Translations based off of Sefaria community translations and translations found on opensiddur.org. All sources found on opensiddur.org were accessed on March 4 2023 and are shared via a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International copyleft license and a Creative Commons Zero Universal license, a Public Domain dedication.
Modeh Ani
Recited upon awakening in the morning
The first word of this blessing appears in three forms depending on the preference of the one praying. "Modeh" is masculine, "Modah" is feminine, and "Modet" is neutral. I have also given the option to replace "melech'"with '"ru-ach," as in the version of this prayer written by Rav Moshe ibn Machir of Tzafat.
[מוֹדֶה/מוֹדָה/מוֹדֶת] אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ [מֶֽלֶךְ/רוּחַ] חַי וְקַיָּם שֶׁהֶחֱזַֽרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה, רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ:
[Modeh/Modah/Modet] ani l'fanecha [melech/ru-ach] chai v'kayyam shehechezar'tta bi nish'mati b'chem'lah rabah emunatecha.
I give thanks to You, living and everlasting [Sovereign/Spirit], for You have restored my soul-breath with mercy. I thank You for this sacred trust.
A Kavvanah for Waking Up
In these still, quiet moments,
I am not asleep
and not yet awake.
In the threshold of day and night,
with the mixture of darkness and light,
my body is once again coming to life.
I am reborn, each day,
from the womb of Your compassion.
May all of my actions
be worthy of the faith You've place in me.
With words of thanks I'll greet the dawn.
N'tilat Yadayim
Wash your hands by pouring water over each hand alternatively, three times, starting with the right hand, as such: right, left, right, left, right, left. Then recite the following blessing.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu al n'tilat yadayim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who sanctified us with Their mitzvot and commanded us concerning the washing of hands.
Reishit Choch'mah
רֵאשִׁית חָכְמָה יִרְאַת יְהֹוָה, שֵֽׂכֶל טוֹב לְכָל־עֹשֵׂיהֶם, תְּהִלָּתוֹ עוֹמֶֽדֶת לָעַד: בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:
Reishit choch'mah yir'at Adonai, seichel tov l'chol oseihem, t'hillato omedet la-ad. Baruch sheim k'vod mal'chuto l'olam va-ed.
Wisdom begins with reverent awe of Adonai, good understanding to all who perform Their mitzvot, Their praise endures forever. Blessed is Their Name, Whose glorious sovereignty is forever and ever.
Refreshed by Sleep, that Sovereign Balm
Refresh’d by sleep, that sov’reign balm,
Which best can human woes assuage;
My spirit feels a holy calm,
And pious thoughts my soul engage.
That soul which but the previous hour
Had in the world of dreams been lost;
And perch’d on many a thornless flower,
Which fields of fancy only boast,
Return’d from its wild pilgrimage;
Sings first unto the Lord of light—
A heav’nly bird in mortal cage,
Preparing for its final flight.
Hear it, Thou, eternal God!
And grant the blessing it may crave;
Cherish it, while on earth’s abode,
Receive it, when beyond the grave.
Too often in this narrow vale,
Its note is saddened by distress;
But whether joy or grief prevail,
Thy name it shall for ever bless.
And when it struggles to be free,
What then is its exalted aim?
To reach that immortality,
Where angel-hosts thy praise proclaim.
Asher Yatzar
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר יָצַר אֶת הָאָדָם בְּחׇכְמָה, וּבָרָא בָֽנוּ נְקָבִים נְקָבִים חֲלוּלִים חֲלוּלִים.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher yatzar et ha-adam b'choch'mah uvara vo n'kavim n'kavim chalulim chalulim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, for You formed human beings with wisdom, creating in us all sorts of ducts and tubes.
- מוֹדוֹת אֲנַֽחְנוּ לָךְ, שֶׁנָּתַֽתָּ בְּכֹּחֵֽנוּ לְהַכִּיר בִּקְדֻשָּׁת צֶֽלֶם אֱלֹהִים, לְהִתְיַצֵר לְאֹֽרֶךְ יָמֵֽינוּ, וּלְהִתְקַיֵּם לְפָנֶֽיךָ. מָה רַבּוּ מַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ יְיָ, כֻּלָם בְּחׇכְמָה עָשִֽׂיתָ.
- גָּלוּי וְיָדֽוּעַ לִפְנֵי כִסֵּא כְבוֹדֶֽךָ שֶׁאִם יִפָּתֵֽחַ אֶחָד מֵהֶם אוֹ יִסָּתֵם אֶחָד מֵהֶם אִי אֶפְשַׁר לְהִתְקַיֵּם וְלַעֲמֹד לְפָנֶֽיךָ אֲפִילוּ שָׁעָה אֶחָת.
- Modot anach'nu lach, shennatatta b'kocheinu l'hakir bik'dushat tzelem Elohim, l'hit'yatzeir l'orech yameinu, ul'hit'kayyeim l'fanecha. Mah rabu ma-asecha Adonai, kulam b'choch'mah asita.
- Galui v'yadu-a lif'nei chissei ch'vodecha she-im yipatei-ach echad meihem o yissateim echad meihem i ef'shar l'hit'kayyeim v'la-amod l'fanecha afilu sha-ah echat.
- We are grateful to You for enabling us to recognize the holiness of the Divine Image, to continuously create and recreate ourselves, and to establish ourselves in Your Presence. How diverse are Your works, God-- You have made them all with wisdom!
