This Week In

5737–1976, the Rebbe explained why he ends every farbrengen with a reminder to recite the afterblessing for food or drink. While people remember to recite the appropriate blessings before eating, as well as birchat hamazon after eating bread, he observed that many — even G-d-fearing Jews who are careful in all other halachic matters — often forgot the “unlucky” shorter blessings recited after other foods. His practice follows the Rama (the 16th-century halachic authority, Rabbi Moshe Isserles), who would personally walk the streets of Krakow at the end of Purim to remind people to recite birchat hamazon.

1. Sichot Kodesh 5737 vol. 1 p. 354