Parshas Eikev is the source of Birkas HaMazon. The passuk states, “And you will eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem Elokecha for the land that he gave you.” There are opinions in the Rishonim that only by means of drinking does one become satisfied, and therefore one is required to say Birkas HaMazon from the Torah only if he also drank at his meal. The Shuchan Aruch brings this opinion but does not require one to follow it. Nevertheless, if one can, one should be sure to drink in order to follow the stringent opinion.
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Rabbi Aharon Dovid Singer
Director of Community Development
North Miami Beach Community Kollel