This post presents the blessing over the bread both in its traditional format (i.e. with masculine God-language) and using feminine God-language, an option that reflects the blend of Jewish tradition with modern feminist approaches. The feminine version not only refers to God using the feminine Hebrew conjugations, but also replaces the term “King of the World” with “Spirit of the World,” which has a more spiritual and less patriarchal tone. Despite this textual difference in Hebrew, the author translates both phrases as “Bountiful, source of all life.” The texts appear in Hebrew, English, and transliteration, along with vocal recordings by Rabbi Margot Stein, a Reconstructionist rabbi, musician, cantor, and educator. This source is from Ritualwell.org, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
Feminine God-Language:
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ אֱלֹהֵינוּ רוּחַ הָעוֹלָם המוציאה לחם מן הארץ
B’rukhah At Ya Eloheinu ruach ha-olam Ha-motziah lechem min ha-aretz.
Blessed are You, Bountiful, source of all life Who brings forth bread from the earth.
Masculine God-Language:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם המוציא לחם מן הארץ
Barukh Attah Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha-olam Ha-motzi lechem min ha-aretz.
Blessed are You, Bountiful, source of all life Who brings forth bread from the earth.