Question:
The Hebrew term Bracha is often translated as ‘blessing’ or ‘praise’ , as opposite to a curse, and we recitate many brachot a day over people, stuff and situations.
But what exactly are those Brachot, what exactly do they do, act out, achieve or effectuate?
It’s not like we’re grant wishes, put a spell or doing any magic trick, after a blessing upon food for example it’s not like we eat blessed food, it’s still the same food right?
So what is changed after the Bracha?
Are we trying to change G’ds mind, mood or will? Are it just declarations and acknowledgements for what HaShem has done, does, creates etc?
Answer:
The Rishonim explain that the word brocho comes from breycha – a spring. A spring flows constantly and its waters increase. When we bless Hashem we are proclaiming our hope for an increase of His Presence in the world’s affairs..
Sources:
Teshuvos HaRashboh 1:423 &5:51, Chinuch 430, Rabenu Bechaye Ekev 8:10, Nefesh Hachaim 2:2
