Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.

 

 

SIDDUR LEV TOV / The Good Heart Siddur

 

סדור לב טוב

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Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.
editor and translator

January 2005 / Shevat 5765
Revised August 2007 / Elul 5767; August 5, 2012 / Av 5772

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The Good Heart 

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אָמַר רַבָּן יוֹחָנָן בֶּן זַּכַּאי לְתָלְמִידַיו, צְאוּ וּרְאוּ אֵיזוֹהִי דֶרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה שֶׁיִּדְבַּק בָּהּ הָאָדָם.  רַבִּי אֱלִיעֶזֶר אוֹמֵר, עַיִן טוֹבָה. רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ אוֹמֵר, חָבֵר טוֹב. רַבִּי יוֹסֵי אוֹמֵר, שָׁכֵן טוֹב.  רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמֵר, הָרוֹאֶה אֶת הַנּוֹלָד.  רַבִּי אֶלְעָזָר אוֹמֵר, לֵב טוֹב.  אָמַר לָהֶם, רוֹאֶה אֲנִי אֶת דִּבְרֵי אֶלְעָזָר בֶּן עֲרָךְ מִדִּבְרֵיכֶם, שֶׁבִּכְלַל דְּבָרָיו דִּבְרֵיכֶם.

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Once Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai instructed his five favorite disciples to go out into the world to discover what is the best quality a person can possess.  After traveling through the world, they returned to their teacher with their answers.  
    

The first disciple, Rabbi Eliezer, said, “I have traveled from town to town and from city to city and in all my travels I have found that the best people have an עַיִן טוֹבָה, Eyin Tovah, a good eye.  They look favorably upon other people and all things.  They express an attitude of acceptance and benevolence toward others.”
    

The second disciple, Rabbi Yehoshua, said, “In the course of my travels I found that it is not good to be alone.  People need other people and it is important to have good friends and companions.  Therefore, I believe that the best quality after which we should strive is to be a חָבֵר טוֹב , Chaver Tov, a good friend to all.”   

 

The third disciple, Rabbi Jose, said, “I did not need to travel far to learn that the most important thing we can be is a שָׁכֵן טוֹב, Shochien Tov, a good neighbor.  We need to live in peace with our neighbors, help them in their time of need, generously share our blessings with them and, together, build a feeling of shalom, of peace, in the towns and co

mmunities in which we live.”

 

The fourth disciple, Rabbi Shimon, said, “In my journeys I discovered that the best people are those who are הָרוֹאֶה אֶת הַנּוֹלָד, HaRo’eh et haNolad, those who consider consequences.  They look before they leap. They make considered judgements and one can trust their choices because they have thought about the ultimate results of their decisions.

 

Finally, the last disciple, Rabbi Elazar, spoke.  He said, “I journeyed into my soul and I discovered that the best quality any person can have is that of a לֵב טוֹב, Lev Tov, a Good Heart.”

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But before he could finish speaking, Rabban Yochanan interrupted and declared, “Of all these answers, I prefer the words of Rabbi Elazar because having a לֵב טוֹב, Lev Tov, a Good Heart, means having all these qualities in one soul.” 
                

Rabbi Lewis Eron based on Pirkei Avot 2:13

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INTRODUCTION

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WHAT IS PRAYER?

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    Prayer is our spiritual response to the world within which we live.  It is a way in which we express thanksgiving for its blessings, wonder at its majesty, concern for its troubles, fear from its uncertainties, anger at its unfairness, and hope for its amazing promise and possibility.  
    Prayer can be an intensely personal response or the shared expression of a community.  Prayer can be, as it is in this prayer book, rooted in a tradition or it can be a spontaneous expression of personal or communal spiritual energy.
    Prayer is often addressed to God, but to pray one need not have a clear idea of God.  Prayer is not theology, the philosophic expression of beliefs about God, but it can help us develop our ideas of God as we allow our hearts and souls to respond to the circumstances of life.  One also does not need to have had an experience of the divine to pray.  Prayer is not mysticism, the direct personal encounter with the One Who is Beyond All, but prayer frees us to experience the power of the One who is behind and beyond creation.
    While we often think that prayer consists of words, prayer can be any expression of our beings.  Song and dance may be prayerful.  Simple gestures such as lighting candles or sipping wine can be prayers.  A healthy laugh or a painful moan can be a prayer. Even a breath can be a prayer.  Any time we allow our spirits to respond to our world, we can utter a prayer.

 

WHEN TO PRAY
    One can pray anytime the spirit desires.  Jews are encouraged to say prayers at all times – when we wake and when we retire, when we eat or drink, when we remember old times and celebrate new ones, when we are afraid and when we are happy, when we are angry at God and when we are pleased with God.
    Traditionally, we gather for public prayer three times a day – morning, afternoon and evening.  Public prayer takes place in the synagogue, literally “the gathering place” or in Hebrew the Beit Kenneset.  Public prayer consists primarily of prayers of praise and expressions of communal issues although we do have an opportunity to express our personal concerns.
    While many pray, or feel it is important to pray, in a community three times a day, most of us gather for prayer on Shabbat and the Festivals.  This prayer book consists of the prayers that we at the Lions Gate, a continuing care retirement community, have found most moving and helpful from the traditional worship service for Shabbat and the Festivals.  

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HOW TO PRAY

    It is not hard to pray.  The words in the prayer book are merely guides for our souls.  Many people find it helpful to follow the prayers closely.  Others enjoy the sound of the words even if they are not reading carefully.  Some people pray by singing and clapping.  Some people pray by asking questions or responding to all that is going on around them.      For many people, the hardest obstacle to prayer is the belief that it is essentially an intellectual activity.  They often believe that for prayer to work one needs to be able to read the prayers at least in English, if not in Hebrew, that one needs to accept literally the meaning of the words, and that one needs to exert control over one’s thoughts and feelings if they seem to go against the sense of the prayer.
    This is not correct.  Prayer is not an intellectual activity nor does it require a great deal of knowledge.  Jewish folklore contains many stories in which the prayer of the simple Jew was more powerful than those of the more learned.  The words, music, and movements in the service are to help us express our souls’ concerns.  Sometimes we will find them helpful, other times not.  That is not a problem.  In whatever we do, some days are better than others.  Regular attendance at worship services, however, helps train our souls to be free enough to express themselves.  Comfort grows from familiarity with a place and a service.
    Here at the Lions Gate we have an additional challenge.  Here we have people from all sorts of Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds with all sorts of skills and abilities who join us in worship.  There is clearly no one right way to pray which suits every person attending our services or any service.  The biggest challenge is to be so open and comfortable in one’s own praying that one can allow others to participate in the service in their own distinctive way.

 

DOES PRAYER WORK?

