Birkat Hamazon When Alone

What is the correct nusach in Birkas HaMazon for someone who lives alone? After the words הרחמן הוא יברך אותי ואת כל אשר לי How should he continue? Should he mention כן יברך אותנו כולנו יחד Or במרום ילמדו עליהם ועלינו זכות Since he lives alone and there is no one else there in the house?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

As you note, after the fourth blessing of the Birkat Hamazon there are a number of requests that are made, all of which begin with the word “Harachaman” (“the Merciful One”). One of the reasons for requests at this time is because we are taught that when we recite Birkat Hamazon it is an “eis ratzon,” an auspicious time when prayers and requests are more readily accepted.

There are a number of “Harachaman” insertions that are dependent on one’s circumstance. For example, one who has eaten at home requests that God bless “osi, v’es ishti, v’es kol asher li (“Me, my wife, and all that is mine”).

If one has children one will also insert “v’es zaree” (and my children) after mentioning one’s wife.

If one is not married and has no children one simply says “Me and all that is mine.”

If one is eating at one’s parents’ home, one requests that God bless “avi mori ba’al habayis hazeh, v’es imi morasi, baalas habayis hazeh (“My father, my teacher, master of this house, and my mother, my teacher, master of this house.”). Some add the blessing for one’s parents even when not in their home, and there is a Chassidic custom to continue to do so even after their parents’ passing!

If one is a guest is someone else’s home one will say “ba’al habayis hazeh…” (“The master of this house…”).

Even one who is alone continues with the “ken yevarech osanu…” passage

By the way, one should answer “Amen” when hearing the “Harachaman” prayers recited by others.