Birkas Hazimun

Q. What is Birkas Hazimun?

A. After eating bread, there is a Biblical obligation to recite Birkas Hamozon. If three or more men eat together, the group recites an introductory prayer known as Birkas Hazimun before beginning Birkas Hamozon.

The word zimun means an invitation. The zimun is an invitation to the group to praise G-d together by reciting Birkas Hamozon in unison. One member of the group is designated to lead the zimun. Through a series of phrases, the leader invites the participants to join in the recitation of Birkas Hamazon, and the recipients respond affirmatively.

Is zimun a Biblical or Rabbinic obligation? This is a matter of dispute, The Chofetz Chaim (Sharei Tzion,197:16) maintains that most poskim hold it is Rabbinic. On the other hand, the Chazon Ish (OC 31:1) questions who these poskim are. On a personal level, the Chazon Ish subscribes to the view that zimun is Biblical.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.