Mini-Guide
D'var Tefilot (Words about Prayers): Barchu

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When reciting the words Barchu and Baruch, congregants traditionally bow in reverence.

This formula, found in the Bible (Nehemiah 9:5) was later adopted as an appropriate way to summon a congregation to worship. The reply of the congregation, "Praised be God, Source of all blessing forever," (mentioned in early Tannaitic sources) is intended to unite the congregation in the act of worship at the beginning of the service.

In later years, preliminary prayers were added to the morning service and, in the sixteenth century, the Kabbalat Shabbat Psalms and Lecha Dodi were introduced prior to the Barchu in the Shabbat Eve service. Thus, at these services, the Barchu is no longer the first prayer to be recited. Its brief and stirring summons, however, still evokes a reverent response whenever uttered and also calls to mind the benediction for reading the Torah.