Birkat Hamazon

The mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon (בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן) appears in Devarim 8:10, Torah · Ekev. The only blessing after eating that is d’oraita. Three core brachot plus one from Yavneh. It is classified as bein adam la-Makom (between a person and G-d) and is part of the daily observance of an observant Jew.

Birkat Hamazon is performed within 72 minutes of finishing. Its frequency is after meals with bread, and a typical performance takes about 5 min. Performing the mitzvah at the prescribed time is part of the hiddur (beautification) of the mitzvah.

The mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon obligates both men and women. Most poskim hold that the obligation applies equally regardless of gender.

Sit down to say it. Three adult men begin with zimun. The full details are codified in Shulchan Aruch and elaborated by the Mishna Berura and contemporary poskim. A practitioner reviews the laws beforehand and consults a rav for unusual situations.

In practice, Birkat Hamazon takes about 5 min per performance, with frequency after meals with bread. Beginners should allow extra time at first to learn the halacha; with practice it becomes a natural and quick part of the day.

Bless Hashem after eating. The mitzvah expresses a core value in avodat Hashem. The Torah itself (Devarim 8:10) is unpacked extensively by Chazal, the Zohar, and the major works of mussar and chassidut throughout the generations.

The primary source is Devarim 8:10 in Torah · Ekev. Comprehensive halachic discussion is in Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Berura. Free bilingual study is available on Sefaria (sefaria.org). In Madreiga, tap "Open app" to study with the daily companion.

Open the Madreiga app, go to the Mitzvot catalog, search for Birkat Hamazon, and tap "Add to my list". The app will remind you at within 72 minutes of finishing and track your daily completion.