Birkat Hamazon - Hakatzar

Birkat Hamazon Hakatzar is based on the views of the Rambam and the other Rishonim. If one is unable to say the full version that is customary, one may say this version, even initially as a first choice.

Rabbi Yitzchak Abadi zt"l (Lakewood-Jerusalem)

Included:

• Birkat HaMazon Hakatzar
• Birkat HaMazon Hakatzar (English Version)
• Mein Shalosh
• Tefilat Hadrech

We grow up knowing that we must say Birkat Hamazon after eating bread. We sing it, mumble it, whisper it, and usually swallow most of it. At the same time we make all types of gestures to each other. The whole process is annoying to us. We avoid washing at all costs in order to avoid saying Birkat Hamazon. We find a Rabbi to say Pita, rolls, and Pizza are all Mezonot.

Why? What is the fear of Birkat Hamazon? It’s because for most people it is too long. It is a major commitment. And if they do say it, they cannot always concentrate that long.

Originally, the text of Birkat Hamazon was never really fixed or formatted by our Rabbis. The Talmud has specific basic wording required, but otherwise the exact text varied from community to community. Throughout the generations, many Rabbis created shortened versions of Birkat Hamazon, to accommodate their society.

Rabbi Yitzchak Abadi zt"l printed the Birkat Hamazon in a shortened form. The wording is almost exactly as in the Rambam.

The exact Halachic perspective and explanations are written in Hebrew in his Sefer Ohr Yitzchak. The ultimate goal is to have everyone saying Birkat Hamazon and hopefully even concentrating on its meaning. This Birkat Hamazon will give us the opportunity to make a blessing rather than sound like a parrot. This version is perfectly acceptable for all ages, both men and women even as a first choice.