| לעילוי נשמת ר' יהודה יוסף בן משה
There is a positive commandment (מצוה דאורייתא) to recite Birchas HaMazon (ברכת המזון) after partaking of bread, as the Torah states, “You shall eat, and you shall be satisfied, and you shall bless the L-ord, your G-od” (Devarim 8:10).
The individual who recites Birchas HaMazon must recite it pleasantly, with an audible voice, and with sincere joy in one’s heart, as the verse in Ruth teaches: “Boaz ate and drank, and his heart was merry” (Ruth 3:7). This verse highlights that Boaz recited the blessing with joy, a model for how we should approach Birchas HaMazon.
Additionally, the Sefer HaChinuch teaches that anyone who recites Birchas HaMazon carefully and sincerely will merit a special blessing from Hashem: their sustenance will be honored and dignified throughout their life.
The Ben Ish Chai explains that the first blessing of Birchas HaMazon was composed by Moshe Rabbeinu, the second by Yehoshua bin Nun, the third by King David, and the fourth by King Shlomo. The initials of these names—Moshe, Yehoshua, David, and Shlomo—spell the word "שדים" (Shin, Dalet, Yud, Mem), hinting at the abundance of blessings that flow from Hashem.
Today: Let us remember to recite Birchas HaMazon after partaking in bread with joy, sincerity, and an audible voice as we connect to this timeless practice and its blessings.
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