BIRKAT HAMAZON - Grace After Meals for Shabbat

The origin of  the Birkat Hamazon comes from Deuteronomy 8:10 which states:

Deuteronomy 8:10
So you will eat and be satisfied, and you will bless Adonai your God for the good land he has given you. (CJB)

Before grace is actually said on Shabbat, we lead into it by singing Psalm 126.

Psalms Chapter 126  תְּהִלִּים
1 A Song of Ascents.When the LORD brought back those that returned to Zion, we were like unto them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the nations: 'The LORD hath done great things with these. 3 The LORD hath done great things with us; we are rejoiced. 4 Turn our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the dry land. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 Though he goeth on his way weeping that beareth the measure of seed, he shall come home with joy, bearing his sheaves.' (JPS) 

More on Birkat Hamozon can be found at the following link:
 http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/grace.html

This will be the last in a series of posts to this website until I find someone to help add more content.
I would like to add Sheva Brachot and El Malei Rachamim, but can not do so at this time. Others may wish to add other liturgical content. At some later date I will be adding a section for worship songs that I've had the pleasure to sing over the years. Until then, I wish you and your loved ones the very best of life and Hashem's blessings.

Audio for Birkat Hamazon pgs 42 thru 63 
Audio for Birkat Hamazon pgs 64-Nodeh, thru 67
 
Sorry about the quality here; did this on the phone. 

Learn Hebrew - Free Online

Want to learn how to read or speak or brush up on Hebrew at home without spending a fortune on expensive Language software or DVDs? Check the following links below. I'm certain that these websites represent just a fraction of what is available out there.

"Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazek - Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!" - the traditional declaration recited at the conclusion of the reading of each of the Five Books of the Torah.

May we be strengthened in our journey in the language of our people and also for every worthwhile endeavor.

http://www.ulpan.net/

http://www.cartoonhebrew.com/alef

http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/7_home.html

http://www.beverlyhillschabad.com/reading-hebrew/pages/title-page.htm

Havdalah - Concluding the Shabbat

Havdalah - הַבְדָּלָה

Havdalah means separation and is recited over a cup of wine and fragrant spices that we might use all five senses in making the distinction between Sabbath and the remaining days of the week, between the sacred and the profane, light and darkness.

"Havdalah, marking the end of the Sabbath, is attributed to the men of the Great Assembly (Berakhoth 33a). The introductory passage Hinei El Yeshuati, consisting of biblical verses,
is of latter origin. According to Maimonides, the symbolic use of fragrant spices during the recital of the Havdalah is to cheer the soul which is saddened at the departure of the Sabbath. When a festival follows immediately after the Sabbath the spices are omitted, because the soul then rejoices with the incoming holiday. The wine for the Havdalah is allowed to flow over as a symbol of the overflowing blessing expected in the coming week. It is customary to cup the hands around the candle and to gaze at the finger-nails. The reflection of the light on the finger-nails causes the shadow to appear on the palm of the hand, thus indicating the distinction "between light and darkness" mentioned in the Havdalah. A twisted candle of several wicks is used since the phrase more' ha-esh ("lights of fire") is in the plural. The custom of dipping the finger in the wine and passing it over the eyes alludes to Psalm 19:9 where G-d's commands are described as " enlightening the eyes."" - Birnbaum

After the blessings are said everyone sings Eliyahu HaNavi as we look forward to the possibility of Messiah's coming in the coming week, as heralded by the appearance of Eliyahu the prophet. For more on Havdalah please see the following links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havdalah
http://www.headcoverings-by-devorah.com/Shabbat_Havdalah.html

Hinei El y'shuati, evtach v'lo efchad.
Ki ozi v'zimrat Yah Adonai vay'hi li lishuah.
Ush'avtem mayim b'sason mimaay'nei hay'shuah.
L'Adonai hay'shuah, al am'cha virchatecha, selah.
Adonai tz'vaot imanu, misgav lanu, Elohei Yaakov, selah.
Adonai tz'vaot, ashrei adam botei-ach bach!
Adonai hoshiah; haMelech yaaneinu v'yom koreinu.
LaY'hudim hay'tah orah v'simchah v'sason vikar;
kein tihyeh lanu.
Kos y'shuot esa, uv'shem Adonai ekra. 

script and transliteration from -  http://www.reformjudaism.org

Behold G-d is my Deliverance (Salvation) ; I will trust and will not be afraid; truly the L-rd is my strength and my song; He has delivered me indeed. Joyfully  shall you draw upon the fountains of  deliverance (salvation). Is is for the L-rd to bring help; my G-d thy blessing be upon thy people. The L-rd of  hosts is with us; the G-d of Jacob is our Stronghold. L-rd of hosts, happy is the man who trusts in thee. O L-rd, save us; may the King answer us when we call. The Jews had light and joy, gladness and honor. So be it with us. I will take the cup of deliverance (salvation), and will call upon the name of the L-rd. 
Isaiah 12:2-3; Psalms 3:9; 46:12, 84:13, 20:10; Esther 8:16; Psalm 116:13 - Birnbaum Siddur 
note: the word salvation is not part of Birnbaum's translation.