- It is obvious and known in the presence of Your glorious throne that if one of them were ruptured, or if one of them were blocked, it would be impossible to exist and rise in Your Presence even for a short while.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, רוֹפֵא כׇל בָּשָׂר וּמַפְלִיא לַעֲשׂוֹת׃
Baruch attah Adonai, rofei chol basar umaf'li la-asot.
Blessed are You, Adonai, healer of flesh, maker of wonders.
Blessed are You, Eternal One our God, Ruler of the Universe, who has formed the human being with wisdom.
You created in the human body openings upon openings and cavities upon cavities. It is clear and well-known that if just one of these unique valves within the complexity of each body was blocked or ruptured, it would be impossible to survive. May the day come when it is also obvious and evident that if just one unique body within the complexity of Your world is blocked or ruptured, it just one of us is not allowed to make our distinctive beauty manifest in the world, then it is impossible for all of Your creation to thrive and rise each day joyfully before You.
Blessed are You, Source of all life and form, who implanted within us the ability to shape and reshape ourselves-- molding, changing, transitioning, and adorning our bodies-- so that the fullness of our many genders, the abundance of our desires, and the diversity of our souls can be revealed.
Blessed are You, Eternal One, Who has made me Your partner in daily completing the task of my own formation.
Elokai N'shamah
אֱלֹהַי נְשָׁמָה שֶׁנָּתַֽתָּ בִּי טְהוֹרָה הִיא אַתָּה בְרָאתָהּ אַתָּה יְצַרְתָּהּ אַתָּה נְפַחְתָּהּ בִּי וְאַתָּה מְשַׁמְּ֒רָהּ בְּקִרְבִּי וְאַתָּה עָתִיד לִטְּ֒לָהּ מִמֶּֽנִּי וּלְהַחֲזִירָהּ בִּי לֶעָתִיד לָבֹא, כָּל זְמַן שֶׁהַנְּ֒שָׁמָה בְקִרְבִּי [מוֹדֶהמוֹדָה/מוֹדֶת] אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהַי וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתַי רִבּוֹן כָּל הַמַּעֲשִׂים אֲדוֹן כָּל הַנְּ֒שָׁמוֹת: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה הַמַּחֲזִיר נְשָׁמוֹת לִפְגָרִים מֵתִים:
Elohai n'shamah shennatatta bi t'horah hi attah v'ratahh attah y'tzar'rrahh attah n'fach'ttahh bi v'attah m'shamm'rahh b'kir'bi v'attah atid litt'lahh mimmenni ul'hachazirahh bi le-atid lavo, kol z'man shehann-shamah b'kir'bi [modeh/modah/modet] ani l'fanecha Adonai Elohai vEilohei avotai ribon kol hama-asim adon kol hann'shamot. Baruch attah Adonai hammachazir n'shamot lif'garim meitim.
Elohai! The soul-breath which You bestowed me is pure; You created it, You formed it, You breathed it into me and You preserve it within me. You will eventually take it from me, and restore it in me in the Time to Come. So long as the soul-breath is within me I give thanks to You, Adonai Elohai, God of my ancestors. Lord of all creatures, Master of all that happens. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who restores soul-breaths to dead bodies.
God, the soul You gave me is pure. This of all things is hard for me to understand. If it is pure, why do I sometimes feel like I am not enough? If it is pure, why do I need to suffer? If it is pure, why do I need to die?
The soul in me is from You. It is part of You, and it will one day leave my body and join You in total Oneness again. I know I am supposed to be ok with that, but some days I am so scared to die. I love my soft animal body, and the people and things that are familiar. Other days, I am so scared to live.
I love perfection, and rest, and total integrity, and these are difficult to come by in Your world. So all the days when my soul is in this body, help me to make the most of it. Help me show up with grace to my life, in all its imperfections. I bless You, Holy One, Who has brought forth generations of souls who lived in bodies.
Tzitzit
Only recited if you wear a tallit katan and do not plan on later donning a tallit gadol. Inspect the tzitzit, recite the blessing, then put on the garment.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu al mitz'vat tzitzit.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who sanctified us with Their mitzvot and commanded us concerning the commandment of tzitzit.
Torah Blessings
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu la-asok b'div'rei Torah.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who hallowed us with Their mitzvot and commanded us to exercise our awareness in the words of Torah.
I bless You, Holy One, whose Spirit compels me to seek wisdom.
V'ha-arev na Adonai Eloheinu et div'rei Toratecha b'finu uv'fi amm'cha beit Yis'ra-Eil kullanu yodei sh'mecha v'lom'dei Toratecha lish'mahh. Baruch attah Adonai, ham'lammeid Torah l'ammo Yis'ra-Eil.
Please intertwine, Adonai Eloheinu, the words of Torah in our mouths, and in the mouths of Your people Beit Yis'ra-Eil. And may we and our descendants, and the descendants of our descendants, all immerse ourselves in the Torah with pure intent. Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Who mentors Their people in Torah.
Remind me that seeking wisdom is sweet, that learning is a sacred act even when it is uncomfortable, even when I do not understand right away.
Remind me that I am in a long line of wisdom-seekers, from my ancestors before me to my students and descendants after me.
Remind me that I who wrestle with being alive am part of a human community of other wrestlers.
Remind me that all our seeking is for the sake of You, the One who is Consciousness.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher bachar banu mikol ha-ammim v'natan lanu et Torato. Baruch attah Adonai notein haTorah.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who chose us from among all peoples to reveal to us Their Torah. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who continues to gift us the Torah.
