Today is your brother’s wedding day. The Wedding-planner sent you a text message this morning to tell you “by the way, you’re doing the 5th! ».

But what does that mean????

Of course it refers to the Sheva brahot (7 blessings), read during the wedding, but also throughout the week after the wedding, in the presence of the newlyweds, at the end of the evening meal, just after the Birkat Hamazon (thanksgiving).

On this page you will find : 

  • The complete blessings
  • The melody corresponding to each blessing
  • A few useful tips

Each blessing is said while holding a cup of wine in your hand. 

If you don’t recite the blessing by heart, try to determine in advance whether you are more comfortable with a book in your left hand and a glass in your right hand or the other way around.

You will have to (gently) take the glass from the person who has read the previous blessing, and at the end of your blessing (don’t drink! and not only in the time of Covid 19) pass the glass to the next person.  

1st blessing

If you are in charge of the first blessing, lucky you! :you are in fact in charge of the first 2 blessings. Indeed, they are inseparable.

2nd Blessing

At the end of this blessing, don’t walk too far away, for you are the one who will pick up the cup of wine after the 7th blessing. You will then invite the bride and groom to drink and then you will also drink because you also read the first blessing on the wine.

3rd Blessing

If you are in charge of the third blessing, you might be called a chicken : it’s the shortest!

4th Blessing

If you are in charge of the fourth blessing, be aware that the tune does not start like the 3 previous ones…

5th Blessing

If you are in charge of the fifth blessing, take a deep breath, it will be okay!

6th Blessing

If you are in charge of this blessing, don’t be surprised (or offended) to hear part of the congregation sing the first sentence as soon as the 5th blessing is over. Indeed, the tune – originally a popular Portuguese song – rearranged by Léon Algazi- makes these 2 blessings come together, the choir singing with the soloist (you) this first sentence -below. Don’t worry, you will still have your moment of glory. Once you get to the 2nd sentence (barouh’ …), the other singers in the assembly will let you finish this blessing on your own.

7th Blessing                                  

If you are in charge of this blessing, … Let’s get to work !

Be aware that when you arrive at “Kol Sasson vekol Simha”, some people in the congregation -who are familiar with this version of the Sheva Brahot- will be likely to sing with you (even faster than you sometimes …). Don’t be offended, they will let you finish the last sentence (starting from Baroukh …).

Attention : 

In André Stora’s sung version, in order not to pronounce the name of God in vain, you will always hear : Baroukh’ Ata Adoshem that you will have to replace by Baroukh’ Ata Adonaï on D-Day.

And Mazal Tov to the bride and groom !