In this alternative blessing over the bread, Lesley Reuter encourages readers to gratefully reflect on the source of their food, whether they believe it comes through human effort or Divine generosity. With both humanistic and theistic versions, this blessing is relevant for anyone looking to create a more conscious eating experience, regardless of his or her belief system. This text was originally posted on Ritualwell, a project of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College that provides a platform for creating new Jewish practices and observances.
Alternative HaMotzi
This alternative to the « HaMotzi » blessing is intended as a humanistic/secular alternative to HaMotzi. I offer here both humanistic and theistic versions. It is my hope that these blessings give those who say them an opportunity to pause and reflect on the food they consume with a renewed sense of gratitude for the daily blessing of sustenance. Please feel free to change and improve these blessings, I would love for them to continue to evolve!
Humanistic Version
I/We appreciate this bread which is before me/us. It stands as a symbol of all food brought forth from the earth and the human strength and creativity which molds it. For bread does not sprout from the earth finished, it is only with human innovation that it is created. I/We appreciate the gifts of the earth and the human intelligence and hard work which sustain me/us.
Theistic Version
I/We appreciate this bread which is before me/us. It stands as a symbol of all food which the Source of Life brings forth from the earth and the human strength and creativity which molds it. For bread does not sprout from the earth finished, it is only through a sacred partnership between humanity and the Divine that it is created. I/We appreciate the gifts of the earth given to us by the Origin of All Sustenance and the human intelligence and hard work which sustain me/us.