Guide to Daily Brachot: Jewish Blessings for Every Occasion

Brachot (blessings) are praises to God recited throughout the day. They typically begin with 'Baruch Atah Adonai' (Blessed are You, Lord). The Sages teach that we should say 100 blessings daily. Brachot elevate mundane activities into spiritual moments, helping us recognize God's presence in everything we do.

Different foods require different blessings: 1) Hamotzi - on bread. 2) Mezonot - on grain products (cake, cookies, pasta). 3) Hagafen - on grape wine or juice. 4) Ha'etz - on fruits from trees. 5) Ha'adamah - on vegetables and ground-growing produce. 6) Shehakol - on meat, fish, dairy, water, and anything that doesn't fit other categories. When in doubt, Shehakol covers all foods.

After eating, we thank God: 1) After bread - full Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals). 2) After grain products, wine, or the seven species fruits - Al Hamichya/Al Hagefen/Al Ha'etz. 3) After all other foods - Borei Nefashot. The after-blessing should be said within a certain time of finishing eating (approximately 72 minutes, though customs vary).

Judaism has blessings for natural phenomena: Lightning - 'Oseh ma'aseh bereishit' (Who performs acts of creation). Thunder - 'Shekocho u'gevurato malei olam' (Whose power fills the world). Rainbow - 'Zocher habrit' (Who remembers the covenant). Ocean - 'Oseh ma'aseh bereishit'. Beautiful trees or creatures - 'Shekacha lo b'olamo' (Who has such in His world). Seeing a great Torah scholar - 'Shechalak mechachmato lirei'av'.

Before performing commandments, we say a blessing acknowledging God commanded us. Examples: Before lighting Shabbat candles - 'L'hadlik ner shel Shabbat'. Before putting on tefillin - 'L'haniach tefillin'. Before sitting in the sukkah - 'Leishev basukkah'. Before shaking the lulav - 'Al netilat lulav'. The general format is 'asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu' (Who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us).

Shehecheyanu is recited for joyous firsts and special occasions: First time eating a seasonal fruit, new clothes of significance, holidays (first night), new home, and other happy milestones. The blessing thanks God 'Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.' It expresses gratitude for reaching meaningful moments.