I bless You, Holy One, who teaches wisdom through the ages and in my life.
Torah Study
Y'varech'cha Adonai v'yis'm'recha. Ya-eir Adonai panav eilecha vichunnecha. Yissa Adonai panav eilecha v'yaseim l'cha shalom.
May Adonai bless you and guard you. May Adonai shine Their countenance upon you and be gracious unto you. May Adonai turn Their countenance toward you and grant you peace.
Eillu d'varim she-ein lahem shi-ur hapei-ah v'habikkurim v'har'ayon ug'milut chasadim v'talmud Torah. Eillu d'varim she-adam ocheil peiroteihem ba-olam hazzeh v'hakkeren kayyemet la-olam haba, v'eillu hein kibud av va-eim ug'milut chasadim v'hash'kamat beit hammid'rash shacharit v'ar'vit v'hach'nasat or'chim uvikkur cholim v'hach'nasat kallah ul'vayat hammeit v'iyyun t'fillah vahava-at shalom bein adam lachaveiro uvein ish l'ish'tto v'talmud Torah k'neged kullam.
These are precepts for which no fixed measure is prescribed: leaving the corner of a field unharvested, the offering of the first fruits, the appearance-offering, performing deeds of kindness, and the study of Torah. These are precepts, the fruits of which one enjoys in this world, while the principal reward is preserved for them in the World-to-Come. They are: honoring [parents/ancestors], performing deeds of kindness, early attendance in the House of Study morning and evening, providing hospitality to guests, visiting the sick, participating in making a wedding, accompanying the dead to the grave, concentrating on the meaning of prayers, making peace between fellows and between spouses— and the study of Torah is equal to them all.
Channah's Prayer
וַתִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל חַנָּה֙ וַתֹּאמַ֔ר עָלַ֤ץ לִבִּי֙ בַּֽיהֹוָ֔ה רָ֥מָה קַרְנִ֖י בַּֽיהֹוָ֑ה רָ֤חַב פִּי֙ עַל־א֣וֹיְבַ֔י כִּ֥י שָׂמַ֖חְתִּי בִּישׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ אֵין־קָד֥וֹשׁ כַּיהֹוָ֖ה כִּ֣י אֵ֣ין בִּלְתֶּ֑ךָ וְאֵ֥ין צ֖וּר כֵּאלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ אַל־תַּרְבּ֤וּ תְדַבְּרוּ֙ גְּבֹהָ֣ה גְבֹהָ֔ה יֵצֵ֥א עָתָ֖ק מִפִּיכֶ֑ם כִּ֣י אֵ֤ל דֵּעוֹת֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה ולא [וְל֥וֹ] נִתְכְּנ֖וּ עֲלִלֽוֹת׃ קֶ֥שֶׁת גִּבֹּרִ֖ים חַתִּ֑ים וְנִכְשָׁלִ֖ים אָ֥זְרוּ חָֽיִל׃ שְׂבֵעִ֤ים בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙ נִשְׂכָּ֔רוּ וּרְעֵבִ֖ים חָדֵ֑לּוּ עַד־עֲקָרָה֙ יָלְדָ֣ה שִׁבְעָ֔ה וְרַבַּ֥ת בָּנִ֖ים אֻמְלָֽלָה׃ יְהֹוָ֖ה מֵמִ֣ית וּמְחַיֶּ֑ה מוֹרִ֥יד שְׁא֖וֹל וַיָּֽעַל׃ יְהֹוָ֖ה מוֹרִ֣ישׁ וּמַעֲשִׁ֑יר מַשְׁפִּ֖יל אַף־מְרוֹמֵֽם׃ מֵקִ֨ים מֵעָפָ֜ר דָּ֗ל מֵֽאַשְׁפֹּת֙ יָרִ֣ים אֶבְי֔וֹן לְהוֹשִׁיב֙ עִם־נְדִיבִ֔ים וְכִסֵּ֥א כָב֖וֹד יַנְחִלֵ֑ם כִּ֤י לַֽיהֹוָה֙ מְצֻ֣קֵי אֶ֔רֶץ וַיָּ֥שֶׁת עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם תֵּבֵֽל׃ רַגְלֵ֤י חֲסִידָו֙ יִשְׁמֹ֔ר וּרְשָׁעִ֖ים בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ יִדָּ֑מּוּ כִּי־לֹ֥א בְכֹ֖חַ יִגְבַּר־אִֽישׁ׃ יְהֹוָ֞ה יֵחַ֣תּוּ מְרִיבָ֗ו עָלָו֙ בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם יַרְעֵ֔ם יְהֹוָ֖ה יָדִ֣ין אַפְסֵי־אָ֑רֶץ וְיִתֶּן־עֹ֣ז לְמַלְכּ֔וֹ וְיָרֵ֖ם קֶ֥רֶן מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃
Vattit'palleil Channah vattomar alatz libi bAdonai ramah kar'ni bAdonai rachav pi al oy'vai ki samach'tti bishu-atecha. Ein kadish kAdonai ki ein bil'ttecha v'ein tzur kEiloheinu. Al tar'bu t'dab'ru g'vohah g'vohah yeitzei atak mipichem ki Eil dei-ot Adonai v'lo nit'k'nu alilot. Keshet giborim chattim v'nich'shalim az'ru chayil. S'vei-im ballechem nis'karu ur'eivim chadeillu ad akarah yal'dah shiv'ah v'rabat banim um'lalah. Adonai meimit um'chayyeh morid sh'ol vayya-al. Adonai moirsh uma-ashir mash'pil af m'romeim. Meikim mei-afar dal mei-ash'pot yarim ev'yon l'hoshiv im n'divim v'chissei chavod yan'chileim ki lAdonai m'tzukei eretz vayyashet aleihem teiveil. Rag'lei chasidav yish'mor ur'sha-im bachoshech yiddammu ki lo v'cho-ach yig'bar ish. Adonai yeichattu m'rivav alav bashamayim yar'eim Adonai yadin af'sei aretz v'yitten oz l'mal'ko v'yareim keren m'shicho.