Hinei El Yeshuati - Audio - thanks to Yisrael and Yoshi for this melody

From the Sim Shalom Siddur.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן.

Baruch atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha-olam bore' peri ha-gafen
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים.

Baruch atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha-olam bore' minei vesamim
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates species of fragrance.

  .בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵי הָאֵשׁ
Baruch atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha-olam bore' m'orei ha-esh
Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the illuminations of the fire.

Havdalah Blessings Audio - melody by Debbie Friedman




בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמַּבְדִיל בֵּין קֹֽדֶשׁ לְחוֹל, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹֽשֶׁךְ, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַמִּים,  
בֵּין יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי לְשֵֽׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַמַּעֲשֶׂה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמַּבְדִיל בֵּין קֹֽדֶשׁ לְחוֹל. 
Baruch atah Hashem Elokeinu Melech ha-olam ha-mavdil bein kodesh lechol bein or lechoshech bein Yisrael la-amim bein yom hashevi'i lesheshet yemei ha-ma'aseh Baruch atah Hashem ha-mavdil bein kodesh lechol
Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular], between light and darkness, between Yisrael and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who separates between holy and secular.
(Havdalah Blessings and Hamavdil Blessing transliterations and translations from:)
http://www.headcoverings-by-devorah.com/Shabbat_Havdalah.html







Some script taken from Kveller Jewish Parenting Blog:
http://www.kveller.com/traditions/Shabbat/havdallah_blessings.shtml

Alternate script, transliteration and translation at - 
http://www.kakatuv.com/pdfs/shabbat-at-homeR/08havdalahR.pdf


Hamavdil Blessing Audio

ELIYAHU HANAVI	ELIJAH THE PROPHET
Eliyahu hanavi Eliyahu hatishbi, Eliyahu hagil'adi - Bim'hera yavoh eleinu, im mashiach ben David. (x2)	Elijah the prophet Elijah the returning, Elijah the giladi - May he soon come to us, with the messiah son of David. (x2)

http://www.hebrewsongs.com/song-eliyahuhanavi.htm


Eliyahu Audio

Shalom Alechem - and Lighting the Shabbat Candles

Shalom Alechem -Peace to You

This prayer or song is attributed to Kabbalists of approximately 350 years ago and is based upon the scriptural ideas of hospitality and peace as summed up in the following verses:
" He will give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. The L-rd will guard you as you come and go , henceforth and forever." - quote from Birnbaum
- see Psalms 91:11: 121:8

Shalom Alechem / Text

Shalom Alechem Audio


Lighting the Shabbat Candles
                       
                    Links:

Tradition and Lighting of Shabbat Candles  

great Shabbat Candles audio / video  

Above page from Sim Shalom Siddur -www.kakatuv.com

Translation: Blessed are you, L‑rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the Holy Shabbat. -http://www.chabad.org/

(Click here for holiday blessings)

With the lighting of the candles, a woman ushers in the holy Shabbat. No "weekday" activities are to be done from that point on, as she has now entered a world of tranquility. -Chabad.org

Adon Olam / Erev Shabbat

Adon Olam - Eternal L-rd

attributed to Solomon ibn Gabirol of Spain. G-d is the beginning and the end, 

" When I sleep, as when I wake, G-d is with me; I have no fear." - Sim Shalom Siddur

HaShem is with us in Olam Hazeh - this life and so will be with us in Olam Habah - the world to come.

Praised be He!

Please refer to the link below for the text and transliteration.

Adon Olam / Text

Adon Olam Audio

Adon Olam Alternate

note: I recorded most of these Liturgical pieces on a computer or with my phone, so please forgive the popping until I am able to upload better quality editions.

Gut Shabbos Haveri!

Mourners Kaddish / Kabbalat Shabbat

Mourners Kaddish


In love we remember those who no longer walk this earth. We are grateful to G-d for the gift of their lives, for the joys we shared, and for the cherished memories that never fade. May G-d grant those who mourn, the strength to see beyond their sorrow, sustaining them despite their grief. May the faith that binds us to our loved ones be a continuing source of comfort, as we invite those who mourn, and those observing Yahrzeit, to praise G-d's name with the words of the Kaddish.
As we recite the Kaddish, we pray that all people throughout the world will recognise G-d's sovereignty in our time. For only to the extent that G-d's sovereignty is felt in the world, can blessing and song, peace and harmony, hope and consolation fill our lives. Thus, in recalling our dead, of blessed memory, we confront our loss in the presence of the congregation with an affirmation of faith. Let those who are in mourning or observing Yahrzeit join in praise of G-d's name.
Sim Shalom Siddur

When in mourning or observing a Yahrzeit we recite the Mourners Kaddish standing acknowledging G-d's sovereignty in life and death. It is a spoken Hymn praising G-d beyond all the means and imaginings that man is capable of.

