Seudah Rishonah
(סְעוּדָּה רִאשׁוֹנָה)
Netilat Yadayim (Handwashing):
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדָֽיִם
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al netilat yadayim.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us concerning the washing of hands.
Shalom Alechem:
שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁרֵת, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בּוֹאֲכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בְּרֵכֵנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בּוֹאֲכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
בְּצֵאתְכֶם לְשָׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי הַשָּׁלוֹם, מַלְאֲכֵי עֶלְיוֹן מִמֶּלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא
Shalom aleijem malajei hashareit, Malajei elyon, mi’Melej maljei hamelajim hakadosh baruj Hu.
Bo’ajem le’shalom, malajei hashalom, Malajei elyon, mi’melej maljei hamelajim hakadosh baruj hu.
Berejemenu le’shalom, malajei hashalom, Malajei elyon, mi’melej maljei hamelajim hakadosh baruj hu.
Bo’ajem le’shalom, malajei hashalom, Malajei elyon, mi’melej maljei hamelajim hakadosh baruj hu.
Betze’etjem le’shalom, malajei hashalom, Malajei elyon, mi’melej maljei hamelajim hakadosh baruj hu.
Peace be upon you, ministering angels, messengers of the Most High, of the King of kings, the Holy and Blessed One.
Come in peace, messengers of peace, angels of the Most High, of the King of kings, the Holy and Blessed One.
Bless us with peace, messengers of peace, angels of the Most High, of the King of kings, the Holy and Blessed One.
Go in peace, messengers of peace, angels of the Most High, of the King of kings, the Holy and Blessed One.
Tzedakah:
After the welcome, the host announces the time to give Tzedakah, placing the weekly offering in the charity box for those in need as a testimony and to educate the guests about the importance of caring for others
Eshet Hayil (If there is a woman at the table, the host reads):
A virtuous woman, who can find her? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so he will have no lack of gain. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household and portions for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, her lamp does not go out by night, and she lays her hands to the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes coverings for herself, and her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’ But remember that charm is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Pr 31:11-31).
Nerot (Lights):
Lighting of the candles as a symbol of the desire for an abundance of God’s light in the family. Traditionally, two candles are used because the number 2 in the Bible signifies something that is reaffirmed and desired with all one’s heart. This lighting is carried out by the host’s wife, one of the daughters, or any woman who is given this honor. Some take this opportunity to invite friends and allow the Bat Mitzvah to show that she knows how to do it.
(She can use the following example or create her own):
Blessed be Your will, Lord our God. Have compassion on me, my husband, my children, and my parents; remember us for good and blessing. Grant our people Israel a good and long life; fill our home with Your peace. Make me worthy to raise learned, wise, and compassionate children who love You, deserving of truth and holiness, who will shine in the world by imitating the Messiah, keeping Your commandments, and serving with Your love. Please let Your light never fade from our lives. Thank You for Your light and Your salvation.
(Guests):
Amen.
Shir Tehilah:
In advance, someone can be asked to choose a song and sing it either solo or along with all the guests. This will be at the discretion of the selected person.
Berachot Benei (Blessing for the children):
It is still very traditional and wise to use this moment to give a compliment for something the child did during the week, whispered into the child’s ear so only they can hear. Then, place your hands on their head, forming the letter shim (ש) of the word Shalom with your fingers, and bless them:
(for the sons):
May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.
(for the daughters):
May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
Kiddush (for the wine):
If it is wine, it should not be sour or acidic (good wine); grape juice, raisin wine, or another type of wine can also be used. While everyone stands and the bread is covered, fill the cup until it overflows, as King David did. Place the base of the cup on the palm of your hand, then close your hand and hold it carefully to recite the blessing.
(host):
Blessed are You, our Father, for the holy vine of Your servant David, which You have made known to us through Your Son Yeshua.
(guests):
Yours is the glory forever and ever.
Hamotzi (for the bread):
There should be two loaves of bread on a plate or in a dish, which are held with the palm of the hand and shown uncovered to the guests for the blessing. If two loaves are not available, one or even a piece can be used instead. At the end, when everyone mentions Yeshua HaMashiach, the loaves are lifted slightly to highlight the symbol of His body. Then they are broken and a piece can be given to each person as a symbol that Jesus, like the Manna, descended from heaven. Alternatively, the bread can be left on the tray and each person can take their portion. The rest of the bread can then be eaten while enjoying the meal.
(host):
Blessed are You, our Father, for the life and knowledge You have given us through Your Son Yeshua.
(guests):
Yours is the glory forever and ever.
(host):
Just as this piece of challah, which was broken, was scattered over the mountains and then gathered to become one, so may Your Church be gathered from all the corners of the earth into Your kingdom.
(guests):
Yours is the glory and the power through Yeshua HaMashiach, forever and ever.
Teaching of the Messiah (to be read):
Truly, truly, I say to you: Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst… I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. (Jn 6:32–51).
Time for dinner.
This is the time to enjoy fellowship and family as messengers of God. It is appropriate to discuss the week’s portion, any important spiritual topic for the guests, etc., during the meal. The dinner should conclude with a life lesson received.
Zimun:
This is the invitation for everyone to finish eating so that we can recite the Birkat Hamazon, which is the blessing after the meal. At the end, if the host wishes, they can share a final cup of wine with the blessing over the wine found in the Berachot.
(host):
Let us bless.
(guests):
Blessed is the Lord, the Blessed One.
(host):
Blessed is the Lord, the Blessed One, forever and ever.
Birkat Hamazon:
For this blessing, a piece of bread should be left, although it can be eaten after the Birkat Hamazon; this is only a symbol of trust that God will abundantly provide all that we ask for. It should also be recited while everyone is seated and is done after they have risen, as a symbol that the Seudah Rishonah has ended. No more food should be consumed until at least dawn.
(host):
Thank You, Holy Father, for Your holy name, for You made a sukkah in our hearts, and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality that You have made known to us through Your Son Yeshua.
(guests):
Yours is the glory forever and ever.
(host):
You, Lord of Hosts, created all things for Your name’s sake. You provided both food and drink to mankind for their enjoyment, so that they might give thanks to You. But to us, You have granted spiritual food, drink, and eternal life through Your Son. Above all, thank You because You are powerful.
(guests):
Yours is the glory forever and ever.
(host):
Remember, Lord, Your Church to deliver it from all evil and to perfect it in Your eternal love; and gather it sanctified from the four corners of the earth into the kingdom You have prepared for it.
(guests):
Yours is the glory forever and ever.
(host):
Let grace come and let this world pass away. Hoshiana (praise for salvation) to the God of David. If anyone is holy, let him come; if anyone is not, let him repent. Maran ata (the Lord has come).
(guests):
Amen.
Thank You Lord For Your Blessings:
While the world looks upon me
As I struggle alone
They say I have nothing
But they are so wrong
In my heart I’m rejoicing
How I wish they could see
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me
There’s a roof up above me
I’ve a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me
I know I’m not wealthy
These clothes, they’re not new
I don’t have much money
But Lord I have you
And to me, it’s all that matters
Though the world may not see
Thank you Lord
For your blessings on me
There’s a roof up above me
I have a good place to sleep
There’s food on my table
And shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank you Lord
For all your blessings on me
Bill & Gloria Gaither performing Thank You Lord For Your Blessings (ft. Jeff and Sheri Easter, Charlotte Ritchie and Vestal Goodman) (Live)