בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT EIKEV 5785
Eikev 2
The Blessing After Eating or Drinking
In Judaism, it is customary to say a blessing not only before eating or drinking but also afterward, as an expression of gratitude. This after-blessing (beracha acharona) varies depending on the type of food consumed.
For Jews: Different Blessings After Eating
There are several types of berachot (blessings) after a meal, depending on the amount and type of food:
- Birkat Hamazon – the full grace after meals that include bread.
- Me’ein Shalosh – a shorter blessing said after consuming items such as wine, dates, olives, pomegranates and figs or grain-based cakes.
- Borei Nefashot – for most other foods, like fruits, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks, etc.
For Non-Jews: One Universal Blessing of Thanks
For non-Jews, there is one beautiful and universal beracha (blessing) “Borei nefashot rabbot” that can be said after eating or drinking. It expresses gratitude for all living beings and their needs, and for the fact that God has created all these things to enable life:
Hebrew:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלֹקֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,
בּוֹרֵא נְפָשׁוֹת רַבּוֹת וְחֶסְרוֹנָן,
עַל כָּל מַה שֶׁבָּרָאתָ לְהַחֲיוֹת בָּהֶם נֶפֶשׁ כָּל חָי.
בָּרוּךְ חֵי הָעוֹלָמִים.
Transliteration:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam,
borei nefashot rabbot vechesronan,
al kol mah shebarata lehachayot bahem nefesh kol chai.
Baruch chei ha’olamim.
Meaning (English):
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe,
Who creates numerous living beings and their needs,
for all that You have created to sustain the life of every living soul.
Blessed is the Life of the worlds.
This blessing may always be recited after eating or drinking, regardless of what exactly was consumed. It is a simple yet profound way to acknowledge God as the giver of life and sustenance.
Why Birkat Hamazon and Me’ein Shalosh Are Not Applicable to Non-Jews
After eating bread, Jews recite the extensive grace known as Birkat Hamazon—the Blessing after the Meal. This blessing consists of four separate berachot (blessings), each deeply rooted in Jewish history and identity:
- The first blessing was instituted by Moses (Moshe Rabbeinu) as thanks for the manna—the heavenly bread that the Israelites received in the desert.
➤ This blessing directly relates to the people of Israel. It could be argued that non Jews can recite this blessing. But it would be a problem of keeping customs that Jews don’t do (just reciting one blessing of the four of the grace after meals). - The second blessing was instituted by Joshua son of Nun after the people of Israel entered the Land of Israel. This blessing expresses gratitude for the Holy Land.
➤ This is also specifically connected to the Jewish people and their bond with the land of Israel as a promised land.. - The third blessing was formulated by King Solomon on the occasion of the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem.
➤ An event of religious and national significance for the Jewish people. Non Jews could bring offerings to the Temple, but they couldn’t enter. - The fourth blessing was added by Rabban Gamliel after the tragic events in Betar. During Roman oppression, thousands of Jews were killed, and their bodies were forbidden burial for a long time. When permission was finally granted for burial, this blessing was instituted as thanks for God’s mercy.
All these blessings are closely connected to unique moments in Jewish history. They refer to the land of Israel, the Temple in Jerusalem and events that do not have universal significance for non-Jews.
What About Me’ein Shalosh?
Me’ein Shalosh is a shorter version of Birkat Hamazon and is said after eating or drinking:
• Products made from the five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, rye, oats)—such as cake or pasta (Al HaMichya).
• Fruits of the Seven Species (Shiv’at HaMinim), with which the land of Israel is praised—grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates, and the grains mentioned above (Al HaEtz).
• Wine or grape juice (Al HaGefen).
Like Birkat Hamazon, Me’ein Shalosh is tied to the land of Israel and its spiritual significance for the Jewish people. Therefore, these blessings are not applicable to non-Jews.
Quantity and Blessings for Non-Jews
In Jewish halacha, there are minimum amounts established for reciting blessings after eating or drinking:
- At least 86 ml (about 3 fluid ounces) of a drink
- At least 28 grams of food
For Jews, if the amount consumed is below these limits, one is exempt from saying a bracha acharona (blessing after eating).
However, according to many rabbinical authorities, this rule does not apply to non-Jews. The quantity thresholds are only relevant for Jews. This means that non-Jews could recite a blessing after eating any amount—no matter how small. Thus, even if a non-Jew takes just a sip or a crumb they should recite the blessing Borei Nefashot Rabot.
What if you are unsure whether to say a bracha?
There is a general halachic principle:
“Safek berachot lehakel” — When in doubt about saying a blessing, we are lenient and avoid saying it.
This means: if you are not sure whether you should say a bracha, it is preferable not to say it, so as to avoid using God’s Name unnecessarily.
Practical advice
To avoid confusion or mistaken blessings, it is advisable for non-Jews to:
- Always eat more than 28 grams or drink more than 86 ml,
so that you can confidently say the correct bracha acharona:
Borei Nefashot Rabot.
In this way, you respect both halachic principles while preventing unnecessary doubt.
Blessings (Brachot) for Non-Jews — Before, After, and Handling Mistakes
| Situation | What to Do / Which Blessing to Say | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Before Eating/Drinking | Blessing Before: | |
| – Known fruit of tree or earth | Say the appropriate blessing (e.g., Borei Pri Ha’etz for tree fruits, Borei Pri Ha’adama for earth vegetables) | Learn the correct bracha for each type of food |
| – Unsure if fruit is from tree or earth | Say a universal blessing: “Blessed are You… who created everything by His word”, or you could say Adama. | Used when unsure which bracha to say |
| – Eating different types (tree & earth) | Say the blessing over the tree fruit first, then over the earth fruit | For example, apple (tree), then potato (earth) |
| After Eating/Drinking | Blessing After: | |
| – For Non-Jews: Always say | Borei Nefashot Rabot | Universal blessing thanking God for all living things and their needs |
| – Less than 28g eaten or 86ml drunk | Non-Jews should still say a bracha | Rambam holds that minimal quantities don’t apply to non-Jews |
| – Other opinions: When in doubt, do not say a bracha | To avoid unnecessary mention of God’s name when unsure | Practical advice: eat or drink more than the minimal amount to avoid doubt |
| When Mistakes Are Made Beforehand | ||
| – Unsure if bracha was already said | Do not say it again | Avoid unnecessary repetition of God’s name |
| – Wrong bracha said (earth instead of tree) | Say a blessing of praise afterward, no new bracha needed | The bracha is incorrect but still valid enough |
| – Wrong bracha said (tree instead of earth) | Say a blessing of praise afterward, then say the correct bracha | First a praise, then the proper blessing |
Want to learn more…see part 3 in the youtube serie of Rabbi Tuvia Serber
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback
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