Blessed are You, Heart of the Universe,
Who sets within human beings the desire to gather together
to prepare food with memory and gratitude, to share that food
with friends new and old, with family from near and far.
You give us minds to understand the issues of the day.
Grant us the love and patience with which to respect,
indeed, to appreciate our differences,
and to seek common ground for this festive meal.
Grant us mindfulness about this food; bless those who grew it,
who picked it, and brought it to market.
Bless those who prepared it and cooked it.
Grant us the awareness of the many sources of this food,
not only in the present, but the brilliant cooks in the past
who devised ways to make simple things delicious.
May we rise from this table
with new understandings of one another:
filled not only with food,
but with gratitude for our many blessings.
Blessed are you, Holy One, who has given us hearts
that can appreciate one another,
and the many blessings we have received.
Amen.
I posted a slightly different version of this blessing last year; this one is modified to be useful for interfaith families.
Thank you! This will find it’s way to our table tonight. Blessings to you!
A definite for our Holiday table…we have a very mixed group today. This should be a wonderful way to start a joyous encounter. Thank you Rabbi Ruth. May your day be bountiful and joyous too! :}