יִתְגַּדַּל וְיִתְקַדַּשׁ שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא. אמן:
בְּעָלְמָא דִּי בְרָא כִרְעוּתֵהּ וְיַמְלִיךְ מַלְכוּתֵהּ בְּחַיֵּיכון וּבְיומֵיכון וּבְחַיֵּי דְכָל בֵּית יִשרָאֵל בַּעֲגָלָא וּבִזְמַן קָרִיב, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

יְהֵא שְׁמֵהּ רַבָּא מְבָרַךְ לְעָלַם וּלְעָלְמֵי עָלְמַיָּא:

יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִשְׁתַּבַּח וְיִתְפָּאַר וְיִתְרומַם וְיִתְנַשּא וְיִתְהַדָּר וְיִתְעַלֶּה וְיִתְהַלָּל שְׁמֵהּ דְּקֻדְשָׁא. בְּרִיךְ הוּא. בריך הוא:

לְעֵלָּא (בעשי"ת לְעֵלָּא לְעֵלָּא מִכָּל) מִן כָּל בִּרְכָתָא וְשִׁירָתָא תֻּשְׁבְּחָתָא וְנֶחֱמָתָא דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְמָא. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

יְהֵא שְׁלָמָא רַבָּא מִן שְׁמַיָּא וְחַיִּים עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשרָאֵל. וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:
עושה שָׁלום (בעשי"ת הַשָּׁלום) בִּמְרומָיו הוּא יַעֲשה שָׁלום עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:

http://www.onlinesiddur.com/shac/


Please refer to the site below for a complete commentary on the Mourners Kaddish from the Jewish Virtual Library.

Yisgadal v'yiskadash sh'mei rabbaw (Amen) B'allmaw dee v'raw chir'usei v'yamlich malchusei,b'chayeichon, uv'yomeichon, uv'chayei d'chol beis yisroel, ba'agawlaw u'vizman kawriv, v'imru: Amen. (Cong: Amen. Y'hei sh'mei rabbaw m'vawrach l'allam u'l'allmei allmayaw) Y'hei sh'mei rabbaw m'vawrach l'allam u'l'allmei allmayaw. Yis'bawrach, v'yishtabach, v'yispaw'ar, v'yisromam, v'yis'nasei, v'yis'hadar, v'yis'aleh, v'yis'halawl sh'mei d'kudshaw b'rich hu (Cong. b'rich hu). L'aylaw min kol birchawsaw v'shirawsaw, tush'b'chawsaw v'nechemawsaw, da'ami'rawn b'all'maw, v'imru: Amein Y'hei shlawmaw rabbaw min sh'mayaw,v'chayim awleinu v'al kol yisroel, v'imru: Amein Oseh shawlom bim'ro'mawv, hu ya'aseh shawlom, awleinu v'al kol yisroel v'imru: Amein

May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified (Amen.) in the world that He created as He willed. May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days, and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel, swiftly and soon. Now respond: Amen. (Cong Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.) May His great Name be blessed forever and ever. Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, Blessed is He (Cong. Blessed is He) beyond any blessing and song, praise and consolation that are uttered in the world. Now respond: Amen. May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and life upon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen. He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace, upon us and upon all Israel. Now respond: Amen.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/kaddish.html

Ask your Rabbi or family member about taking three steps back and bowing during the last line of this prayer. This symbolizes that you are now exiting the Holy Presence that you had entered during the service by way of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving. You have been acting in your capacity as a priest unto Hashem among a " Priestly Nation " as scripture refers to Israel's role among the nations of the world.

Mourners Kaddish Audio

Alenu / Evev Shabbat

Alenu

According the Sim Shalom Siddur, the Alenu speaks to G-d as the Almighty Creator and King of the Universe. Furthermore, the Alenu informs us that Hashem is the author of time; the first and last the beginning and the end.  In case we don't get what this means, all present declare that we will bend the knee and bow in His presence. Not only do we bow before the Holy One but we proclaim together with the prophets and angelic beings or those dwelling in the "loftiest hights", that all living on earth will someday prostrate themselves before Him and acknowledge that He alone is G-d and King, Supreme over all. The wicked will be turned to Hashem and the false idols destroyed as all of creation is renewed for the purpose of worshiping and joyfully serving the Holy One. Then finally we are left with the mystical proclamation: " That on that day Hashem shall be one and His name one!" (ECHAD). It speaks of a great and terrible time when all will be shaken, great and small; beginning with a time of trial for Israel as was once in Egypt and the subsequent display of G-d's Almighty Sovereignty. However, this time His power will be displayed not against Egypt only, but against the all the Nations of the world who have come against and ravished Israel. Considering the simcha of Shabbat, the Alenu is a very sobering admonition to us to be Still and know that He is G-d the Almighty One. (see all of Zechariah 14) What we find happening in Zechariah 14, will take place because the world will have failed as a whole to observe the admonition contained within the Alenu prayer " You shall know this day, and reflect in your heart, that it is the L-rd Who is G-d in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, there is none else." quote taken from Birnbaum Siddur
- See Deuteronomy 4:39;  Exodus 15:18;  Zechariah 14:9

Alenu / Text

Alenu Audio