    In theological terms this question is often asked as “Does God answer prayers and in which ways?”  That is a serious question and as our understanding of God grows and changes in the course of our lives, we will answer the question differently depending on where we are and the concerns and challenges we face.
    We approach the question differently on the spiritual level.  Here we are not looking so much for changes in our circumstances or philosophical explanations as we are for the ability to appreciate ourselves wherever we may be.  Prayer can help us express our souls concerns – pleasure or pain, courage or fear, hope or despair, joy or sorrow – and fit those concerns into our lives so that we can live more meaningful and purposeful lives.  This is expressed in the maxim, “Whoever leaves prayer a better person, this one’s prayer has been answered.”

 

BRIEF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    This prayer book grows out of twenty years of praying with the residents and staff of the Jewish Geriatric Home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and its successor institution, Lions Gate CCRC.  In this way, it has been a cooperative effort.  I have learned much about prayer and life from the wonderful people who lived and still live there.  I hope that this prayer book honestly expresses all that I have learned.
    It also reflects my experiences as Jewish Community Chaplain for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.  I have met many people in so many difficult and differing circumstances and they have all been my teachers.  The, too, have taught me much about prayer and life.
    I am also thankful for the continued support of my rabbinic colleagues, the members of the Tri-County Board of Rabbis, for me and for the chaplaincy program.  We are blessed to have a rabbinic community that fosters a high level of friendship and cooperation among its members that transcends denominational and ideological differences.  I particularly want to thank my predecessor, the late Rabbi Melvin Glatt, whose ten years of service to our community created the position in which I am now honored to serve.  His attempts to develop a meaningful form of worship for the seniors in our community have been the foundation of my work.
    I am also grateful for the love and support of my wife, Gail Trachtenberg, and my two children, Abby and Andrew.  They are truly the foundation of my life and my work.
    Finally, I want to thank all those in the community who worked so hard and lovingly to support the Jewish Geriatric Home and, now, work even more diligently to build and support Lions Gate.  This prayer book is a tribute to the financial support of generous donors, the fund raising efforts of our Auxiliary, the limitless hours of compassionate care offered by our volunteers, the loving attention of the family members and friends of our residents and the exceptional work of all the members of our staff.  With people like these in our community, we can honestly say, “Our prayers are answered.”
                            Rabbi Lewis John Eron, Ph.D.

MAH TOVU

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   מַה טֹּֽבוּ אֹהָלֶֽיךָ יַעֲקֹב, מְִשְׁכְּנתֶֽיךָ יִשְרָאֵל. וַאֲנִי בְּרֹב חַסְדְּךָ אָבוֹא בֵיתֶֽךָ, אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶה אֶל הֵיכַל קָדְשְׁךָ בְּיִרְאָתֶֽךָ. יְיָ אָהַֽבְתִּי מְעוֹן בֵּיתֶֽךָ, וּמְקוֹם מִשְׁכַּן כְּבוֹדֶֽךָ. וַאֲנִי אֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶה וְאֶכְרָֽעָה, אֶבְרְכָה לִפְנֵי יְיָ עֹשִׂי. וַאֲנִי, תְפִלָּתִי לְךָ יְיָ, עֵת רָצוֹן, אֱלֹהִים בְּרָב חַסְדֶּֽךָ, עֲנֵֽנִי בֶּאֱמֶת יִשְׁעֶֽךָ.

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Mah tovu ohalecha ya-akov, mishk'notecha yisra-eil. Va-ani b'rov chasd'cha avo veitecha, eshtachaveh el heichol kodsh'cha b'yiratecha. Adonai ahavti m'on beitecha, um'kom mishkan k'vodecha. Va-ani eshtachaveh v'echra-ah, evr'chah lifnei Adonai osi. Va-ani t'filati l'cha Adonai, eit ratzon, elohim b'rav chasdecha, aneini be-emet yishecha. 

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How beautiful are your tents O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.  By Your abounding kindness, Dear God, I come into Your house.  With reverence I worship in Your holy sanctuary.  Dear God, I love Your dwelling, the place where Your glory abides.  In the presence of my Eternal Creator, I bow low, bend my knee and count my blessings.  As for me, I will pray to You, Dear God, at a desirable time.  O God by Your great love answer me with Your saving truth.

BLESSING OVER THE TALIT

בָּרְכִי נַפְשִׁי אֶת יְיָ, יְיָ אֱלֹהַי גָּדַֽלְתָּ מְאֹד, הוֹד וְהָדָר לָבָֽשְׁתָּ. עֹֽטֶה אוֹר כַּשַּׂלְמָה, נוֹטֶה שָׁמַֽיִם כַּיְרִיעָה.    

 

Borchi nafshi et Adonai, Adonai Elohai gadalta meod, hod vehada lavashta, oteh or kasalma, notei shamayim kayeri’a.

 

My soul will bless the Eternal One:  Adonai, my God,You are very great.  You are robed in glory and majesty.  You are covered with light as with a garment and You stretch out the heavens like a curtain. (Psalm 104:1-2)

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    בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהִתְעַטֵּף בַּצִּיצִת.

 

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hitateif batzitzit.

 

 

We bless You and praise You our Eternal God, sovereign of all, who has shown us how to live lives of goodness and beauty through Your mitzvot, Your directives, and who has directed us to wrap ourselves in the talit, the garment with fringes.n

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    מַה יָּקָר חַסְדְּךָ, אֱלֹהִים וּבְנֵי אָדָם בְּצֵל כְּנָפֶֽיךָ יֶחֱסָיוּן. יִרְוְיֻן מִדֶּֽשֶׁן בֵּיתֶֽךָ, וְנַֽחַל עֲדָנֶֽיךָ תַשְׁקֵם. כִּי עִמְּךָ מְקוֹר חַיִּים, בְּאוֹרְךָ נִרְאֶה אוֹר. מְשֹׁךְ חַסְדְּךָ לְיֹדְעֶֽיךָ, וְצִדְקָתְךָ לְיִשְׁרֵי לֵב.

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Mah yakar chasd'cha, elohim, uv'nei adam b'tzeil k'nafecha yechesaun. Yirv'yun mideshen beitecha, v'nachol adanecha tashkeim. Ki im'cha m'kor chayim, b'or'cha nireh or. M'shoch chasd'cha l'yod'echa, v'tzidkat'cha l'yishrei leiv.