And Channah prayed: My heart exults in Adonai; I have triumphed through Adonai. I gloat over my enemies; I rejoice in Your deliverance. There is no holy one like Adonai, truly, there is none beside You; there is no rock like Eloheinu. Talk no more with lofty pride, let no arrogance cross your lips! For Adonai is an all-knowing God; by Them actions are measured. The bows of the mighty are broken, and the faltering are girded with strength. Those once sated must hire out for bread; those once hungry hunger no more. While the barren one bears seven, the parent of many is forlorn. Adonai deals death and gives life, casts down into Sh'ol and raises up. Adonai makes poor and makes rich; They cast down, They also lift high. They raise the poor from the dust, lift up the needy from the dunghill, setting them with nobles, granting them seats of honor. For the pillars of the earth are Adonai's; They set the world upon them. They guard the steps of Their faithful, but the wicked perish in darkness-- for not by strength shall humankind prevail. The foes of Adonai shall be shattered; They will thunder against them in the heavens. Adonai will judge the ends of the earth. They will give power to Their ruler, and triumph to Their anointed one.
Tallit
This blessing is recited by one who wears a tallit gadol. There is a custom to rise in body and/or spirit to put on the tallit. First recite the meditation, then hold the tallit in front of you and recite the blessing. Cover your head with it and say the second meditation.
Bar'chi naf'shi et Adonai, Adonai Elohai gadal'tta m'od, hod v'hadar lavash'tta. Oreh or kassal'mah, noteh shamayim kay'ri-ah.
My soul, bless Adonai, Adonai Elohai, You are greatly exalted. With beauty and splendor are You clothed, enwrapped in light, garment-like; You spread out the heavens like a curtain.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu l'hit'atteif batzitzit.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who hallowed us with Their mitzvot and commanded us to enwrap ourselves with tzitzit.
Mah yakar chas'dd'cha Elohim uv'nei adam b'tzeil k'nafecha yechesayun. Yir'v'yun middeshen beitecha v'nachal adanecha tash'keim. Ki imm'cha m'kor chayyim, b'ore'cha nir'eh or. M'shoch chas'dd'cha l'yod'echa v'tzid'kat'cha l'yish'rei leiv.
How precious is Your kindness, Elohim; the children of humankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They will be filled from the abundance of Your House, and from the stream of Your delights You will give them to drink. For the source of life is with You, we shall see light in Your light. Extend Your kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.
T'fillin
These blessings and meditations are recited by one who wears t'fillin. There is a custom to rise in body and/or spirit to recite these blessings. Place the shel-yad on the bicep of your non-dominant arm, facing the heart, and before tightening is, say the following blessing.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu l'hani-ach t'fillin.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who hallowed us with Their mitzvot and commanded us to put on t'fillin.
Wrap the strap of the shel-yad around your arm seven times. Place the shel-rosh on your head above the region between your eyes and say the following blessing.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kidd'shanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivvanu al mitz'vat t'fillin.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who hallowed us with Their mitzvot and commanded us concerning the mitz'vah of t'fillin.
One the shel-rosh is in place, say these verses.
Baruch sheim k'vod mal'chuto l'olam va-ed.
Blessed is Their Name, Whose glorious sovereignty is forever and all time.
Umeichoch'mat'cha Eil el'yon ta-atzil alai umibinat'cha t'vineini uv'chas'dd'cha tag'ddil alai uvig'vurat'cha tatz'mit oy'vai v'kamai v'shemen hattov tarik al shiv'ah k'nei hamm'norah l'hash'pi-a tuv'cha liv'riyyotecha. Potei-ach et yadecha umas'bi-a l'chol chai ratzon.
And may You impart from Your wisdom to me, Eil El'yon; and give me understanding from Your understanding. With Your lovingkindness, do great things with me. With Your merit, cut off my enemies and opponents. Pour bountiful oil upon the seven branches of the menorah, in order to cause goodness to flow to Your creatures. Open Your hand and fulfill the will of every living thing.
While wrapping the strap of the shel-yad around your middle finger, say the following verses.
V'eiras'ttich li l'olam, v'eiras'ttich li b'tzedek uv'mish'pat uv'chesed uv'rachamim. V'eiras'ttich li be-emunah, v'yada-att et Adonai.
And I will betroth you to Me forever; and I will betrothe you to Me in righteousness, in justice, in kindliness and in mercy. And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness and you shall know Adonai.
A Kavvanah to Love Your Neighbor
Hareini m'kabeil alai mitz'vat aseih shel v'ahav'tta l'rei-acha kamocha.
I hereby accept upon myself the mitvzvah to love my neighbor as I love myself.
