Tonight, after enjoying a delicious meal in honor of Shabbat, recite Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals.

In Deuteronomy 8:10, we are told V’achalta v’savata, u’verachta, that you will eat, and you will be satisfied and bless Hashem, your God. This rather explicit biblical commandment to recite Birkat Hamazon after a meal, highlights our responsibility to recognize the good bestowed upon us each and every day by God. In the fourth chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, we are taught “whoever honors the Torah is himself honored by others.” Reciting Birkat Hamazon and fulfilling a direct commandment surely honors the Torah itself and may also leave an indelible, positive impression on those eating with us. To learn more and appreciate the breadth of wisdom contained in the Torah, print out the fourth chapter of Ethics of the Fathers this afternoon and join thousands of fellow Jews around the globe who will experience and inspired discussions this Shabbat.

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