 

How precious is your abiding kindness, Dear God.  
The children of humanity take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
May they find satisfaction in the richness of Your house.
May You permit them to drink from Your stream of delights.
For within You is the fountain of life,
In Your light, we see light.
Extend Your abiding kindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:1-8)

BLESSINGS FOR THE GIFT OF BODY AND SOUL

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For Our Bodies

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בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר יָצַר אֶת הָאָדָם בְּחָכְמָה, וּבָרָא בוֹ נְקָבִים נְקָבִים, חֲלוּלִים חֲלוּלִים, גָלוּי וְיָֽדוּעַ לִפְנֵי כִסֵּא כְבוֹדֶֽךָ שֶאִם יִפָּתֵֽחַ אֶחָד מֵהֶם, אוֹ יִסָּתֵם אֶחָד מֵהֶם, אִי אֶפְשַׁר לְהִתְקַיֵים וְלַעֲמוֹד לְפָנֶֽיךָ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, רוֹפֵא כָל בָּשָׂר, וּמַפְלִיא לַעֲשׂוֹת

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Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher yatzar et ha-adam b'choch'mah, uvara vo n'kavim n'kavim, chalulim chalulim. Galuy v'yadua lifnei chisei ch'vodecha, sheim yipatei-ach echad meihem, o yisateim echad meihem, i efshar l'hitkayeim v'la-amod l'fanecha. Baruch atah Adonai, rofei chol basar umafli la-asot.

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Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, who formed our bodies with wisdom, creating within openings and passages, life sustaining organs, of remarkable intricacy and of incredible design.  We all know that if but one of them fails to function, it would be impossible to exist before You.  Praised are You Eternal One, source of healing whose actions are beyond amazement.

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For Our Torah

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בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לַעֲסֹק בְּדִבְרֵי תוֹרָה.

 

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu la-asok b'divrei torah.  

 

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, who has made us holy by Your directives and has directed us to be involved in making the teachings of Your Torah real in our lives.

For Our Souls

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אֱלֹהַי, נְשָׁמָה שֶׁנָּתַֽתָּ בִּי טְהוֹרָה הִיא. אַתָּה בְרָאתָהּ, אַתָּה יְצַרְתָּהּ, אַתָּה נְפַחְתָּהּ בִּי, וְאַתָּה מְשַׁמְּרָהּ בְּקִרְבִּי, וְאַתָּה עָתִיד לִטְּלָהּ מִמֶּֽנִי, וּלְהַחֲזִירָהּ בִּי לֶעָתִיד לָבוֹא. כָּל זְמַן שֶׁהַנְּשְָׁמָה בְקִרְבִּי, מוֹדֶה (מוֹדָה) אֲנִי לְפָנֶֽיךָ, יְיָ אֱלֹהַי וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתַי, רִבּוֹן כָּל הַמַּעֲשִׂים, אֲדוֹן כָּל הַנְּשָׁמוֹת. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמַּחֲזִיר נְשָׁמוֹת לִפְגָרִים מֵתִים.

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Dear God, the soul which You have given me is a pure one!  You have created it, formed it, breathed it into me, and sustain it within me.  Though I know that there will come a day when You will take it away from me I trust that You will restore it to me in a future yet unkown.  So long as I have breath, I will give thanks to You, O Eternal One, my God and God of all Ages, Source of all Creation, Creator of all Souls.  Blessed are You, Eternal One, who restores life to mortal creatures.

 

MORNING BLESSINGS / ברכות השחר

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Dear God, give me the strength to rise in the morning and to welcome each day with joy.

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לַשֶּׂכְוִי בִינָה, לְהַבְחִין בֵּין יוֹם וּבֵין לָֽיְלָה.

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam,

asher natan lasechvi vinah l'havchin bein yom uvein lay'lah.  

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Source of the Universe,

who has endowed the rooster with insight to distinguish 
between day and night.

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When I feel lost or confused, help me remember who I am.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשַֽׂנִי בְּצָּלְמוֹ:    

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, she’asani betzalmo.

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 

who has made me in Your image.

 

When I forget who I truly am, help me remember that I am always on of your people.

   בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשַֽׂנִי יִשְׂרָאֵל:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, she’asani yisra-eil.

 

Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Source of the Universe 
who has made me part of the People of Israel

 

When I feel caught and unable to move, give me the courage to seek freedom. 

   בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשַֽׂנִי בֶּן \ בָּת חוֹרִין:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, she’asani  ben / bat chorin. 

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, who has made me free

 

When I do not know what to do and what to think, give me the ability to see through the darkness.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, פּוֹקֵֽחַ עִוְרִים:
Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, pokei-ach ivrim.     

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who opens the eyes of the blind.

 

When I feel exposed and vulnerable, blanket me with Your love.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, מַלְבִּישׁ עֲרֻמִים:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, malbish arumim.    

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Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who provides clothes for the naked.

 

When I feel stuck in the mistakes of the past, free me from the burden of guilt.

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, matir asurim.  

​

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who frees the captive.

 

When my spirit has collapsed, lift me up with Your blessing of hope.

 בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, זוֹקֵף כְּפוּפִים:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, zokeif k'fufim.  

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who lifts up the fallen.

 

When I am reluctant to move ahead in my life, help me to know that You will walk with me.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמֵּכִין מִצְעֲדֵי גָֽבֶר:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, hameichin mitzadei gaver.

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who makes firm each person’s steps.

 

When I long for the things I once had, help me recognize that I now have things I truly need.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁעָשָׂה לִי כָּלֹ־צָרְכִּי:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, she-asah li kol tzar'ki. 

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who provides for my needs.

 

When I worry about Israel and the Jewish people, help me remember our people’s triumphs even in the face of adversity.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אוֹזֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּגְבוּרָה:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, ozeir yisra-eil bigvurah. 

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who assists our people Israel with strength.

 

When I feel down and unimportant, remind me of the glory of our people.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, עוֹטֵר יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּתִפְאָרָה:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, oteir yisra-eil b'tifarah.

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who crowns Israel with glory.

 

When I feel weak and frail, bless me with strength and courage.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַנּוֹתֵן לַיָּעֵף כֹּֽחַ:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, hanotein l’Adonai-eif koach. 

 

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who gives strength to the weary.

 

When all I want to do is sleep, stir my soul and touch my spirit so that I wake up to the blessings of the day 
and the joy of being part of Your world. 

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמַּעֲבִיר שֵׁנָה מֵעֵינָי וּתְנוּמָה מֵעַפְעַפָּי:

Baruch atah Adonai eloheinu melech ha-olam, hama-avir sheinah mei-einay ut'numah mei-afapay.  

​

Blessed are You Eternal our God, Source of the Universe, 
who removes sleep from our eyes, slumber from our eyelids.

 Baruch SheAmar / ברוך שאמר

​

בָּרוּךְ שֶׁאָמַר וְהָיָה הָעוֹלָם,

Baruch she-amar v'hayah ha-olam, 

בָּרוּךְ הוּא, 

baruch hu,

בָּרוּךְ עֹשֶׂה בְרֵאשִׁית,  

 baruch oseh v'reishit,

בָּרוּךְ אוֹמֵר וְעֹשֶׂה,    

baruch omeir v'oseh,

בָּרוּךְ גּוֹזֵר וּמְקַיֵּם,    

baruch gozeir um'kayeim,

בָּרוּךְ מְרַחֵם עַל הָאָֽרֶץ,    

baruch m'racheim al ha-aretz,

בָּרוּךְ מְרַחֵם עַל הַבְּרִיּוֹת,  

 baruch m'racheim al hab'riyot,

בָּרוּךְ מְשַׁלֵּם שָׂכָר טוֹב לִירֵאָיו,   

baruch m'shaleim sachar tov lirei-av,

בָּרוּךְ חַי לָעַד וְקַיָּם לָנֶֽצַח,

baruch chai la-ad v'kayam lanetzach,

בָּרוּךְ פּוֹדֶה וּמַצִּיל,  

baruch podeh umatzil,

בָּרוּךְ שְׁמוֹ.    

baruch sh'mo.