Mah Tovu
With paraliturgical reflections by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman
Recited upon entering the synagogue, or may be recited at home as an introduction to prayer
Mah tovu ohalecha Ya-akov mish'k'notecha Yis'ra-Eil. Va-ani b'rov chas'dd'cha avo beitecha esh'tachaveh el heichal kod'sh'cha b'yir'atecha. Adonai ahav'tti m'on beitecha um'kon mish'kan k'vodecha. Va-ani esh'ttachaveh v'ech'ra-ah ev'r'chah lif'nei Adonai osi. Va-ani t'fillati l'cha Adonai eit ratzon Elohim v'rav chas'ddecha aneini b'emet yish'echa.
How good are your tents, Ya-akov, your dwelling places, Yis'ra-Eil. As for me, trusting in Your infinite loving-kindness I will enter Your House; I will worship in Your Holy Temple in reverent awe of you. Adonai, I love the Dwelling, Your House, and draw near to the place where Your glory dwells. I will prostrate myself, and bow, I will kneel before Adonai, my Maker. May my prayer to You Adonai be at a favorable time; God, in the abundance of Your kindness answer me with Your sure salvation.
How good is this place I am in right now. Even though I wrestle with its goodness, I affirm it nonetheless. I enter this place with abundant loving-kindness. I bow in the holy space, in awe. Holy One, I love Your home, where You so intimately dwell. No matter who I am, or how I am feeling, I trust I am welcomed here.
I bow, I bend, I kneel to honor my own nature as an Earthling, a formed being, yet made of Spirit. Let my presence here be my prayer, it is an offering to You. I offer my ego to Your great Presence and in this moment, You receive me with ease. God, in Your abundance loving-kindness, help me to feel You present with me in the all, the A-Z truth of existence. This is what saves me from myself.
Bir'chot HaShachar
There is a custom to rise in body and/or spirit to recite these blessings.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher natan lassech'vi vin'ah l'hav'chin bein yom uvein lay'lah.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who gives the mind understanding to distinguish between day and night.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם [שֶׁלֹּא עָשַֽׂנִי גּוֹי/שֶׁעָשַׂנִי
יִשְׂרָאֵל]:
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam [shello asani goy/she-asani Yis'ra-Eil].
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, [Who did not make me a gentile/Who made me a Jew].
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם [שֶׁלֹּא עָשַֽׂנִי עָֽבֶד/שֶׁעָשַׂנִי
בְּצָלְמוֹ]:
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam [shello asani aved/she-asani b'tzal'mo].
Blessed are You, Adonoy our God, King of the Universe, [Who did not make me a slave/Who made me in Your Image].
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁעָשַֽׂנִי כִּרְצוֹנוֹ:
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam she-asani kir'tzono.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who made me according to Their will.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam pokei-ach iv'rim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who gives awareness to the unaware.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam mal'bish arummim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who clothes the naked.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam mattir asurim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who releases the imprisoned.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam zokeif k'fufim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who straightens the bent.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam roka ha-aretz al hammayim.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who spreads the earth above the waters.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam she-asah li kol tzor'ki.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who provided me with my needs.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam hammeichin mitz'adei gaver.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who prepares the steps of humankind.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam ozeir Yis'ra-Eil big'vurah.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who girds Yis'ra-Eil with might.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam oteir Yis'ra-Eil b'tif'arah.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Who crowns Yis'ra-Eil with glory.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam hannotein layya-eif ko-ach.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe, Who gives strength to the weary.
Baruch attah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam hamma-avir sheinah mei-einai ut'numah mei-af'apai.
Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, Sovereign of the Universe,Who removes sleep from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids.
Vihi ratzon mill'fanecha Adonai Eloheinu vEilohei avoteinu shettar'ggileinu b'Toratecha v'dabkeinu b'mitz'votecha, v'al t'vi-einu lo lifei cheit v'lo lidei aveirah v'avon v'lo lidei nissayon v'lo lidei vizzayon v'al yish'lot banu yeitzer hara v'dab'keinu b'yeitzer hattov uv'ma-asim tovim v'chof et yitz'reinu v'dab'keinu b'yeitzer hattov uv'ma-asim tovim v'chof et yitz'reinu l'hish'tta'bed lach ut'neinu hayyom uv'chol yom l'chein ul'chesed ul'rachamim b'einecha uv'einei chol ro-einu v'tig'm'leinu chasadim tovim. Baruch attah Adonai gomeil chasadim tovim l'ammo Yis'ra-Eil.
And may it be Your will, Adonai Elohai, God of our ancestors, to help us study Torah regularly, and to seek Your mitzvot. Help us not to do wrong, either knowingly or unknowingly. Do not allow evil to attract us. Let us not be ruled over by the Yetzer Hara. Keep us far away from an evil person and from and evil companion. Make us hold fast to the Yezter haTov, and to do good deeds, and compel our Yetzer Hara to be subservient to You. Grant us this day and every day favor, kindness, and compassion in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us, and bestow bountiful kindness upon us. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who bestows bountiful kindness upon Their people Yis'ra-Eil.
B'ruchah Att Yahh
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ מְקוֹר הַחַיִּים, בּוֹרֵאת אוֹר וּמַרְחֶקֶת חֹשֶׁךְ, הַפּוֹרֶשֶׂת אֲרָצוֹת וּפוֹתַחַת דְּרָכִים.
B'ruchah Att Yahh m'kor hachayyim boreit or umar'cheket choshech, haporeset aratzot uforachat d'rachim.
Blessed are You, Yah, Source of life, creator of light and darkness, spreading lands and opening roads.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ מְקוֹר הַחַיִּים, יוֹצֶרֶת הָאָדָם בִּתְבוּנָה, נוֹתֶנֶת בּוֹ נְקָבִים נְקָבִים חֲלוּלִים חֲלוּלִים וְנוֹפַחַת רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים לְנַגֵּן בָּם.
