Birkat Hamazon or bentching (Grace After Meal) is a set of Hebrew blessings recited after ordinary meals and chanted aloud on special occasions like Shabbat and Jewish festivals. Grace After Meals is a prayer expressing our appreciation to God for providing us our needs.
- During Shabbat and Yom Tov, start by singing the Shir Ha-ma’alot before saying the bentching.
- Before saying Grace After Meals, clean your fingertips (Mayim Acharonim). Fill a cup with water.
- Pass this around. Each person should pour a little amount of water from the cup into a bowl.
- Remove the cup and bowl from the table after everyone has washed their fingertips.
- Recite the blessings.