19 Plastic knives need not be removed or covered. 18 It is not necessary to cover or remove the knives on Shabbat and holidays, as the holiness of these days protects us from any possible trouble.
17 It also serves to recall the teaching that the Angel of Death has no power over those who recite Birkat Hamazon carefully and with concentration. 16 Another reason the knives are covered or removed is that there was once an individual who became so distressed at the mention of Jerusalem in the course of the Birkat Hamazon that he took a knife that was on the table and stabbed himself with it. 15 This is because knives, reminiscent of swords, are items that shorten a man’s life, while the table, which represents the altar of G-d, lengthens it. Many individuals have the custom to cover or remove any knives that are on the table before reciting the Birkat Hamazon. 13 The custom to leave the bread on the table was also instituted in order to ensure that food would be readily available should a hungry person come knocking at one’s door in search of food. 12 Indeed, we are taught that allowing bread to remain on the table until after Birkat Hamazon is a segula for a number of blessings. 11 The tablecloth, bread left over from the meal, and the salt dispenser should remain on the table until after Birkat Hamazon. One should tidy up the table in preparation for Birkat Hamazon, such as by removing empty serving dishes and cleaning up any unsightly spills and messes. 9 There is a story told of an individual who was eternally punished over not having recited Birkat Hamazon with the proper intent and concentration. 8 We are taught that one who is meticulous with reciting Birkat Hamazon will be provided with an honorable living. 7 It is even recommended that one partake of one’s favorite foods and drinks at every meal in order to help ensure that one will be in good spirits for the Birkat Hamazon. It should be read from a text, in an audible manner, 5 and with feelings of thanksgiving 6 and happiness. The Birkat Hamazon should not be recited from memory.
2 It is preferable to recite Birkat Hamazon in the original Hebrew, 3 but it may be recited in any language, if necessary. 1 Accordingly, it is especially important to be dressed properly when reciting Birkat Hamazon, even more so than for other prayers. It is the only blessing in our liturgy that the Torah explicitly requires us to recite.
The Birkat Hamazon must be recited after any meal that included bread.
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