​

I

Blessed be the One who spoke and the universe came into being.
Blessed be God.
Blessed be the One who is creator from the beginning.
Blessed be the One who speaks and does.
Blessed be the One who molds and builds.
Blessed be the One who has compassion on the earth.
Blessed be the One who has compassion on all creatures.
Blessed be the One who provides a good reward to those who are reverent.
Blessed be the One who lives forever and exists eternally.
Blessed be the One who redeems and delivers from trouble.
Blessed be God’s name.

II

To bless You is to name You
To name You is to know You
To know You is to receive Your Blessing
Dear God – the Sovereign of the Universe –
You are Our God 
You are The Compassionate One
You are The One we praise, honor, laud and exalt
With both the simple words of the saintly and the hardworking
And with the majestic songs of King David the poet.
We call you “The Life of the Universe” 
And “The One Whose Name is Forever Great.”
        Lewis John Eron

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מֶֽלֶךְ מְהֻלָּל בַּתִּשְׁבָּחוֹת:

Baruch atah Adonai, melech m'hulal batishbachot.

Blessed are You, Dear God, Sovereign One, 
glorified by hymns of praise.

​

Ashrei /אַשְׁרֵי 

(Psalm 84:5; 144:15;145:1,21 and 115:8)

אַשְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵי בֵיתֶֽךָ, עוֹד יְהַלְלֽוּךָ סֶּֽלָה:

Ashrei yosh'vei veitecha, od y'hal'lucha selah.

​

אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם שֶׁכָּֽכָה לּוֹ, אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם שֶׁיְיָ אֱלֹהָיו:

Ashrei ha-am shekachah lo, ashrei ha-am she-adonai elohav.   

 

תְּהִלָּה לְדָוִד

T'hilah l'david,  

 

אֲרוֹמִמְךָ אֱלוֹהַי הַמֶּֽלֶךְ, וַאֲבָרְכָה שִׁמְךָ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

Aromimcha elohai hamelech, va-avar'chah shimcha l'olam va-ed. 

 

 בְּכָל יוֹם אֲבָרְכֶֽךָּ, וַאֲהַלְלָה שִׁמְךָ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

B'chol yom avar'cheka, va-ahal'lah shimcha l'olam va-ed.  

 

תְּהִלַּת יְיָ יְדַבֶּר פִּי, וִיבָרֵךְ כָּל בָּשָׂר שֵׁם קָדְשׁוֹ, לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

T'hilat Adonai y'daber pi, vivareich kol basar sheim kod'sho l'olam va-ed. 

 

וַאֲנַֽחְנוּ נְבָרֵךְ יָהּ, מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם, הַלְלוּיָהּ:

Va-anachnu n'vareich yah, mei-atah v'ad olam, hal'luyah.  

 

​

Happy are they who dwell within Your house, 
may they always praise You!

Happy is the people for whom it is so, 
happy is the people whose God is the Eternal One!

A Psalm of David
I will exalt You, my sovereign God,  
and I will bless Your name now and forever.

May my mouth declare the Eternal’s praise, 
may all flesh bless God’s sacred name, now and forever,

And now let us bless the name of the Eternal, Hallelujah!

 

Psalm 150

​

הַלְלוּיָהּ, הַלְלוּ  אֵל בְּקָדְשׁוֹ, 
הַלְלֽוּהוּ בִּרְקִֽיעַ עֻזּוֹ:

Hal'luyah, hal'lu eil b'kod'sho, 

hal'luhu birki-a uzo.    

​

הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּגְבוּרֹתָיו, 
הַלְלֽוּהוּ כְּרֹב גֻּדְלוֹ:

Hal'luhu bigvurotav, 

hal'luhu k'rov gudlo.    

​

הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּתֵֽקַע שׁוֹפָר, 
הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּנֵֽבֶל וְכִנּוֹר:

Hal'luhu b'teika shofar, 

hal'luhu b'neivel v'chinor.  

​

הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּתֹף וּמָחוֹל, 
הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּמִנִּים וְעֻגָב:

Hal'luhu b'tof umachol, 

hal'luhu b'minim v'ugav.    

הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּצִלְצְלֵי שָֽׁמַע, 
הַלְלֽוּהוּ בְּצִלְצְלֵי תְרוּעָה:

Hal'luhu b'tziltz'lei shama, 

hal'luhu b'tziltz'lei t'ruah.    

​

כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ הַלְלוּיָהּ.
כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ הַלְלוּיָהּ:

Kol han'shamah t'haleil yah hal'luyah. 

Kol han'shamah t'haleil yah hal'luyah.  

​

Hallelujah! Praise God in His Holy Place.  
Praise God in His mighty firmament.

Praise God for God’s might; 
Praise God for God’s measureless greatness.

Praise God by sounding the shofar; 
Praise God with the timbrel and the harp.

Praise God with the drum and dance; 
Praise God with  the harp and the flute.

Praise God with loud sounding cymbals;  
Praise God with resounding cymbals.

Let every soul praise God;  
Hallelujah - Praise the Eternal!

Let every soul praise God;   
Hallelujah - Praise the Eternal!

​

נִשְׁמַת כָּל חַי, תְּבָרֵךְ אֶת שִׁמְךָ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ. וְרֽוּחַ כָּל בָּשָׂר, תְּפָאֵר וּתְרוֹמֵם זִכְרְךָ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ תָּמִיד, מִן הָעוֹלָם וְעַד הָעוֹלָם אַתָּה אֵל. וּמִבַּלְעָדֶֽיךָ אֵין לָֽנוּ מֶֽלֶךְ גּוֹאֵל וּמוֹשִֽׁיעַ, פּוֹדֶה וּמַצִּיל וּמְפַרְנֵס וּמְרַחֵם, בְּכָל עֵת צָרָה וְצוּקָה. אֵין לָֽנוּ מֶֽלֶךְ אֶלָּא אָֽתָּה:

Nishmat kol chai, t'vareich et shimcha Adonai eloheinu, v'ruach kol basar t'fa-eir ut'romeim zichr'cha malkeinu tamid, min ha-olam v'ad ha-olam atah eil, umibaladecha ein lanu melech goeil umoshi-a, podeh umatzil um'farneis um'racheim b'chol eit tzarah v'tzukah, ein lanu melech ela atah.

