This poetic blessing over the bread brings one’s intentions toward all of the people, powers, and systems that allowed for the bread to come into existence. The prayer finishes with an adapted English and transliterated version of the HaMotzi blessing, which includes several different concepts of God, as well as both the masculine and feminine God-language. Written by Trisha Arlin, a writer, performer and rabbinic student at the Academy of Jewish Religion (AJR), this piece is relevant for anyone looking to enhance their ritual with more meaning, particularly those with a environmental and holistic world view.
A Sustainability Motzi
Blessed God of our ancestors, beginning the chain of work, we give thanks:
For the portion of dough we take off the challah before we bake it in order to sustain high priests, artists, and those who are in need;
For the seed and the earth and the rain and the sun and the farmer and the picker and the miller and the baker and the trucker and the packager and the store owner and the grocery checker and the shopper and the cook and the waiter and waitress and those who will clean up after us, for those who brought us this food that we bless together;
For the scientists and activists and the teachers and the learners and the new farmers and the leaders who work to help us heal this earth, our home;
For all those who work to sustain us
For all those who work for sustainability.
Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh Ha-olam
Brukhah at Shekhinah, Ruah Ha-olam
Blessed One-ness,
Ha-motzi Lechem Min Ha-aretz.
Amen