Giving thanks for Our Food

When we bless our food we are acknowledging a higher power; the creator of the food, and thanking Him/Her for providing the food for us.  Eating is primal and most of us do it without giving it much thought.  As Jews the Torah tells us that before putting the food in our mouth, we must pause for a moment, say a very simple blessing and then proceed with eating.   

One does not have to believe in God to recite a blessing giving thanks for food; just remember that we live in a world and even a country where many go hungry.  And remember the food, did not just appear on our plate, many people played a part in bringing it to us.  Giving thanks for our food can transform even the simplest meals into something special.

Bread 

This is the blessing that most of us are familiar with.  Recite this blessing if your meal contains bread if not then pick one of the other blessings listed 

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם, המוציא לחם מן הארץ.‏

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam hamotzi lehem min ha'aretz.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Fruit

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם, בורא פרי העץ

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam borei p'ri ha'eitz.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.

Vegetables

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם, בורא פרי האדמה.

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam borei p'ri ha'adamah.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates the fruit of the ground.

Grains

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם, בורא מיני מזונות.

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam borei minei mezonot.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who creates varieties of nourishment.

Miscellaneous Food (meat, poultry, eggs, fish, dairy products, candy)

ברוך אתה ה' א‑לוהינו מלך העולם, שהכל נהיה בדברו

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha'olam shehakol niyah bidvaro.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, at whose word all came to be.

If you need more info on the Blessing for food, check this site out Brochos.com