Mishna Brachos: Blessings on Food - Appreciating that which is Good

The sixth chapter of mishna Brachos (tractate Blessings) discusses blessings on food. The halacha (established coded practice) is to say blessings before and after eating. By and large this is a practice that was established by the rabbis. The only blessing that is considered to be required by the Bible is Grace after meals, which is said after eating bread. Its source is the verse, "You will eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem, your God, for the good land He has given you, (Deuteronomy 8:1). This is part of a passage describing the virtues of the land of Israel. Because wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and a reference to dates are mentioned, there is a minor opinion that blessings over these are of Biblical origin as well. Strictly speaking the verse is calling for thanksgiving to God for the land of Israel after dining on its food. However it is easy to infer that blessings over food find favor in the eyes of the Ribono shel olam. The Gemara brings other rationales. One is that everything in the world belongs to God, therefore one should say please and thank you. Another is that a Jew should dedicate praises to God. Verses are brought in support, but they are only reckoned as hints.

The essential blessing before eating is, "Blessed is Hashem, our God, king of the universe; that everything is [by] His word" (בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיָה בִּדְבָרוֹ). This blessing can be said on all foods. However it is genteel to use a one of the five specific blessings when applicable. The blessing, "who creates fruit of trees", is for things like apples and pomegranates.  "Who creates fruit of the soil", would be said on watermelon and tomatoes. It would also be said on all other agricultural products including stalks of celery and roots like potatoes, as the word fruit is used loosely. Mushrooms are not considered a product of the soil because their nourishment comes from organic matter. Therefore sheh hakol would be said on them and likewise with agricultural products that are processed to the point their original form is lost, for example chocolate and coffee. שֶׁהַכֹּל would also be said on animal products and water. 

Because they are considered important, products made of grain flour receive a special bracha. Bread and wine are considered very important, therefore they have unique blessings. Blessings said after foods follow a similar approach. Laws concerning grace after meals are more elaborate because of the added aspect of camaraderie. 

Saying blessings inculcates many good ideas. A person learns to recognize and appreciate good things like tasty nutritious food and the wonderful land that produces them. Also the awareness that there is a God in heaven who bestows gifts on his creations is strengthened. Plus reciting the blessing becomes a vehicle for transforming the mundane into sacred and generally elevating the world from being profane to holy.

לע"נ  האמא מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנ"ח

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