Chapter 2: The General Laws applicable to blessings

1. Paying attention to the words upon reciting a blessing:

To properly recite a blessing, one should focus on and understand the words, being aware of whom they are blessing and the reason for the blessing, without letting their mind wander. If someone doesn’t focus on or understand the words of a blessing, some authorities say the blessing is invalid and should be repeated. However, most hold that, especially in Hebrew, the blessing is still valid even without full concentration—except for Birchas Hamazon in other languages, where understanding is required. In practice, blessings which were said without understanding and concentration aren’t repeated due to doubt, but one should always strive to focus and understand while reciting them.

• Life Example: David sits down to eat a piece of bread. As he recites the blessing “Baruch Ata Hashem Elokeinu Melech HaOlam Hamotzi Lechem Min Haaretz,” he focuses carefully on the meaning of each phrase, understanding that he is blessing G-d for providing bread. In this ideal scenario, David fulfills the requirement to pay attention and understand the blessing. On another occasion, Sarah is in a rush and, while reciting the blessing over fruit, allows her mind to wander to unrelated matters. She says the words correctly in Hebrew but realizes afterward she barely thought about their meaning. According to some opinions, if she failed to pay attention, it’s as if she did not say the blessing at all. However, the practical ruling is that as long as she said the words, especially in Hebrew, she is not required to repeat the blessing—though she should strive to concentrate in the future. If Sarah recited Birchas Hamazon in English but did not understand or focus on the words, she would be required to repeat it, since understanding is crucial when the blessing is not in Hebrew. This example demonstrates the importance of understanding and concentration in blessings, especially regarding the key phrases and depending on the language used.

2. Language:

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.

• 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.

3. Not to perform any activity while saying the blessing:

When reciting Birchas Hamazon, performing any activity—even light tasks or mitzvah-related actions—is forbidden, as full concentration is required. For other blessings, one should also avoid activities that require concentration, including Torah study, but simple, non-distracting actions are generally permitted.

• Examples – Distracting activity: You may not wash dishes, check your phone, or even write notes while saying any blessing. Likewise, you may not read a book, answer questions, or learn Torah while reciting a blessing.
• Examples – Not distracting activity: However, holding an object, walking [by blessings that are not required to be recited while sitting in their area], drying one’s hands, fiddling something with one’s fingers, is usually allowed (if it does not distract you) by all blessings other than Birchas Hamazon by which even these activities are forbidden to be done.

Table: Activities Permitted During Blessings

Blessing Type	Permitted Activities	Prohibited Activities
Birchas Hamazon	None—full attention required	Any task, even light or mitzvah-related (e.g., studying Torah, cleaning, texting)
Other Blessings	Simple tasks not requiring concentration (e.g., walking, holding something)	Any action needing attention (e.g., reading, learning Torah, answering questions)

4. Knowing the blessing before you say it:

Upon beginning to say the blessing, one must know which blessing he plans on reciting, in order so when he reaches G-d’s name he knows with what to conclude.

5. The intentions one should have when reciting Hashem’s name:

When reciting Hashem’s names, one should have specific intentions: acknowledging G-d as the master of the universe for Havaya and Adny, and recognizing G-d’s eternal nature and supreme power for Havaya and Elokim, respectively.

Name	Intention
Havaya	G-d as the master of the universe (pronunciation); G-d’s eternal nature—past, present, and future (meaning as written)
Adny	G-d as the master of the entire universe
Elokim	G-d’s power and might; ruler over upper and lower worlds

 6. How to pronounce G-ds name

When written as Alef-Daled (Adonai), the name is typically pronounced with a Chataf Patach as “A-do-nai”. For the Tetragrammaton (Yud-Kei-Vav-Hei), some pronounce it similarly to Adonai, while others use a slightly different vocalization, but the common custom matches the Adonai pronunciation. Sephardic tradition uses “Ad-onaiy” (with a Patach), while Ashkenazic tradition uses “Adonoiy” (with a Kamatz).

7. Saying a blessing with food in one’s mouth:

It is forbidden to say a blessing while food, or any item, is in one’s mouth and it must hence be removed. Nonetheless, Bedieved one fulfills the blessing if he did not do so.

• Example 1: Sarah is chewing gum as she prepares to say a blessing before eating a snack. She remembers the rule and removes the gum from her mouth before reciting the blessing.
• Example 2: David is halfway through a bag of chips when he decides to drink some juice. Before saying the blessing over the juice, he swallows the food in his mouth to ensure he is speaking clearly.
• Example 3: Miriam is about to wash her hands and, not wanting to misplace her ring, holds it between her teeth. She realizes this is inappropriate for reciting the blessing and places the ring aside before proceeding.
• Example 4: While eating crackers, Noah finds his mouth full of crumbs. He takes a moment to clear the crumbs from his mouth before saying a blessing over a new food.
• Example 5: Leah feels that saliva has built up in her mouth, making it hard to speak. Before starting any prayer or blessing, she swallows to make sure her speech is unobstructed.