​

The soul of every living being will bless Your name, O Eternal One, our God and the spirit of all creatures forever will extol and exalt Your name Our Heavenly Ruler.  From one world to the next You are God and besides You we have no sovereign, redeemer, and deliverer who saves, rescues, sustains and showers us with compassion at every moment of trouble and distress.  We have no other sovereign but You.

​

הָאֵל בְּתַעֲצֻמוֹת עֻזֶּֽךָ, הַגָּדוֹל בִּכְבוֹד שְׁמֶֽךָ. הַגִּבּוֹר לָנֶֽצַח וְהַנּוֹרָא בְּנוֹרְאוֹתֶֽיךָ. הַמֶּֽלֶךְ הַיּוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רָם וְנִשָּׂא:

​

Ha-eil b'ta-atzumot uzecha, hagadol bichvod sh'mecha, hagibor lanetzach, v'hanora b'nor'otecha, hamelech hayosheiv al kisei ram v'nisa.   

​

You are God.  Your power is overwhelming.
You are known as “The One whose Greatness is Glorious.”
You are our eternal hero.  You are awesome in Your majesty.
You are our Ruler who sits on a high and exalted throne.

​

שוכן עד / SHOCHAIN AD

 

שׁוֹכֵן עַד, מָרוֹם וְקָדוֹש שְׁמוֹ: וְכָתוּב, 
רַנְּנוּ צַדִּיקִים בַּיְיָ, לַיְשָׁרִים נָאוָה תְהִלָּה.

 

Shochein ad, marom v'kadosh sh'mo. V'chatuv,

ran'nu tzadikim b'Adonai, laysharim navah t'hilah.

    

You who abide forever, Exalted and Holy is Your name.  

It is Your psalmist who declared:  

“Let the righteous sing before the Eternal One.  

Let the upright offer praise.” (Psalm 33:1)

​

בְּפִי יְשָׁרִים תִּתְרוֹמָם. 
וּבְדִבְרֵי צַדִּיקִים תִּתְבָּרַךְ. 
וּבְקֶֽרֶב קְדוֹשִׁים תִּתְהַלָּל. 
וּבִלְשׁוֹן חֲסִידִים תִּתְקַדָּשׁ:

B'fi y'sharim titromam,
uv'divrei tzadikim titbarach,
uvilshon chasidim titkadash,
uv'kerev k'doshim tithalal

​

You are exalted by the mouth of the upright. 
You are blessed with the words of the righteous. 
You are sanctified by the tongue of the pious. 
You are praised in the heart of the holy.

​

ישתבח / YISHTABACH

​

יִשְׁתַּבַּח שִׁמְךָ לָעַד מַלְכֵּנוּ, הָאֵל הַמֶּֽלֶךְ הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ בַּשָּׁמַיִם וּבָאָֽרֶץ. כִּי לְךָ נָאֶה, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ: שִׁיר וּשְׁבָחָה, הַלֵּל וְזִמְרָה, עֹז וּמֶמְשָׁלָה, נֶֽצַח, גְּדֻלָּה וּגְבוּרָה, תְּהִלָּה וְתִפְאֶֽרֶת, קְדֻשָּׁה וּמַלְכוּת.

 

Yishtabach shimcha la-ad malkeinu, ha-eil hamelech hagadol v'hakadosh bashamayim uva-aretz. Ki l'cha na-eh, Adonai eloheinu veilohei avoteinu, shir ush'vachah, haleil v'zimrah, oz umemshalah, netzach, g'dulah ug'vurah, t'hilah v'tiferet, k'dushah umalchut.    

בְּרָכוֹת וְהוֹדָאוֹת מֵעַתָּה וְעַד עוֹלָם. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ גָּדוֹל בַּתִּשְׁבָּחוֹת, אֵל הַהוֹדָאוֹת, אֲדוֹן הַנִּפְלָאוֹת, הַבּוֹחֵר בְּשִׁירֵי זִמְרָה, מֶֽלֶךְ, אֵל, חֵי הָעוֹלָמִים.

 

 

B'rachot v'hoda-ot mei-atah v'ad olam. Baruch atah Adonai, eil melech gadol batishbachot, eil hahoda-ot, adon hanifla-ot, habocheir b'shirei zimrah, melech, eil, chei ha-olamim.

 

You, who are our Sovereign,
May Your name be praised forever.
You, who are our Divine Ruler,
Are the One who is great and holy in heaven and upon the earth.
So it is fitting to offer You who are  
Our God and our ancestors’ God,
Song and praise, psalm and melody
Power, dominion, triumph, 
Greatness, might, renown, 
Holiness and sovereignty, blessings and acclamations 
Now and forever.

Eternal One, You are truly blessed.
You are the Divine Ruler exalted through praises;
the God acclaimed by all, 
the Master of Miracles, 
the One who delights in hymns of praise.
You are Ruler, God, The Life of all Worlds!

​

CALL TO PRAYER / ברכו

​

בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְיָ הַמְבוֹרָךְ:

Bar'chu et Adonai hamvorach.

בָּרוּךְ יְיָ הַמְבוֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

Baruch Adonai ham'vorach l'olam va-ed.

Bless the Blessed Eternal God!
The Blessed Eternal God is blessed both now and forever!

​

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, יוֹצֵר אוֹר, וּבוֹרֵא חֹֽשֶךְ, עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם וּבוֹרֵא אֶת הַכֹּל:

 

Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu melech ha-olam, yotzeir or uvorei choshech, oseh shalom uvorei et hakol.

    

We bless and praise You, our Eternal God, ruler of time and space, because You form light and create darkness; You establish peace and create all things. (Isaiah 45:7) 

​

Eil Adon / אל אדון

אֵל אָדוֹן עַל כָּל הַמַּעֲשִׂים, 
בָּרוּךְ וּמְבֹרָךְ בְּפִי כָּל נְשָׁמָה, 
גָּדְלוֹ וְטוּבוֹ מָלֵא עוֹלָם, 
דַּֽעַת וּתְבוּנָה סֹבְבִים אוֹתוֹ.

 

Eil adon al kol hama-asim,

baruch um'vorach b'fi kol n'shamah, 
gad'lo v'tuvo malei olam, 
da-at ut'vunah sov'vim oto.

הַמִּתְגָּאֶה עַל חַיּוֹת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ, 
וְנֶהְדָּר בְּכָבוֹד עַל הַמֶּרְכָּבָה, 
זְכוּת וּמִישׁוֹר לִפְנֵי כִסְאוֹ, 
חֶֽסֶד וְרַחֲמִים לִפְנֵי כְבוֹדוֹ.

 

Hamitga-eh al chayot hakodesh, 
v'nehdar b'chavod al hamerkavah, 
z'chut umishor lifnei chiso, 
chesed v'rachamim lifnei ch'vodo.