B'ruchah att Yahh m'kor hachayyim, yotzeret ha-adam bit'vunah, notenet bo n'kavim n'kavim chalulim chalulim v'nofachat ru-ach Elohim l'naggein bam.
Blessed are You, Yah, Source of life, former of human beings in wisdom, creating within them openings and vessels, and blowing the wind of God to play them.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ מְקוֹר הַחַיִּים, שֶׁעֲשִׂיתִינִי בְּצַלְמֵךְ, שֶׁעֲשִׂיתִינִי בַּת־חוֹרִין, שֶׁעֲשִׂיתִינִי אֲנִי.
B'ruchah att Yahh m'kor hachayyim, she-asitini b'tzal'meich, she-asitinni bat chorin, she-asitini ani.
Blessed are You, Yah, Source of life, Who made me in Your image, Who made me free, Who made me me.
בְּרוּכָה אַתְּ יָהּ, אִמִּי, אֵם כָּל חַי הַפּוֹרֶשֶׂת עָלַי כְּנָפֵךְ – הֲיִי לִי מַחֲסֶה וְאֹהֶל, תְּנִי לַיָּעֵף כֹּחַ.
B'ruchah att Yahh, immi, eim kol chai haporeshet alai k'nafeich-- chayi li machaseh v'ohel, t'ni layya-eif ko-ach.
Blessed are You, Yah, my Mother, Mother of all living, Who spreads Her wings upon me-- be a shelter and a tent unto me, give strength to the weary.
Ribon Kol Ha-Olamim
With paraliturgical reflections by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman
L'olam y'hei adam y'rei shamayim b'seiter uvaggalui umodeh al ha-emet v'doveir emet bil'vavo v'yash'keim v'yomar.
A person should always be in reverent awe of God, privately as well as openly. One should admit the truth, and speak truth in their heart, and rise early and proclaim:
Ribon kol ha-olamim lo al tzid'koteinu anach'nu mapilim tachanuneinu l'fanecha ki al rachamecha harabim, mah anu meh chayyeinu meh chas'ddeinu, mah tzid'koteinu, mah y'shuateinu, mah koheinu mah g'vuroteinu, mah nomar l'fanecha Adonai Eloheinu vEilohei avoteinu halo kol haggiborim k'ayin l'fanecha v'an'shei hasheim k'lo hayu vachachamim kiv'li madda un'vonim kiv'li has'keil ki rov ma-aseihem tohu vimei chayyeihem hevel l'fanecha, umotar ha-adam min hab'heimah ayin ki hakol havel.
Ribon Kol haOlamim! Not on account of our righteousness do we offer our supplications before You, but on account of Your abundant compassion. What are we? What is our life? What is our righteousness? What is our deliverance? What is our strength? What is our might? What can we say before You, Adonai Eloheinu, God of our ancestors? Are not all the giants as unsubstantial before you? Celebrities as inconsequential? The wise as if they were without knowledge? And people of understanding, as if they were devoid of intelligence? For most of their actions are a waste, and the days of their life are trivial in Your presence. The superiority of man over beast is nil, for all is futile.
Great One of all the Worlds, I know I am not in charge. Yet I lay out my humble yearnings before You because I trust that You are a great womb of compassion. What is my life anyway? Who am I and how is it possible that I am worth anything at all? Who am I to speak to You, to let myself show up and be seen in this prayer? Even people with lots of power and wisdom are vulnerable to the difficulties of being alive. How much more so am I vulnerable! So many voices inside me say I am not worthy of love, and certainly not worthy to pray to You.
Aval anach'nu amm'cha b'nei v'ritecha, b'nei Av'raham ohav'cha shennish'batta llo b'har hammoriyyah, zera Yitz'chak y'chido shenne-ekad al gabei hammiz'bei-ach, adat Ya-akov bin'cha b'chorecha shemmei-ahavat'cha she-ahav'tta oto umissim'chat'cha shessamach'tta bo karata et sh'mo Yis'ra-Eil vIshurun.
However, we are Your people, children of Your covenant, children of Av'raham, your beloved, to whom You swore on Har haMoriyyah; the seed of Yitz'chak, his beloved son, who was bound on top of the altar; the community of Ya-akov, Your firstborn, whom-- because of Your love for him and Your joyous delight in him-- You named him Yis'ra-Eil and Y'shurun.
But! I am Your child, Your beloved one. I am part of a sacred story of seekers. My roots run deep into the history of my people, and before that to all species from whose evolution I descend. I am part of this world, a link in the love You weave. I am worthy of connection, and it is from this total worthiness that I pray.
L'fichach anach'nu chayyavim l'hodot l'cha ul'shabeichacha ul'fa-er'cha ul'vareich ul'kaddeish v'latet shevach v'hodayah lish'mecha. Ash'reinu mah tov chel'keinu umah na-im goraleinu umah yafah y'rushateinu. Ash'reinu she-anach'nu mash'kimim uma-arivim erev vavoker v'om'rim pa-amayim b'chol yom.
Therefore, we are obligated to thank You, to praise You, and to glorify You; to bless, to hallow, and to offer praise and thanks to You Name. We are fortunate! How good is our portion! How pleasant is our destiny! How beautiful is our heritage! We are fortunate that we rise early and stay late-- morning and evening-- and twice daily say:
Therefore! I feel compelled, Holy One, to speak out and praise, acknowledge, name,
bless, sanctify, honor and bear witness to the presence of Spirit in the world.
