Benediction before a meal, and grace after: what does that mean?

[Zahava]

I agree with Elizabeth – just say Grace! Just say “thanks” even if you don’t quite understand why. Sometimes we just have to do what scripture and our tradition has told us is pleasing to God.

Being that you did not grow up a a religious Jewish home, Sojo, I would like to say that Jews are commanded to to say a blessing over every small item that we eat…such as candy too. We are commanded to say a blessing after we eat as well. The Torah teaches us:

And you shall eat - and you shall be satisfied - and you shall bless, Adonai, your God for the Land that is good which He gave you. Deut. 8:10.

I know that as a Christian, I only blessed my food before I ate. My Catholic nephew and his parents only blessed before food as they are not commanded to bless the food after. You are missing out on a wonderful commandment.