If you will be reciting Grace after Meals together – you can add at the end a special addition that was originally recited at the SephardicJews of Spanish descent; sometimes used to describe Jews of North-African and Middle-Eastern descent. The term also describes the customs and practices of these Jews, often in comparison to those of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews. Zeved HabatLit. Gift of a daughter (Aramaic) A traditional Sephardic ceremony for welcoming a baby girl. Modern girl baby-namings are also sometimes called a Zeved Habat. and which parallels the customary addition recited at a Brit MilahLit. Covenant of circumcision. As a sign of the covenant, God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants. An infant boy is circumcised on the eighth day of his life, often at home or in synagogue. A festive meal follows.. You can give several guests the honor of reciting this paragraph. If you prefer you can recite the addition separately from the meal and Grace after Meals, as part of the ceremony.
הרחמן הוא יברך את אבי הילדה ואמה, ויזכו לגדלה ולחנכה ולחכמה, לכבוד ולתפארת לכל עמה, ויהי ה’ אלוהים עמה
Harachaman Hu yivarech et avi ha-yaldah vi-imah vi-yizku li-gadlah u-li-chanchah u-li-chochmah, lichavod u-li-tiferet li-chol amah, va-yihi HaShemLit. The Name, referring to the ineffable name of God; used as a substitute for any of the more sacred names of God when not speaking in prayer. Particularly used in conversation. Elohim itah.
May the Compassionate One bless the father and mother of the child, and may they merit to raise her, to educate her, and to make her wise, so that she will bring honor and tribute to her entire nation, and may Hashem her God be with her.
הרחמן הוא יברך את הרכה והעדינה, ויהיו ידיה ולבה לאל אמונה, ותזכה לראות פני השכינה,בשובך לציון ברינה
Harachaman Hu yivarech et harakah vi-he’adinah, va-yihiyu yadehah vi-libah la-El emunah, vi-tizkeh lirot p’nai Ha-Shechinah, bi-shuvichah li-Zion bi-rinah.
May the Compassionate One bless the tender and delicate child, and may her strength and heart be a trust to God, and may she merit to perceive the Divine Presence, when you return to Zion with joy.
הרחמן הוא יברך את הקהילה אשר ששו, לעשות צדקה בגילה, וישלם פעלם כפולה, ויתנם למעלה מעלה
Harachaman Hu yivarech et ha-kehilah asher sassu la’asot tzedakahCharity. In Hebrew, the word tzedakah derives from the word for justice. Tzedakah is not seen as emanating from the kindness of one’s heart but, rather, as a communal obligation. bi-gilah, vi-yishalem pa’alam k’fulah, vi-yitnam lima’aleh ma’alah.
May the Compassionate One bless the community that rejoiced, that did justice in exultation, and reward their deeds doubly, and place them ever higher.
הרחמן הוא יגאלנו גאולת עולמים, בזכות שומרי בריתו הולכי תמים, ויבשר בשורות טובות וניחומים, לעם אחד מפוזר ומפורד בין העמים
Harachaman Hu yigalenu ge’ulat olamim, bi-z’chut shomrei brito holchei tamim, vi-yivaser besorot tovot vi-nichumim, li-am echad mifuzar u-mifurad bein he’amim.
May the Compassionate One redeem us an eternal redemption, in merit of those who observe His covenant, who go with wholesomeness, to proclaim good tidings and consolations, to a nation dispersed and splintered among the nations.
הרחמן אשר כונן צעדנו עד הלום, יקדש בנו את שמו אשר בעילום, ויאר אלינו פניו כשמשוכיהלום, בריתו תהיה אתנו החיים והשלום
Harachaman asher konen tza’adeinu ad halom, yikadesh banu et sh’mo asher bi-eylom, vi-ya’er alenu p’nav k’shemesh u-ch’yahalom, brito tihiyeh itanu he-chayim vi-ha-shalom.
May the Compassionate One who guided our steps till here, sanctify through us His name that is hidden, and shine upon his countenance like the sun and like the diamond, His covenant shall be with us, bringing life and peace.