Satiated with contentment – that’s how I feel when I sink into this role of mine. Satiated with contentment – that is how I feel when I declare that all is One:
Sh'ma Yis'ra-Eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.
Pay attention, Yis'ra-Eil, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.
Listen, All of Us Who Wrestle With Life! We belong to all Existence. All Existence is One.
Baruch sheim k'vod mal'chuto l'olam va-ed.
Blessed is Their Name, Whose glorious sovereignty is forever and all time.
Blessed is the Name of the Presence of Being forever and ever.
Attah hu ad shello niv'ra ha-olam, attah hu mishenniv'ra ha-olam, attah hu ba-olam hazzeh v'attah hu la-olam haba, kaddeish et shim'cha al mak'ddishei sh'mecha v'kaddeish et shim'cha b'olamecha, uvishu-at'cha tarum v'tag'biahh kar'neinu. Baruch attah Adonai m'kaddeish et shim'cha barabim.
You existed before the world was created. You exist in the same way now that the world has been created. You exist in this world, and You will exist in the World-to-Come. Hallow You Name upon those who hallow Your Name, and hallow Your Name in Your world. And through Your deliverance You will be exalted and You will uplift our power. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who hallows Their Name among the multitudes.
I get so wrapped up in my own stuff, Holy One. Help me to remember the big story I am a part of: You were before the world. You created the world. You are in this world, and You are in the world that is coming. All of Being is You, and Your desire to connect and become more conscious. I bless You, Holy One, who makes Her Holiness present in a multitude of ways.
Korban HaTamid
Vay'dabeir Adonai el Mosheh leimor. Tzav et b'nei Yis'ra-Eil v'amar'tta aleihem et kor'bani lach'mi l'ishai rei-ach nichochi tish'm'tu l'hak'riv li b'mo-ado. V'amar'tta lahem zeh ha-isheh asher tak'rivu lAdonai k'vasim b'nei shanah t'mimim sh'nayim layyom olah tamid. Et hakeves echad ta-aseh vaboker v'eit hakeves hasheini ta-aseh bein ha-arbayim. Va-asirit ha-eifah solet l'min'chah b'lulah b'shemen katit r'vi-it hahin. Olat tamid ha-asuyah b'har Sinai l'rei-ach nicho-ach isheh lAdonai. V'nis'ko r'vi-it hahin lakeves ha-echad bakkodesh hasseich nesech seichar lAdonai. V'eit hakeves hasheini ta-aseh bein ha-ar'bayim k'min'chat haboker uch'nis'ko ta-aseh isheih rei-ach nicho-ach lAdonai.
And Adonai spoke to Mosheh to say: Command B'nei Yis'ra-Eil, and say to them: My offering, My food, to be consumed by My fires, a pleasing aroma to Me, You shall be diligent to bring unto Me, at its fixed time. And you will say to them: This is the fire-offering that you will bring unto Adonai: male lambs, in their first year, without blemish, two of them each day, as a constant burnt-offering. Offer one lamb in the morning, and the second lamb, offer in the afternoon. And a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a meal-offering, mixed with oil of crushed olives measuring one-fourth of a hin. This is a constant burnt-offering as offered at Mount Sinai for a pleasing aroma, a fire-offering to Adonai. And its libation will be a fourth of a hin for the one lamb; in the Holy Sanctuary you will pour out a drink-offering of strong wine to Adonai. And the second lamb you will offer in the afternoon; as the meal-offering of the morning together with its libation, you shall offer a fire-offering of pleasing aroma to Adonai.
The Baraita of Rabbi Yish'ma-eil
מִקַּל וָחֹֽמֶר.
Rabi Yish'ma-eil omer bishlosh es'rei middot haTorah nid'rashet.
Mikkal vachomer.
Rebbi Yishmael says:
The process of deriving new applications from the teachings of the Torah follows thirteen rules of interpretation.
1. A law that operates under certain conditions will surely be operative in other situations where the same conditions are present in a more acute form.
2. A law operating in one situation will also be operative in another situation, if the text characterizes both situations in identical terms.
Mibin'yan av mikatuv echad, umibin'yan ev mish'nei ch'tuvim.
3. A law that clearly expresses the purpose it was meant to serve will also apply in other situations where the identical purpose may be served.
4. When a general rule is followed by illustrative particulars, only those particulars are to be embraced in it.
5. A law that begins with specifying particular cases, and then proceeds to an all-embracing generalization, is to be applied to particular cases not so specified but logically falling into the same generalization.
K'lal up'rat uch'lal i attah dan ella k'ein hap'rat.
6. A law that begins with a generalization as to its intended application, then continues with the specification of particular cases, and then concludes with a restatement of the generalization, can be applied only to the particular cases specified.
Miklal shehu tzatich lif'rat umip'rat shehu tzarich lich'lal.
7. The rules about a generalization being followed or preceded by specifying particulars (rules 4 and 5) will not apply if it is apparent that the specification of the particular cases or the statement of the generalization is meant purely for the sake of achieving a greater clarity of language.
Kol davar shehayah bich'lal v'yatza min hak'lal l'lammeid lo l'lammei al atz'mo yatza ella l'lammeid al hal'lal kulllo yatza;
8. A particular case already covered in a generalization that is nevertheless treated separately suggests that the same particularized treatment be applied to all other cases which are covered in that generalization.
