Bracha

In Judaism, a ''berakhah'', ''bracha'', ', ' (; pl. , ''berakhot'', ''''; "benediction," "blessing") is a formula of blessing or thanksgiving, recited in public or private, usually before the performance of a commandment, or the enjoyment of food or fragrance, and in praise on various occasions.

The function of a ''berakhah'' is to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing. It can be both a declaration of dependence and an expression of gratitude for God and his gifts. Berakhot also have an educational function to transform a variety of everyday actions and occurrences into religious experiences designed to increase awareness of God at all times. For this purpose, the Talmudic sage, Rabbi Meir, declared that it was the duty of every Jew to recite one hundred ''berakhot'' every day.

The Mishnah of tractate Berakhot, and the gemara in both Talmuds contain detailed rabbinical discussions of ''berakhot'', upon which the laws and practice of reciting blessings are founded.

''Berakhot'' typically start with the words "Blessed are You, Lord our God..."

One who hears another recite a ''berakhah'' answers with ''amen;'' but one who is engaged in prayer may at certain points be forbidden from other speech, including responding ''amen.'' With few exceptions, one does not respond amen to his or her own ''berakha,'' although other prayers—such as the kaddish—include "amen" in their text. Provided by Wikipedia