“On the most basic level, a bracha is a means of recognizing the good that God has given to us. As the Talmud states, the entire world belongs to God, Who created everything, and partaking in His creation without consent would be tantamount to stealing.

When we acknowledge that our food comes from God – i.e. we say a bracha – God grants us permission to partake in the world’s pleasures. This fulfills the purpose of existence: To recognize God and come close to Him.

Once we have been satiated, we again bless God, expressing our appreciation for what He has given us.

So, first and foremost, a bracha is a ‘please’ and a ‘thank you’ to the Creator for the sustenance and pleasure He has bestowed upon us.”