Kol davar shehayah bich'lal v'yatza lit'on ot-an echad she-hu k'in'yano yatza l'hakeil v'lo l'hachamir.
9. A penalty specified for a general category of wrong-doing is not to be automatically applied to a particular case that is withdrawn from the general rule to be specifically prohibited, but without any mention of the penalty.
Kol davar shehayah bich'lal v'yatza lit'on to-an acheir shello ch'in'yano yatza l'hakeil ul'hachamir.
10. A general prohibition followed by a specified penalty may be followed by a particular case, normally included in the generalization, with a modification in penalty, for no other reason than to change the penalty, either toward easing it or making it more severe.
Kol davar shehayah bich'lal v'yatza liddon baddavar hechadash i attah yachol l'hachaziro lich'lalo ad sheyyachazirennu hakatuv lich'lalo b'feirush.
11. A case logically falling into a general law but treated separately remains outside the provisions of the general law except in those instances where it is specifically included in them.
Davar hallameid mei-in'yano v'davar hallameid missofo.
12. Obscurities in Biblical texts may be cleared up from the immediate context or from subsequently occuring passages.
V'chein sh'nei ch'tuvim hammach'chisim zeh et zeh ad sh'yyavo hakatuv hash'lishi v'yach'ri-a b'neihem.
13. Contradictions in Biblical passages may be removed through the mediation of other passages.
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּ֒פָנֶֽיךָ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ שֶׁיִּבָּנֶה בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵֽינוּ וְתֵן חֶלְקֵֽנוּ בְּתוֹרָתֶֽךָ: וְשָׁם נַעֲבָדְךָ בְּיִרְאָה כִּימֵי עוֹלָם וּכְשָׁנִים קַדְמוֹנִיּוֹת:
Y'hi ratzon mill'fanecha Adonai Eloheinu vEilohei avoteinu sheyyibaneh beit hammik'ddash bim'heirah v'yameinu v'tein chel'keinu b'Toratecha. V'sam na-avad'cha b'yir'ah kimei olam uch'shanim kad'moniyyot.
May it be Your will Adonai, our God and God of our ancestors, that the Beit Hammik'ddash be rebuilt speedily in our days. Grant us our share in Your Torah. And there we will serve You reverently as in the days of old, and in earlier years.
Rabbis' Kaddish
Only to be said in the presence of a minyan. There is a custom to rise in body and/or spirit to recite Kaddish.
Yit'ggaddal v'yit'kaddash sh'meih raba (amein),
Exalted and sanctified be Their great Name, amen,
b'al'mah di v'ra chir-uteihh v'yam'lich mal'chuteihh b'chayyeichon uv'yomeichon uv'chayyei d'chol beit Yis'ra-Eil ba-agala uviz'man kariv v'im'ru amein.
in the world which They created according to Their will, and may They rule Their sovereignty in your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire Beit Yis'ra-Eil, speedily and in the near future-- and say amen.
Y'hei sh'meihh raba m'vorach l'olam ul'al'mei al'mayya.
May Their great Name be blessed forever and for all eternity.
Yit'barach v'yish'ttabach v'yit'pa-ar v'yit'romam v'yit'nassei v'yit'haddar v'yit'alleh v'yit'hallal sh'meihh d'kud'sha b'rich hu,
Blessed and praised, glorified, and exalted and uplifted, honored and elevated and extolled be the Name of the Holy One, blessed are They;
During the Ten days of T'shuvah, recite the second phrase in the brackets. All other days recite the first.
]לְעֵֽלָּא מִן־כָּל־/לְעֵֽלָּא לְעֵֽלָּא מִכָּל] בִּרְכָתָֽא וְשִׁירָתָֽא תֻּשְׁבְּ֒חָתָֽא וְנֶחָמָתָֽא דַּאֲמִירָן בְּעָלְ֒מָֽא וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן:
[l'eilla min kol/l'eilla l'eilla mikol] bir'chata v'shirata tush'b'chata v'nechemata da-amiran b'al'ma v'im'ru amein.
[above/far above] all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations which we utter in the world-- and say amen.
Al Yis'ra-Eil v'al rabanan v'al tal'mideihon v'al kol tal'midei tal'mideihon. V'al kol man d'as'kin b'orai'ta. Di v'at'ra hadein v'di b'chol atar v'atar. Y'hei l'hon ul'chon sh'lama raba chinna v'chis'dda v'rachamin v'chayyin arichin um'zona r'vichei ufur'kana min kadam avuhon d'vish'mayya v'im'ru amein,
Upon Yis'ra-Eil, and upon our Sages, and upon their disciples, and upon all the disciples of their disciples, and upon all those who engage in Torah study in this land and in every land; may there be unto them and unto you abundant peace, favor, kindness, compassion, long life, ample sustenance and redemption from their Parent Who is in heaven and on earth-- and say amen.
Y'hei sh'lamah raba min sh'mayya v'chayyim aleinu v'al jol Yis'ra-Eil v'im'ru amein.
May there be abundant peace from heaven and a good life for us and for all Yis'ra-Eil-- and say amen.
During the Ten Days of T'shuvah. say the second phrase in the brackets. All other days say the first.
Oseh [shalom/hashalom] bim'romav hu ya-aseh shalom aleinu v'al kol Yis'ra-Eil v'im'ru amein.
They Who make [peace/the peace] in Their high heavens, may They, in Their mercy, make peace for us and for all Yis'ra-Eil-- and say amen.