טוֹבִים מְאוֹרוֹת שֶׁבָּרָא אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, 
יְצָרָם בְּדַֽעַת בְּבִינָה וּבְהַשְׂכֵּל, 
כֹּֽחַ וּגְבוּרָה נָתַן בָּהֶם, 
לִהְיוֹת מוֹשְׁלִים בְּקֶֽרֶב תֵּבֵל.

 

Tovim m'orot shebara eloheinu, 
y'tzaram b'da-at b'vinah uv'haskeil, 
koach ug'vurah natan bahem, 
lihyot mosh'lim b'kerev teiveil.

מְלֵאִים זִיו וּמְפִיקִים נֹֽגַהּ, 
נָאֶה זִיוָם בְּכָל הָעוֹלָם, 
שְׂמֵחִים בְּצֵאתָם וְשָׂשִׂים בְּבוֹאָם, 
עֹשִׂים בְּאֵימָה רְצוֹן קוֹנָם.

 

M'leiim ziv um'fikim nogah, 
na-eh zivam b’chol ha-olam, 
s'meichim b'tzeitam v'sasim b'voam, 
osim b'eimah r'tzon konam.

​

פְּאֵר וְכָבוֹד נוֹתְנִים לִשְׁמוֹ, 
צָהֳלָה וְרִנָּה לְזֵֽכֶר מַלְכוּתוֹ, 
קָרָא לַשֶּֽׁמֶשׁ וַיִּזְרַח אוֹר, 
רָאָה וְהִתְקִין צוּרַת הַלְּבָנָה.

 

P'eir v'chavod not'nim lishmo, 
tzaholah v'rinah l'zeicher malchuto, 
kara lashemesh vayizrach or, 
ra-ah v'hitkin tzurat hal'vanah.

שֶֽׁבַח נוֹתְנִים לוֹ כָּל צְבָא מָרוֹם, 
תִּפְאֶֽרֶת וּגְדֻלָּה, 

שְׂרָפִים וְאוֹפַנִּים וְחַיּוֹת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ.

 

Shevach not'nim lo kol tz'va marom, 
iferet ug'dulah, 
s'rafim v'ofanim v'chayot hakodesh.

​

​

A hymn:

To God who is Sovereign over all the was formed,
To the Blessed One, blessed by every soul.
To the One whose greatness and goodness fill the universe
Aמג round whom knowledge and understanding revolve.

​

To the God who is exalted over the heaven’s Holy Beings
And whose glorious presence rests on the divine throne.
Before whose seat purity and righteousness stand 
And in whose glorious presence compassion and mercy appear.

​

The heavenly lights that our God created are good
Endowed them with knowledge, discernment and insight
Graced them with strength and power
To be guides over all the globe contains.

​

Filled with radiance, dispensing light
Their pleasing brightness pervades creation’s expanse,
They are joyous when they rise,
And exultant when they set,
Fulfilling with awe their Creator’s will.

​

Majesty and honor they bring to God’s holy name
Exultation and song to God’s dominion’s renown.
God summoned the sun and it shown forth light
God saw and established shape of the moon.

​

So all Heaven’s Array offer God praise 
The Seraphim, the Ofanim and the Holy Beings God’s splendor and greatness proclaim.

לְאֵל בָּרוּךְ נְעִימוֹת יִתֵּֽנוּ. לְמֶֽלֶךְ אֵל חַי וְקַיָּם זְמִרוֹת יֹאמֵֽרוּ וְתִשְׁבָּחוֹת יַשְׁמִֽיעוּ. כִּי הוּא לְבַדּוֹ פּוֹעֵל גְּבוּרוֹת, עֹשֶׂה חֲדָשׁוֹת, בַּֽעַל מִלְחָמוֹת, זוֹרֵֽעַ צְדָקוֹת, מַצְמִֽיחַ יְשׁוּעוֹת, בּוֹרֵא רְפוּאוֹת, נוֹרָא תְהִלּוֹת, אֲדוֹן הַנִפְלָאוֹת. הַמְחַדֵּשׁ בְּטוּבוֹ בְּכָל יוֹם תָּמִיד מַעֲשֵׂה בְרֵאשִׁית. כָּאָמוּר לְעֹשֵׂה אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים, כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ:

 

L'eil baruch n'imot yiteinu, l'melech eil chai v'kayam z'mirot yomeiru v'tishbachot yashmiu, ki hu l'vado poeil g'vurot, oseh chadashot, ba-al milchamot, zorei-a tz'dakot, matzmi-ach y'shuot, borei r'fuot, nora t'hilot, adon hanifla-ot, hamchadeish b'tuvo b'chol yom tamid ma-aseih v'reishit. Ka-amur, l'oseih orim g'dolim, ki l'olam chasdo.

  

What does God do to deserve the angels’ praises?  Where do we encounter the power and presence of the Most High?

The One Alone In Holiness appears in acts of heroism, in moments of discovery, in the heart of struggle, in the spreading of justice, in the fruits of victory, in the midst of healing, and in moments of awe and praise.

God is the master of wonders, the One whose goodness renews daily the mystery of creation as it is said in the Psalms, “God is the one who makes the great lights, the One whose love and loyalty abide forever.” (Psalm 136:7)

​

אוֹר חָדָשׁ עַל צִיּוֹן תָּאִיר וְנִזְכֶּה כֻלָּֽנוּ מְהֵרָה לְאוֹרוֹ: בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ יוֹצֵר הַמְּאוֹרוֹת:

​

Or chadash al tziyon tair, v'nizkeh chulanu m'heirah l'oro. Baruch atah Adonai, yotzeir ham'orot.

    

May a new light shine upon Zion and may we all be worthy to bask in its light. Blessed are You, Dear God, creator of light.  

אַהֲבָה רַבָּה אֲהַבְתָּֽנוּ, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ, חֶמְלָה גְדוֹלָה וִיתֵרָה חָמַֽלְתָּ עָלֵֽינוּ. אָבִֽינוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ, בַּעֲבוּר אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ שֶׁבָּטְחוּ בְךָ, וַתְּלַמְּדֵם חֻקֵּי חַיִּים, כֵּן תְּחָנֵּֽנוּ וּתְלַמְּדֵֽנוּ. אָבִֽינוּ, הָאָב הָרַחֲמָן, הַמְרַחֵם, רַחֵם עָלֵֽינוּ, וְתֵן בְּלִבֵּֽנוּ לְהָבִין וּלְהַשְׂכִּיל, לִשְׁמֹֽעַ, לִלְמֹד וּלְלַמֵּד, לִשְׁמֹר וְלַעֲשׂוֹת וּלְקַיֵּם אֶת כָּל דִּבְרֵי תַלְמוּד תּוֹרָתֶֽךָ בְּאַהֲבָה.

