Birkat HaMazon and Jerusalem

This week’s parasha, the third from the book of Devorim, is Ekev, where we learn of the sole Biblical source for the mitzva to recite Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals. Written by Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, this commentary, “Halacha from the Sources: Birkat HaMazon and Zemirot Shabbat,” was published by the Halacha Education Center.

The third prayer within this Grace service is the heartfelt tefillah for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. According to tradition, this prayer was written by King David, asking for G-d’s compassion toward the people and land, with King Solomon adding a segment on behalf of the Temple. Rabbi Rimon deals extensively with this central paragraph, explaining its content as well as the purpose for its recitation in what is otherwise a prayer of thanks for just food:

“An analysis of this beracha reveals that it is constructed of two parts. The first is a general request to protect the nation and the city of Jerusalem, whereas the second is a personal request that G-d supply us with everything we need, so that we do not need to rely on other people.”

Rabbi Rimon continues:

“The Torah describes sustenance as emanating from the Temple, teaching us that whenever we eat, we should view our actions as connected with G-d’s home in Jerusalem. Even when we eat outside of Jerusalem, we mention Jerusalem in our blessing.”

Rabbi Rimon continues further on this theme with the following observation:

“At a deeper level, one can explain that the link to the Temple also elevates our eating spiritually. Drawing on the connection between one’s consumption and G-d and the Temple creates a self-awareness that is reflected in our conduct. This is demonstrated by the Torah’s description of ma’aser sheni, which must be eaten in Jerusalem before G-d. The Torah states that the reason for this requirement is to require people to come and eat before G-d in Jerusalem.