Birkat Hamazon: Preliminary Tehillim

It is customary recite a preliminary chapter of Tehillim before reciting the birkat hamazon after meals. On weekdays, the general custom is to recite chapter 137, "al naharot bavel", which is intended to remind us of the destruction of Jerusalem and the current exile.[1] The Zohar states that one who derives pleasure from bread and enjoys the taste of foods is required to remember the Holy Land and the Beit Hamikdash after every meal.[2] On Shabbat, and other festive days when such sobering thoughts are not appropriate, chapter 126, "shir hama'alot", is recited instead which speaks about the future redemption.[3] Some also recite "shir hama'alot" when in the presence of a special guest.[4] These Tehillim should be recited before washing one's hands at the end of the meal ("mayim achronim").[5]

It is recorded that there were great rabbis who had the practice to recite "shir hama'alot" before reciting birkat hamazon every single day of the year. [6] The only exception to this was on Erev Tisha B'av, when they too would recite the "al naharot bavel" in order to better prepare themselves emotionally for the onset of Tisha B'av. It seems that that this was also the custom of the Baal Shem Tov, the Arizal, and other kabbalists. The reason for the custom to always substitute "al naharot bavel" with "shir hama'alot" was in order to be "b'simcha", to be happy whenever possible, and reciting "al naharot bavel" cant help but make one sad.[7] Rabbi Shlomo Aviner records that Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook would not recite "al naharot bavel" but rather he would recite "shir hama'alot" at each meal, as a result of our return to Eretz Yisrael.[8] Many Sefardim and Chassidim also recite "lamnatze'ach" and other preliminary readings before the birkat hamazon. Reciting a chapter of Tehillim before the birkat hamazon also allows one to fulfill the requirement that every meal include words of Torah. There is even a view that the recitation of birkat hamazon itself is a fulfillment of the requirement for every meal to include words of Torah.[9]

Based on the teachings of the Arizal, some individuals also have the custom of reciting additional Scriptural verses prior to reciting the birkat hamazon, most notably: "Tehillat Hashem", "Hodu L'hashem", and "mi yemalel", among others.[10] The origin for reciting these verses is unclear. There is reason to suggest, however, that these verses were regarded as a segula, that one should always have food to eat. As such, it is especially appropriate to recite them during one's meal or as part of the birkat hamazon in the hopes that one will never go hungry.[11] It is also suggested that these supplementary verses were chosen because they parallel the themes of the blessings of the birkat hamazon.[12] Those who recite these additional verses should do so after having washed mayim achronim.[13] One should also take a few moments before birkat hamazon to contemplate the great mitzva which one is about to perform. [14]

[1] Mishna Berura 1:11

[2] Zohar;Teruma 154b, Rite and Reason p.193

[3] Magen Avraham O.C. 1:5, Aruch Hashulchan O.C. 181:9. See also Mishna Berura 267:1

[4] Rite and Reason p.199 note 18

[5] Aruch Hashulchan 181:9

[6] Piskei Teshuvot 182 note 60

[7] Minhag Yisrael Torah 1:3

[8] Iturei Yerushalayim #26

[9] Bartenura;Avot 3:3, Salmat Chaim 170

[10] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 157:22 (they are from Tehillim 145:21, 115:18, 107:1, 106:2)

[11] Otzar Hatefillot siddur (Ashkenaz, vol. 1 p. 474), cited by Rabbi Gil Student at: http://hirhurim.blogspot.com/2005/09/tehillas-hashem.html

[12] Rite and Reason p.194

[13] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 157:22

[14] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 183:46