 

Ahavah rabah ahavtanu, Adonai eloheinu, chemlah g'dolah viteirah chamalta aleinu. Avinu malkeinu, ba-avur avoteinu shebat'chu v'cha, vat'lam'deim chukei chayim, kein t'chaneinu ut'lam'deinu. Avinu, ha-av harachaman, hamracheim, racheim aleinu, v'tein b'libeinu l'havin ul'haskil, lishmoa, lilmod ul'lameid, lishmor v'la-asot ul'kayeim et kol divrei talmud toratecha b'ahavah.

​

Dear God, You have loved us with a great love and with abounding compassion You have cared for us.  Our Source, our Sovereign, for the sake of our ancestors who trusted in You and to whom You taught the laws of life, be gracious to us and teach us as well.  Our nurturing Source, the Fountain of Compassion, the Merciful One, deal kindly with us and place within our hearts the desire to understand and to perceive, to listen, to learn and to teach, to keep and to do and to fulfill all the insights that come from the study of Your Torah with love.

​

וְהָאֵר עֵינֵֽינוּ בְּתוֹרָתֶֽךָ, וְדַבֵּק לִבֵּֽנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ, וְיַחֵד לְבָבֵֽנוּ לְאַהֲבָה וּלְיִרְאָה אֶת שְׁמֶֽךָ וְלֹא נֵבוֹשׁ וְלֹא נִכָּלֵם וְלֹא נִכָּשֵׁל לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד: כִּי בְשֵׁם קָדְשְׁךָ הַגָּדוֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא בָּטָֽחְנוּ, נָגִֽילָה וְנִשְׂמְחָה בִּישׁוּעָתֶֽךָ.

​

V'ha-eir eineinu b'toratecha, v'dabeik libeinu b'mitzvotecha, v'yacheid l'vaveinu l'ahavah ul'yirah et sh'mecha, v'lo neivosh v’lo nekaleim, v’lo nikasheil l'olam va-ed. Ki v'sheim kodsh'cha hagadol v'hanora batach'nu, nagilah v'nism'chah bishuatecha

​

Enlighten our eyes to Your Torah, Let our hearts adhere to Your Mitzvot, Unify our hearts to love and respect Your name,  So that we will never be ashamed or disgraced, nor ever stumble.  For we have trusted in Your holy, great and awesome name.  Let us be glad and let us rejoice in Your saving power.

​

HAVA NAGILA / הבה נגילה 

 

הָבָה נָגִילָה וְנִישׂמְּחָה
Hava nagilah v'nism'chah
הָבָה נְרָנְּנָה וְנִישְׂמְּחָה
Hava neranenah v’nism’chah
עוּרוּ אַחִים בְּלֵב שָׂמֵחַ.
.Uru achim beleib sameiach

​

Come, let us be glad and rejoice!  Come, let sing and be happy!
Awake, my friends, with a joyful heart!

​

וַהֲבִיאֵֽנוּ לְשָׁלוֹם מֵאַרְבַּע כַּנְפוֹת הָאָֽרֶץ, וְתוֹלִכֵֽנוּ קוֹמְמִיּוּת לְאַרְצֵֽנוּ, כִּי אֵל פּוֹעֵל יְשׁוּעוֹת אָֽתָּה, וּבָֽנוּ בָחַֽרְתָּ מִכָּל עַם וְלָשׁוֹן. וְקֵרַבְתָּֽנוּ לְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל סֶלָה בֱּאֱמֶת לְהוֹדוֹת לְךָ וְּלְיַחֶדְךָ בְּאַהֲבָה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַבּוֹחֵר בְּעַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּאַהֲבָה.

 

Vahavi-einu l'shalom mei-arba kanfot ha-aretz, v'tolicheinu kom'miyut l'artzeinu, ki eil poeil y'shuot atah, uvanu vacharta mikol am v'lashon. V'keiravtanu l'shimcha hagadol selah be-emet, l'hodot l'cha ul'yachedcha b'ahavah. Baruch atah Adonai, habocheir b'amo yisra-eil b'ahavah.

​

Bring us together in peace from the four corners of the earth and lead us upright to our land because You are the Divine Source of Deliverance.  You have selected us from all the other people for a special relationship and, thankfully, You have brought us close to Your great name with truth.  Blessings and praises are Yours, Dear God, whose love binds us, Your people Israel, to You forever.

 

SHEMA / שמע

 

שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהוָֹ֥ה אֶחָֽד:

 

Sh‘ma Yisra-eil, Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad.

​

Listen well, people of Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal One Alone!

​

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

 

Baruch sheim k‘vod malchuto l‘olam va-ed.

Blessed be the glorious name of God’s Dominion now and forever!

וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔ אֵ֖ת יְהוָֹ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ בְּכָל־לְבָֽבְךָ֥ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶֽךָ: וְהָי֞וּ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָֽנֹכִ֧י מְצַוְּךָ֛ הַיּ֖וֹם עַל־לְבָבֶֽךָ: וְשִׁנַּנְתָּ֣ם לְבָנֶ֔יךָ וְדִבַּרְתָּ֖ בָּ֑ם בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ֤ בְּבֵיתֶ֨ךָ֙ וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ֣ בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וּֽבְשָׁכְבְּךָ֖ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ: וּקְשַׁרְתָּ֥ם לְא֖וֹת עַל־יָדֶ֑ךָ וְהָי֥וּ לְטֹֽטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֥ין עֵינֶֽיךָ: וּכְתַבְתָּ֛ם עַל־מְזֻז֥וֹת בֵּיתֶ֖ךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ:

​

V‘ahavta eit Adonai elohecha, b‘chol l‘vav‘cha, uv‘chol nafsh‘cha, uv‘chol m‘odecha.  V‘hayu had‘varim ha-eileh, asher anochi m‘tzav‘cha Hayom, al l‘vavecha.  V‘shinantam l‘vanecha, v‘dibarta bam, b‘shivt‘cha b‘veitecha, uv‘lecht‘cha vaderech, uv‘shochb‘cha, uv‘kumecha.  Uk‘shartam l‘ot al yadecha, v‘hayu l‘totafot bein einecha.  Uch‘tavtam al m‘zuzot beitecha uvisharecha.

