When to Say What
“Al Hamichyah” is recited after consuming foods made from the five grains (wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt) that do not qualify as bread. The fore-blessing “Mezonot” corresponds with the after-blessing “Al Hamichyah.”
- “Al Hagefen” is recited after drinking wine or grape juice.
- “Al Haaretz v’al Hapeirot” is said for the special fruits with which the Land of Israel was blessed: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.
If one partakes in a combination of these foods, their blessings should be combined by adding the appropriate words in parentheses.
Al Hamichyah in English
Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, for…
- After food prepared from the five grains: “…the sustenance and for the nourishment…”
- After wine or grape juice: “…(and for) the vine and for the fruit of the vine…”
- After grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, or dates: “…(and for) the tree and the fruit of the tree…”
“…for the produce of the field, and for the precious, good, and spacious land which You have graciously given as a heritage to our ancestors, to eat of its fruit and to be satiated with its goodness. Have mercy, L-rd our G‑d, on Israel Your people, on Jerusalem Your city, on Zion the abode of Your glory, on Your altar, and on Your Temple. Rebuild Jerusalem, the holy city, speedily in our days, and bring us up to it and make us rejoice in it, and we will bless You in holiness and purity.”
Transliteration
Bah-rookh ah-tah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo meh-lekh hah-oh-lahm…
- After food prepared from the five grains: “…ahl hah-meekh-yah vih-ahl hah-kahl-kah-lah…”
- After wine or grape juice: “…(vih)-ahl hah-geh-fehn vih-ahl pih-ree hah-geh-fehn…”
- After grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, or dates: “…(vih)-ahl hah-aytz vih-ahl pih-ree hah-aytz…”
“…vih-ahl tih-noo-vaht hah-sah-deh vih-ahl eh-rehtz khehm-dah toh-vah oor-khah-vah sheh-rah-tzee-tah vih-heen-khahl-tah lah-ah-voh-tay-noo leh-eh-khohl mee-peer-yah vih-lee-boh-ah mee-too-vah rah-khaym nah ah-doh-noi eh-loh-hay-noo ahl yees-rah-ayl ah-mehkhah vih-ahl yi-roo-shah-lah-yeem ee-reh-khah vih-ahl tzee-ohn meeh-kahn kih-voh-deh-khah vih-ahl meez-bih-kheh-khah vih-ahl hay-khah-leh-khah oov-nay yi-roo-shah-lah-yeem eer hah-koh-desh beem-hay-rah vih-yah-may-noo vih-hah-ah-lay-noo lih-toh-khah vih-sahm-khay-noo vah oo-niv-ah-reh-khih-khah beek-doo-shah oov-tah-hah-rah.”
Conclusion
The Al Hamichyah blessing is a meaningful and spiritually enriching prayer, acknowledging God’s provision and expressing gratitude for the sustenance provided. Whether said after eating grain products, drinking wine, or consuming special fruits, this blessing connects the physical act of eating with spiritual consciousness, highlighting the deep connection between the Jewish people and their heritage.
