בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי
Barukh Atah Adonai
“Blessed are You, Lord”
Barukh Atah Adonai (בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “blessed are you, lord,” pronounced “ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI.” The literal translation is “blessed [are] you, lord.” The standard opening formula for virtually every Jewish blessing (berakhah). This six-word phrase begins prayers said over food, holidays, commandments, and life-cycle events.
| Hebrew | בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Barukh Atah Adonai |
| English Meaning | Blessed are You, Lord |
| Literal Translation | Blessed [are] You, Lord |
| Pronunciation | ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | Rabbinic Hebrew, standardized during the Second Temple period. The formula is attributed to the Men of the Great Assembly (Anshei Knesset HaGedolah) who formalized Jewish liturgy after the Babylonian exile (circa 5th century BCE). |
If there is a single phrase that forms the backbone of Jewish prayer, it is Barukh Atah Adonai — 'Blessed are You, O Lord.' These three Hebrew words open nearly every berakhah (blessing) in Jewish liturgy, from the blessing over bread to the blessing over seeing a rainbow. The Talmud teaches that a Jew should recite at least 100 blessings every day, and nearly all of them begin with this formula. What makes it remarkable is the direct address: 'Atah' — You. Not 'Blessed is the Lord' in the third person, but 'Blessed are You' — intimate, face-to-face, second person. Jewish prayer is a conversation, and this opening word establishes that.
Where Does “Barukh Atah Adonai” Come From?
Rabbinic Hebrew, standardized during the Second Temple period. The formula is attributed to the Men of the Great Assembly (Anshei Knesset HaGedolah) who formalized Jewish liturgy after the Babylonian exile (circa 5th century BCE).
When and How to Say “Barukh Atah Adonai”
Opens virtually all Jewish blessings: over food (Barukh Atah Adonai...hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz), candle lighting, Torah study, seeing natural wonders, and lifecycle events. Followed by 'Eloheinu Melekh Ha'Olam' (Our God, King of the Universe) in full blessings.
Cultural Context of Barukh Atah Adonai
This phrase is so central to Jewish life that children learn it before they can read. It's the first prayer most Jewish children memorize, and it's the last thing many Jews hope to say before they die. The intimacy of 'Atah' (You) is theologically significant — it positions every blessing as a direct address to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Blessed are You, Lord” in Hebrew?
“Blessed are You, Lord” in Hebrew is Barukh Atah Adonai (בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי), pronounced “ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI.” The literal translation is “Blessed [are] You, Lord.” The standard opening formula for virtually every Jewish blessing (berakhah). This six-word phrase begins prayers said over food, holidays, commandments, and life-cycle events.
How do you pronounce Barukh Atah Adonai?
Barukh Atah Adonai is pronounced “ba-RUKH a-TAH a-do-NAI.” The literal meaning is “Blessed [are] You, Lord.”
What comes after Barukh Atah Adonai?
The full standard formula is 'Barukh Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh Ha'Olam...' — 'Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the Universe...' followed by the specific blessing. For bread: '...hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz' (who brings forth bread from the earth). For wine: '...borei pri hagafen' (who creates the fruit of the vine).
How many blessings does a Jew say daily?
The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that a Jew should recite 100 blessings every day. These include blessings in the morning liturgy, before and after meals, upon performing commandments, and upon experiencing special moments (seeing a rainbow, hearing thunder, etc.). Nearly all begin with Barukh Atah Adonai.
Why does the blessing use 'You' (Atah) instead of 'He'?
The use of the second person 'Atah' (You) reflects a core theological principle in Judaism: prayer is direct conversation with God. By addressing God as 'You' rather than speaking about God in the third person, the blessing creates a moment of intimate encounter. This is called the 'I-Thou' relationship, later philosophically developed by Martin Buber.
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