The sound “cha” in “be-ra-cha” is pronounced like the Spanish “ja” in the word “Jalapeño.”
The Jewish beracha, is a short prayer that is said during fulfilling one of the commandments (mitzvot), on holidays or on special occasions in life. It is mandatory to bless over food (called in Hebrew “bir-kat ha-ma-zon”) but the full blessing over food is always said after the meal.
All Hebrew blessings begin with the words: “Blessed are You, Lord.” Look for a separate “Hebrew Word of the Day” dedicated to this title.
The blessings (“be-ra-chot” in plural) are divided into three major categories. Maimonides, a preeminent medieval Sephardic Jewish philosopher, astronomer, and one of the most prolific and influential Torah scholars and physicians in Jewish history, divided the blessings “be-ra-chot” this way:
1. The blessing over what we derive pleasure from (thanking God for what we enjoy in our senses: foods and spices).
2. The blessing over the “Mitz-vot” commandment (thanking God for giving the Torah and its commandments).
3. Blessing of praise (thanking God for anything that is praiseworthy in our lives).
“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day”
Linguists claim that the old, mystical word “Abracadabra” that was said historically to attain healing is derived from two Hebrew words: “ha-be-ra-cha” and “dib-ra”: “the blessing has spoken.”
Note that “Be-ra-cha” is directly derived from the word: “be-rech,” knee. This is a constant reminder to human beings of their position when they appeal to God.
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