Notes from Cantor Avima

If you are an early arriver to shabbat morning services, then you might catch the string of 15 blessings known as "Birchot Hashachar" (The morning blessings). They are recited quickly, maybe too quickly to completely process the message of each one. These blessings, which originated in the Talmud corresponded with the actions we all do in the morning. There is a blessing for opening our eyes, for getting dressed, putting a kippah on our heads, standing in an upright position and one of my favorites which is one which thanks the Almighty for "guiding our steps." When I  am at a point of making an important decision in my life (as I was last year), I recite this prayer as I am taking my morning walk (with my dog). The blessing calms my trepidation over the uncertainty I may be feeling. I am reminded that the path forward will emerge more clearly with time. 

..בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהֵכִין מִצְעֲדֵי גָבֶר

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam sheh-hay-cheen mitz-a'day gaver. 

Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, ruler of the universe who guides the steps of man.   

Another of the blessings I particularly like is one which expresses gratitude to the Almighty for providing all of "my needs". I like to point out to my students that the prayer stresses the fulfillment of our needs, not our wants. This leads to a discussion of what our basic needs are. And, not surprisingly, the students often articulate their needs as not just being a roof over their heads and food, but the love and caring of their families. 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשָׂה לִי כָּל- צָרְכִּי.

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam sheh-asah lee kol tzorkee.

Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, ruler of the universe who provides all of my needs. 

Thirdly, another favorite of mine is the blessing for restoring strength to the weary. We went to bed tired, maybe even exhausted, but somehow, we usually wake up more refreshed. And that little miracle is something to pay attention to and  appreciate.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה' אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַנּוֹתֵן לַיָּעֵף כֹּחַ.

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-olam ha-noten la'ayef ko-ach. 

Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, ruler of the universe who restores strength to the weary. 

Reciting these blessings slowly, with intent is a beautiful way to start one's day. Recite them all or just focus on the one your heart needs to say that day. They can be found at the beginning of the morning service in a siddur. In our shabbat siddur they are found on p.65. 

The link for the online shabbat siddur is here: online siddur

The link for our prayer melodies is here: prayer melodies