​

You will love the Eternal, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might, so that these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them to your children.  You shall speak of them when you are at home, when you are on your way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as a sign on your arm and they shall be a sign upon your brow.  You shall write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

​

 וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־שָׁמ֤וֹעַ תִּשְׁמַע֙ בְּקוֹל֙ יְהוָֹ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַֽעֲשׂוֹת֙ אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֹתָ֔יו אֲשֶׁ֛ר אָֽנֹכִ֥י מְצַוְּךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם וּנְתָ֨נְךָ֜ יְהוָֹ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֨יךָ֙ עֶלְי֔וֹן עַ֖ל כָּל־גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ:  וּבָ֧אוּ עָלֶ֛יךָ כָּל־הַבְּרָכ֥וֹת הָאֵ֖לֶּה וְהִשִּׂיגֻ֑ךָ כִּ֣י תִשְׁמַ֔ע בְּק֖וֹל יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ:  בָּר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בָּעִ֑יר וּבָר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶֽה:  בָּר֧וּךְ פְּרִֽי־בִטְנְךָ֛ וּפְרִ֥י אַדְמָֽתְךָ֖ וּפְרִ֣י בְהֶמְתֶּ֑ךָ שְׁגַ֥ר אֲלָפֶ֖יךָ וְעַשְׁתְּר֥וֹת צֹאנֶֽךָ:  בָּר֥וּךְ טַנְאֲךָ֖ וּמִשְׁאַרְתֶּֽךָ: בָּר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בְּבֹאֶ֑ךָ וּבָר֥וּךְ אַתָּ֖ה בְּצֵאתֶֽךָ:

​

If you truly listen to the voice of the Eternal your God, and observe carefully all God’s precepts which I command you this day, then all these blessings will come to you:  Blessed will you be in the city and blessed will you be in the country; blessed will be your basket and your kneading trough; blessed will you be in your coming, and blessed will you be in your going.  (from Deuteronomy 28:1-6)

​

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָֹ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר: לח דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם וְעָשׂ֨וּ לָהֶ֥ם צִיצִ֛ת עַל־כַּנְפֵ֥י בִגְדֵיהֶ֖ם לְדֹֽרֹתָ֑ם וְנָֽתְנ֛וּ עַל־צִיצִ֥ת הַכָּנָ֖ף פְּתִ֥יל תְּכֵֽלֶת:  וְהָיָ֣ה לָכֶם֘ לְצִיצִת֒ וּרְאִיתֶ֣ם אֹת֗וֹ וּזְכַרְתֶּם֙ אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֹ֣ת יְהֹוָ֔ה וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֹתָ֑ם וְלֹ֨א תָת֜וּרוּ אַֽחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְכֶם֙ וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַֽחֲרֵיהֶֽם:

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Vayomer Adonai el mosheh leimor. Dabeir el b'nei  yisra-eil v'amarta aleihem, v'asu lahem tzitzit al kanfei vigdeihem  l'dorotam, v'nat'nu al tzitzit hakanaf p'til t'cheilet. V'hayah  lachem l'tzitzit, ur'item oto uz'chartem et kol mitzvat Adonai, va-asitem otam, v'lo taturu acharei l'vavchem v'acharei eineichem, asher atem zonim achareihem. L'ma-an tizk'ru va-asitem et kol mitzvotay, vihyitem k'doshim leiloheichem.

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The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying:  “Speak to the Israelite people and tell them that they should make tzitzit (fringes) for themselves on the corners of their garments, attaching to the tzitzit of each corner a blue thread.  Tell them, ‘These tzitzit are fringes to help you remember and do all the commandments of the Eternal so that whenever you look at them you will not pursue the desires of your heart and the temptations of your eyes that have often led you astray.’” (Numbers 15:37-39)

לְמַ֣עַן תִּזְכְּר֔וּ וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם אֶת־כָּל־מִצְוֹתָ֑י וִֽהְיִיתֶ֥ם קְדֹשִׁ֖ים לֵאלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם: אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם: אֲנִ֞י יְהוָֹ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם.  יְהוָֹ֥ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם אֶמֶת . . .

 

L‘ma-an tizk‘ru va-asitem et kol mitzvotay, vihyitem k‘doshim leiloheichem.  Ani Adonai eloheichem, asher hotzeiti etchem mei-eretz mitzrayim, lihyot lachem leilohim, ani Adonai eloheichem.  Adonai eloheichem emet . . .

Therefore, remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God.  I am the Eternal, your God, who led you out of the Land of Egypt to be your God.  I am the Eternal, your God. (Numbers 15:40-41)

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The Song of Freedom

 

When did we leave Egypt
And when did Egypt leave us?
When were the chains of slavery broken
And when did we finally truly feel free?

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Freedom came in steps
It was part of the journey
From Egypt to Canaan
Our people took 
And we can still take.

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Freedom is courage and hope and clear vision
Freedom is walking to places we can’t see
Freedom is knowing that we can find food in the desert 
Freedom is feeling safe though our houses are booths
Freedom is choosing good rules to live by
And freedom is singing our very own song.

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So with Moses and Miriam and all those who went with them
With all those before us who brought us to today
We still sing these words, our first words of freedom
“Freedom is having no sovereign but God.”
        Lewis John Eron

 

MEE CHA-MOCHAH / מי כמכה

 

מִי כָמֹֽכָה בָּאֵלִם יְיָ, 
מִי כָּמֹֽכָה נֶאְדָּר בַּקֹּֽדֶשׁ, 
נוֹרָא תְהִלֹּת עֹֽשֵׂה פֶֽלֶא:

 

Mi chamochah ba-eilim Adonai, 
Mi kamochah nedar bakodesh,
Nora t'hilot, Oseih fele.

 

Who is like You, God, among the exalted?
Who is like You, glorious and holy,
Awesome, praiseworthy, doing wonders?

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שִׁירָה חֲדָשָׁה שִׁבְּחוּ גְאוּלִים לְשִׁמְךָ עַל שְׂפַת הַיָּם, יַֽחַד כֻּלָּם הוֹדוּ וְהִמְלִֽיכוּ וְאָמְרוּ:

 

Shirah chadashah shib'chu g'ulim l'shimcha al s'fat hayam, Yachad kulam hodu v'himlichu v'am'ru:

Singing a new song, our newly freed ancestors declared your sovereignty:

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יְיָ יִמְלֹךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:

 

Adonai yimloch l'olam va-ed.

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The Eternal shall rule forever and ever!

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צוּר יִשְׂרָאֵל, קֽוּמָה בְּעֶזְרַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, וּפְדֵה כִּנְאֻמֶֽךָ יְהוּדָה וְיִשְׂרָאֵל. גֹּאֲלֵֽנוּ יְיָ צְבָאוֹת שְׁמוֹ, קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ גָּאַל יִשְׂרָאֵל:

 

Tzur yisra-eil, kumah b'ezrat yisra-eil, uf'deih chinumecha y'hudah v'yisra-eil. Goaleinu Adonai tz'va-ot sh'mo, k'dosh yisra-eil. Baruch atah Adonai ga-al yisra-eil.

 

Rock of Israel, rise up to help the people Israel and deliver Judah and all the other tribes of Israel as You have promised. You are our Redeemer. You whose name is Adonai Tzvaot, Master of the Heavenly Hosts, You are the Holy One of Israel.  We bless and honor You, our Eternal Source of Freedom, redeemer of Israel!