Barechu

Barechu (Hebrew: ברכו‎, also Borchu) is a part of the Jewish prayer service, functioning as a call to prayer. It is recited before the blessings over the Shema at Shacharit and Maariv, and during Reading of the Torah. Some congregations also recite it toward the end of both Shacharit and Maariv. It consists of the Chazzan calling out, "Bless the Lord, the Blessed One!", and the congregation responding "Blessed is the Lord, the Blessed One forever and ever." The Chazzan then repeats the congregation's response, so as not to seem to be excluding him or herself.