”A 193:2; Darkei Moshe 193:1; Bach 193; Elya Raba 185:2; See Chelkas Yoav Tinyana 1

[3] Admur ibid  “although this is the custom, it is proper to be stringent like the first opinion [to only recite it in a language that one understands]”; Admur 185:2 “one must be very careful” [See Tehila Ledavid 193:1 who questions the discrepancy in wording of Admur between 185:1 and 85:2]; 62:2; See Taz ibid; M”A ibid and 199:5;

[4] The reason: As we explained in the previous Halacha, that lack of concentration in the Hebrew language according to some opinions does not invalidate the blessing even by Birchas Hamazon, while lack of concentration in other languages for certain invalidates the blessing by Birchas Hamazon, and according to some opinions, even by other blessings.