Related reading: Shabbat Evening Kiddush: Printable PDF and Explanation and Avinu Malkeinu Printable PDF and Explanation.

Birkat HaMazon, the Grace after Meals, is one of the most familiar blessings in Jewish daily life. It is said after a meal that included bread, and it is a simple, powerful act of thanks: after eating, we pause to acknowledge the One who provides food for all. This page offers a clear, safe opening version with Birkat HaZan in Nusach Ashkenaz, and it links to a full source for those who want the complete text.

This page is original educational content and does not replace a siddur, a full birkon, community rite or halachic guidance. Because the full Birkat HaMazon includes several blessings and additions that change by day, holiday and rite, we deliberately present the opening and Birkat HaZan and point to a full source, rather than printing an incomplete version as if it were the whole.

What Is Birkat HaMazon?

Birkat HaMazon, "the Grace after Meals," is a series of blessings recited after eating a meal with bread. Its heart is gratitude. Where many prayers ask for something, Birkat HaMazon looks back at what has already been given: nourishment, sustenance, and the daily kindness of a table with food on it.

The first blessing is Birkat HaZan, "the blessing of the One who sustains." It praises God who feeds the whole world with goodness, grace, kindness and mercy, and who gives bread to all flesh. That is the section this page presents in full, together with a clear explanation.

When Is Birkat HaMazon Said?

Birkat HaMazon is said after a meal that included bread, according to halachah and the custom of the home. It is said on ordinary weekdays, on Shabbat, and on festivals, and its wording gains additions on special days, so the exact text varies by occasion, community and rite.

Before printing or publishing an official version, check the siddur or birkon used by the community: Ashkenaz, Sephard, Edot HaMizrach, Chabad, or another local rite.

What Do You Need?

To say Birkat HaMazon after a meal, it helps to have:

Birkat HaZan: The Opening Blessing

Birkat HaZan is the first of the blessings of Birkat HaMazon. Here is the Hebrew text, a transliteration to help with reading, and a translation of its meaning.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ, בְּחֵן בְּחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים. הוּא נוֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכָל בָּשָׂר, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ. וּבְטוּבוֹ הַגָּדוֹל תָּמִיד לֹא חָסַר לָנוּ, וְאַל יֶחְסַר לָנוּ מָזוֹן לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד, בַּעֲבוּר שְׁמוֹ הַגָּדוֹל, כִּי הוּא אֵל זָן וּמְפַרְנֵס לַכֹּל וּמֵטִיב לַכֹּל, וּמֵכִין מָזוֹן לְכָל בְּרִיּוֹתָיו אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַזָּן אֶת הַכֹּל.

Transliteration: Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam, ha-zan et ha-olam kulo be-tuvo, be-chen be-chesed u-ve-rachamim. Hu noten lechem le-khol basar, ki le-olam chasdo. U-ve-tuvo ha-gadol tamid lo chasar lanu, ve-al yechsar lanu mazon le-olam va-ed, ba-avur shemo ha-gadol, ki hu El zan u-mefarnes la-kol u-metiv la-kol, u-mekhin mazon le-khol beriyotav asher bara. Barukh atah Adonai, ha-zan et ha-kol.

Meaning: Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who sustains the whole world with goodness, with grace, kindness and mercy. He gives bread to all flesh, for His kindness endures forever. Through His great goodness we have never lacked, and may we never lack food, forever and ever, for the sake of His great name; for He is God who nourishes and sustains all and does good to all, and prepares food for all His creatures whom He created. Blessed are You, Lord, who sustains all.

Birkat HaZan is the first blessing of Birkat HaMazon; the full grace continues with further blessings, and with additions for Shabbat and festivals.

Why We Show Only the Opening Here

The full Birkat HaMazon includes several sections and additions that change by day, holiday and rite. To avoid publishing an incomplete version as if it were complete, this page presents the opening and Birkat HaZan and links to a full source. This allows safe use in learning while preserving halachic and textual accuracy.

What Should a Birkat HaMazon Printable Include?

A good printable sheet should be short, dignified and useful. It does not replace a full birkon; it can prepare the heart and help beginners follow along.

For a family PDF, keep it to one clean page: a short introduction, the opening Birkat HaZan with transliteration, one line on when it is said, and a note pointing to a full birkon for the complete text. For a community version, add a short "local custom" note with room for the chosen rite.

Shabbat Quiz: Questions About Birkat HaMazon

Use these short questions in a family or classroom quiz:

  1. After which kind of meal is Birkat HaMazon said?
  2. What is the name of the first blessing of Birkat HaMazon?
  3. Is Birkat HaMazon mostly a request or mostly thanks?
  4. Why does the wording change on Shabbat and festivals?
  5. Why is it best to use a full siddur or birkon for the complete text?

Suggested CTA: Open a family Shabbat quiz and add a "blessings" round — after the meal, see who remembers the blessings, then say Birkat HaMazon together from a full birkon.

Source and License

Based on the Nusach Ashkenaz text of Birkat HaMazon on Wikisource, under a CC BY-SA license. Reviewed on 2026-06-22 against Wikisource — Siddur / Nusach Ashkenaz / Birkat HaMazon.

FAQ

Why is the full text of Birkat HaMazon not printed here?

So as not to publish a partial or mixed version as if it were complete. This page shows a verified opening section (Birkat HaZan) and links to a full source according to a specific rite.

When is Birkat HaMazon said?

Birkat HaMazon is said after a meal that included bread, according to halachah and family custom. Wording and additions vary by day, holiday and rite.

What is Birkat HaZan?

Birkat HaZan is the first of the blessings of Birkat HaMazon. It thanks God, who sustains the whole world with goodness, grace, kindness and mercy, and gives food to all.

Do you need a full siddur to say Birkat HaMazon?

For the complete text it is best to use a siddur or a full birkon, since the wording changes on Shabbat, festivals and other occasions. A short study sheet can prepare the heart, but does not replace a full text.