Barechu
Barechu (Hebrew: ברכו, lit. 'to bless'; may also be transliterated as bar'chu or barekhu) is a part of the Jewish prayer service, functioning as a call to prayer.[1] The wording has its origins in Psalms (134: 1-2, 135: 19-20), but the blessing was standardized later, in the Talmud.[2][3]
Practice
[edit]The barechu is recited twice daily (in the morning prayers, shaharit, and in the evening prayers, ma'ariv) as part of the formal public prayer services. It is only recited in the presence of a minyan.[1] In addition to morning and evening prayer services, the barechu is also recited as part of each aliyah (Torah reading).[3]
While the barechu is always read before the Shema, it is common in some communities, particularly Mizrahi and some Chasidic communities, to recite the blessing again at the end of both shaharit and ma'ariv for the benefit of those who arrived late to the service. This has been adopted by many Israeli Ashkenazi communities as well.[2]
The barechu is traditionally only recited while standing. The leader of the service bows at the waist upon reciting the first word (barechu), and the congregation bows as they say the word "baruch."[4]
Text of the prayer
[edit]| Speaker
(Line #) |
Hebrew | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Transliteration | ||
| Leader
(Line 1) |
בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְיָ הַמְבֹרָךְ | Praise Adonai to whom praise is due forever! |
| BAR’CHU et Adonai ham’vorach | ||
| Congregation
(Line 2) |
בָּרוּךְ יְיָ הַמְבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד | Praised be Adonai to whom praise is due, now and forever! |
| Baruch Adonai ham’vorach l’olam va-ed |
See also
[edit]- Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Barekhu". My Jewish Learning. Retrieved 2023-11-17.
- ^ a b Wigoder, G; Skolnik, F; Himelstein, S (2002). "Barekhu ("bless!")". The New Encyclopedia of Judaism (2nd ed.). New York University Press.
- ^ a b "Barekhu". www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ a b "Bar'chu". Temple Sinai. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
- ^ "Bar'chu | Temple Adat Elohim". www.adatelohim.org. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
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