Birkat Hamazon - Zimun

When three or more men have eaten a meal together, they are required to recite the introductory zimun before beginning the Birkat Hamazon.[1] Although most authorities rule that the zimun is a rabbinical institution,[2] there are those who insist that its recitation is actually a Torah requirement.[3] The one who leads the zimun should also recite the first paragraph of the birkat hamazon out loud.[4] All those who are present are required to cease eating until the first paragraph has been completed even if they are not participating in the birkat hamazon.[5]

The introductory zimun is slightly enhanced when ten or more men have eaten together. Contrary to popular misconception, there is no requirement to stand, bow, or otherwise rise from one's seat when saying "Eloheinu" in the enhanced zimun, although one may choose to do so.[6] In order to justify the recitation of the zimun, those who have eaten together must have deliberately intended to do so as a single unit (e.g. a family at meal time). It is of no concern if some participants ate at separate tables.[7] One cannot "combine" with other diners in a restaurant or hotel in order to recite the zimun together.[8]

Two people who have eaten together should make an effort to find a third person to join them before they finish eating[9] in order to be able to recite the zimun. If the third person does not wish to eat bread, it suffices for him to eat any other food[10] or drink[11] in order to be able to recite the zimun. When seven people have eaten together they should endeavor to find three more individuals to join them in order to allow them to recite the enhanced zimun.[12] Two people who have eaten meat may recite the birkat hamazon, along with the introductory zimun, with one who has eaten dairy, although the reverse is not so.[13] One who is invited to lead the birkat hamazon should not decline the honor.[14] Women who have eaten as a group may form their own zimun should they so desire[15] though common custom is for them not to do so.[16]

When four or more people have eaten together, each person is independently obligated to recite the birkat hamazon together with the others, along with the introductory zimun. As such, no one should separate himself from the group even if three people will remain and the zimun will still be recited.[17] If some of those participating in the meal must leave early they should ask the entire group to recite the birkat hamazon at that time in order for everyone to be able to benefit from the zimun.[18] In this situation the zimun is not recited again later even if three or more of the participants continued with their meal. This is because once one has already participated in a zimun one cannot do so again in the same meal even if one did not recite Birkat Hamazon at that time.[19] One who knows in advance that one will be required to leave a gathering before Birkat Hamazon will be recited, such as at a wedding, should have in mind before beginning the meal to exclude himself from everyone else for the purpose of zimun and birkat hamazon.[20]

[1] Berachot 45a.

[2] Shaar Hatziun 197:16, 199:19.

[3] Chazon Ish, OC 31:1.

[4] Mishna Berura 193:17.

[5] Rema, OC 200:2.

[6] Piskei Teshuvot 192:4, Rivevot Ephraim 1:140:4.

[7] Mishna Berura 193:18.

[8] Piskei Teshuvot 193:7.

[9] Mishna Berura 193:19.

[10] OC 197:3; Mishna Berura 197:22.

[11] OC 197:2; Mishna Berura 197:20; Teshuvot V'hanhagot 1:183; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 197:5; Rivevot V'yovlot 4:49.

[12] OC 197:2.

[13] Mishna Berura 196:9.

[14] Berachot 55a

[15] OC 199:7, Gra; Devar Chevron 2:178.

[16] Rivevot Ephraim 8:494.

[17] OC 193:1.

[18] Mishna Berura 200:5.

[19] Mishna Berura 200:9; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 200:5.

[20] Igrot Moshe, OC 1:56; Rivevot Ephraim 8:494.