ברכת המזון  - יעלה ויבא

Ya’aleh VeYavo

 

-  Rachel Freedman and Nora Zwingerman                       

               

“Ya’aleh VeYavo” is a special prayer, which we say in Birkat HaMazon and in the Amidah prayer.  One adds “Ya’aleh VeYavo” on Rosh Chodesh, on the high holidays and on the three pilgrimage festivals.  We add this section because we want G-d to remember us for all of  blessing.  The first eight words (“יעלה ... ויזכר”) basically illustrate the same idea: “may our remembrance rise before G-d and be favorably received.”

            Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch states that these eight words are actually eight expressions. יעלה means to rise, above ordinary human existence.  ויבא means to come, and as Rabbi Hirsch further explains that it means to come before G-d to merit his interest; may nothing prevent one (or one’s prayers) from (ויגיע) reaching G-d.  In addition, it refers to gaining G-d’s acceptance.  May they be (ויראה) noted in the best possible light.  May they be worthy of G-d’s (וירצה) favour.  May G-d (וישמע) hear the impact these remembrances have on our lives.  May G-d (ויפקד) consider our needs.  May He (ויזכר) remember us and our relationship to Him.  These eight words, expressed in eight phrases, add a whole new dimension to this prayer.  Rabbi Hirsch gives us a whole new concept to think about, and much to be thankful for.

            “Ya’aleh VeYavo” is a prayer requesting G-d to be gracious, and grant us life, well-being, loving kindness, and peace. The prayer also states “Remember your promise of mercy and redemption”.  This passage is directly connected to Pesach, based on the fact that during Pesach we remember how G-d kept his promise to redeem us from slavery and bring us to the promised land.  And we pray for the future that He will look after us and keep us free. 

 

Scherman, Rabbi Nosson, The Complete Art Scrolls Siddur, New York, Mesorah Publications Ltd., 2000
http://www.shabat.co.il/howto/birkat_hamazon.htm
http://www.btfiloh.org/birkathamazon.pdf
http://www.torahtotos.com/holidays/pesach/pessender.htm