In Judaism, a berakhah, bracha, brokho, brokhe (Hebrew: בְּרָכָה; pl. בְּרָכוֹת, berakhot, brokhoys; "benediction," "blessing") is a formula of blessing or thanksgiving, recited in public or private, usually before the performance of a commandment, or the enjoyment of food or fragrance, and in praise on various occasions.
The function of a berakhah is to acknowledge God as the source of all blessing. It can be both a declaration of dependence and an expression of gratitude for God and his gifts. Berakhot also have an educational function to transform a variety of everyday actions and occurrences into religious experiences designed to increase awareness of God at all times. For this purpose, the Talmudic sage Rabbi Meir declared that it was the duty of every Jew to recite one hundred berakhot every day.
