The fourth benediction in the Birkat HaMazonGrace after meal: traditional versions include four blessings for the food, the land, Jerusalem and God's goodness. There also are many abbreviated or alternative versions.,
The Blessing After the Meal,
Is the hatov vehamaytiv.
It is also recited upon,
Among other reasons,
Hearing good news concerning others
and
For the drinking of a second cup of very good wine:
The Blessing After the Meal,
Is the hatov vehamaytiv.
It is also recited upon,
Among other reasons,
Hearing good news concerning others
and
For the drinking of a second cup of very good wine:
May this good news be like that second cup of wine.
Even better than the first one, which maybe you drank too fast?
This second cup has all the familiar and comfortable flavors,
But having breathed a little
It offers up so much more nuance and pleasure
Than that first cup ever could.
God is good and good things happen.
Close your eyes.
Think of all the good things and people that surround you.
Wherever they are, have been or will be.
Now open your eyes.
And look around,
Here we are!
Right now,
This is the moment.
Here.
We are safe
We have been found.
We are home.
God is good and good things happen.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam, Ha-tov V’hameitiv.
Amen