8. Erva and Tzoa – Reciting blessings near feces, urine, or Erva:

Blessings may not be recited near feces, urine, or exposed genitalia (Erva); and the same rules as for Shema apply regarding these matters. However, Bedieved, if one recited a blessing in an improper area (near feces, urine, or with Erva exposed), they should not repeat the blessing afterward, even for Birchas Hamazon.

• Example 1: Yaakov sits down to eat his lunch in the park. As he prepares to recite the blessing, he notices that a dog has left waste nearby, within a few feet of where he’s sitting. Remembering the law that prohibits reciting blessings near feces, Yaakov moves to a cleaner area, ensuring there’s no visible impurity in the vicinity. Only then does he recite his blessing and begin his meal, observing the requirement to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness during prayer.
• Example 2: David is about to say a blessing on a cup of cold water after his shower while wearing an open robe. He notices that his genitals are not covered. Knowing the law that forbids reciting blessings when his erva is exposed, he closes the belt of his robe, making sure that his body is covered, before reciting the blessing.

9. Alcohol – Reciting blessings when drunk and under the influence of alcohol:

All blessings other than Birchas Hamazon, may be recited even by a very drunk person who cannot say the words properly without mixing them up, unless they are so intoxicated that they lose awareness of their surroundings (“drunk like Lot”), in which case they are exempt from all mitzvot and may not recite any blessings. However, the laws regarding reciting Birchas Hamazon while under the influence of alcohol depend on the degree of intoxication:

Shasuiy: If someone is only slightly drunk (shasuiy)—able to speak fluently and recite words clearly although with a slight stutter or slur —they may recite any blessing, including Birchas Hamazon, even initially.

Shikur: If someone is very drunk (shikur)—so much so that their words are jumbled and unclear— there is debate about whether Birchas Hamazon may be recited and hence initially this situation is to be avoided by one reciting Birchas Hamazon prior to reaching this state of drunkenness. However, if one already reached this state of drunkenness, then Birchas Hamazon is to be said.

Summary: Hence, in summary, we always permit one to recite before and after blessings including Birchas Hamazon in a state of drunkenness, unless it is drunk to the point of total incapacitation like Lot, and it is only initially by Birchas Hamazon that one should avoid doing so.

• Example: David has consumed several drinks and finds himself slurring his words. Nonetheless, he can still recite blessings such as the blessing before eating a snack, as long as he is not so intoxicated that he’s completely unaware (like Lot).
• Example: Sarah attends a festive family meal and enjoys a glass of wine. She feels slightly tipsy but is still able to recite words fluently. When it comes time for Birchas Hamazon (Grace After Meals), she confidently recites the blessing, knowing this is permitted as she can speak clearly. However, her cousin David, who has had much more to drink and is slurring his words to the point of confusion, refrains from reciting the blessing until he regains his composure, understanding that the law possibly forbids reciting blessings in a state of severe intoxication.
• Example: Yaakov attends a celebration and drinks excessively, to the point where he cannot recall where he is, what he is doing, or what has happened during the evening. His awareness is so impaired that he will not remember any of his actions upon sobering up—this is considered being “drunk like Lot.” In this extreme state, Yaakov is exempt from all mitzvot and is not permitted to recite any blessings until he regains his senses.

10. Bathroom – Is it permitted for one to say a blessing if he feels the urge to use the bathroom?

If a person needs to use the bathroom, they are not allowed to recite a blessing at that time.

• Example: Imagine someone is about to eat a meal and feels the urge to use the bathroom. According to the rule, they should first go to the bathroom, and only afterward say the blessing over the food.

11. Yarmulka – Head covering:

One must have their head covered, such as with a Yarmulka, when reciting a blessing. Even married women must cover their heads although single girls do not need to. It is acceptable to offer food to someone not wearing a head covering, though it is proper to suggest they cover their head before making a blessing, unless it might cause offense.

12. Audibility – Hearing one’s own blessing:

One must say blessings loudly enough to hear oneself, but if recited quietly with lips moving, it is still valid. However, just thinking the blessing in one’s mind does not fulfill the obligation except in cases of illness or muteness, in which case one should at least think the blessing. In cases of uncertainty (Safek Bracha Levatala), it is recommended to at least think the blessing since one cannot recite it aloud. However, healthy individuals should not rely on thought alone unless in extreme situations.

