Birkat HaBayit, or the Blessing for the Home, is a Jewish prayer that is often displayed at the entrance of homes. It is a popular tradition across Jewish communities worldwide, symbolizing a wish for peace, protection, and prosperity within the household. This blessing is frequently inscribed on decorative plaques or hamsas, which are hung near the front door or a window, serving as a spiritual safeguard and a welcoming gesture for guests.
The Text of Birkat HaBayit
The Birkat HaBayit prayer is a poetic expression of hope that the home will be free from sadness, trouble, fear, and conflict, and instead be filled with blessing and peace. Here is the text in Hebrew, along with its transliteration and English translation:
Birkat HaBayit in Hebrew:
.בְּזֶה הַשַּׁעַר לֹא יָבוֹא צַעַר
.בְּזֹאת הַדִּירָה לֹא תָבוֹא צָרָה
.בְּזֹאת הַדֶּלֶת לֹא תָבוֹא בֶּהָלָה
.בְּזֹאת הַמַּחְלָקָה לֹא תָבוֹא מַחְלוֹקֶת
.בְּזֶה הַמָּקוֹם תְּהִי בְרָכָה וְשָׁלוֹםTransliteration:
Be'zeh ha-sha'ar lo yavo tza'ar.
Be'zot ha-dira lo tavo tzara.
Be'zot ha-delet lo tavo behala.
Be'zot ha-machlaka lo tavo machloket.
Be'zeh ha-makom tehi bracha ve-shalom.Birkat HaBayit in English:
Let no sadness come through this gate.
Let no trouble come to this home.
Let no fear come through this door.
Let no conflict be in this place.
Let this home be filled with blessing and peace.Sphardi version of Birkat Habayit is slightly different and longer but carries the same significance.
Origins and Usage
The origins of Birkat HaBayit are somewhat ambiguous. While its exact source is unknown, it has become a deeply ingrained tradition in Jewish culture. Some attribute a version of this blessing to an amulet used for protection against plagues, dated back to 1925 and linked to Rebbe Moshe Teitelbaum. Others suggest that its style resembles modern Hebrew poetry, although there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
How It Is Used
- Home Blessings: The Birkat HaBayit is traditionally placed near the entrance of a home. This positioning is symbolic, as it represents the threshold through which blessings and protection are invited into the household. It serves as a daily reminder of the spiritual sanctity of the home.
- Business Blessings: In addition to homes, the Birkat HaBayit is also used to bless business premises. It is believed to bring success and ethical conduct in business dealings.
- Artistic Expression: The blessing is often crafted into beautiful plaques, featuring intricate Hebrew calligraphy and traditional Jewish symbols like the Star of David or Hamsa.
Displaying Birkat HaBayit continues to be a popular tradition, and if you visit Jewish homes and businesses especially in Israel you are very likely to see it hanging in the entrance.