• Speaking Audibly: Sarah takes an apple, holds it in her right hand, and says the blessing loud enough for her own ears to hear. She fulfills the requirement of audibility.
• Low Voice but Moving Lips: David is in a library and whispers the blessing quietly, moving his lips so the words are formed, but does not pronounce them loudly. He still fulfills his obligation since the words are articulated, even if barely audible.
• Thinking the Blessing (Unwell): Miriam feels very ill and is unable to speak or even whisper. She thinks the words of the blessing in her mind before eating bread. In her situation, this suffices, especially for the grace after meals.
• Thinking the Blessing (Not Ill): Jacob, completely healthy, only thinks the blessing in his mind without moving his lips before eating. He does not fulfill the obligation, since mere thought is not sufficient.
• Safek Bracha Levatala (Doubt): Leah is unsure if she is required to say a blessing and refrains from verbalizing it due to the halachic principle of doubt. She nevertheless thinks the blessing in her mind, thereby fulfilling some authorities’ view.

13. Holding the item of blessing in one’s hand:

One should only recite a blessing over food, spices, or a mitzvah item when it is in their hand. The item is typically held in the right hand, though some authorities allow left-handed individuals to use their left hand, while others maintain that the right hand should be used regardless. When saying a blessing, food should not be held with a knife, but using a fork or spoon is permitted, as these are considered an extension of the hand. It is important not to recite blessings while wearing gloves; gloves should be removed beforehand. If the blessing was recited before holding the item but the item was present, the blessing does not need to be repeated. However, if the item was not present and only brought after the blessing, the blessing must be recited again.

Scenario	Instruction/Rule
When to say blessing over food, spice, or Mitzvah	Only after the item is in one’s hands
Which hand to hold item	Right hand
Left-handed person	Some Poskim: hold in right hand; Other Poskim: hold in left hand
Holding with knife	Do not hold food with a knife when saying blessing
Holding with fork or spoon	Permitted; vessel is considered like one’s hand
Wearing gloves	Remove gloves before reciting blessing
Blessing said without item in hand, but item in front	No need to repeat blessing
Blessing said without item in hand or in front	Must repeat the blessing

 

14. Standing or Sitting for Blessings:

Blessings over food and drink (Birchas Hanehnin) can generally be said sitting or standing, but the after-blessing Birchas Hamazon (and often Meiyn Shalosh) should be said sitting. Some authorities recommend all food blessings be recited while sitting, and eating itself should always be done sitting. Blessings over mitzvahs (Birchas Hamitzvos) should ideally be recited standing, though sitting is valid after the fact. Blessings of praise (Birchas Hashevach) do not require standing, with Ashkenazi custom favoring standing and Sephardic custom favoring sitting for better concentration. Blessings of thanks (Birchos Hodaah), like Birchas Hagomel, should be recited standing. For blessings over food, to be included in another’s blessing, all should be seated together. For mitzvah blessings, there are differing customs about sitting or standing for listeners.

15. Hefsek – Interruption Between Blessing and Eating

A Hefsek—an interruption—between a blessing and eating is generally forbidden. Hence, after saying a blessing, one should immediately eat without speaking or pausing. If someone talks about unrelated topics before eating, they must repeat the blessing; if the conversation is meal-related, the blessing remains valid but such interruptions should still be avoided. Silent gaps longer than the time it takes to say “Shalom Aleichem Rebbe” are also discouraged, though the blessing does not need to be repeated. Interruptions made for the sake of eating, like cutting a whole fruit after the blessing, are allowed.

16. The Nusach of the blessings and mistakes made in wording:

For a blessing to be valid, it must include God’s name and a reference to kingship, except in certain prayers like Shemoneh Esrei. If essential words—such as “Baruch,” God’s name, “Melech,” or “Haolam”—are omitted from a short blessing, the blessing is invalid and must be repeated. Some words are debated, and when in doubt, one should hear the blessing from someone else. In long blessings, skipping words in the opening or closing may invalidate the blessing, but missing non-essential words in the middle usually does not. There is uncertainty in some cases, so the preferred practice is to hear the blessing again from another.

The wording of blessings was established by the Sages and should not be changed, particularly the key phrases. Short blessings should not be lengthened, and long blessings should not be shortened. If one concludes a blessing with wording different from what the Sages established, the blessing is invalid unless only a secondary word was changed.

Topic	Details
Word “Ata”	Some Poskim: not main Nusach; others: every word is main Nusach
Missed Baruch, Hashem’s name, Melech Haolam	Does not fulfill obligation; must repeat blessing
Other words missed	Questionable; Safek Brachos Lehakel; hear blessing from another
Long blessing – missed middle part	Depends if missed word is part of main Nusach; in doubt, hear blessing again
Changing Nusach – Matbeias Chachamim	Changing main words instituted by sages is an error and invalidates; secondary words may not
Start and end with Baruch	Blessings must begin/conclude as instituted; not permitted to change
Lengthening/shortening blessings	Long blessings may not be shortened, short may not be lengthened; adding/omitting words generally forbidden

17. Fixing a blessing within Kdei Dibbur:

If a blessing is finished incorrectly, it can still be fixed with the correct wording as long as only a brief amount of time has passed, which is 2-3 seconds.