נטילת ידים

Netilat Yadayim

Ritual washings include the entire body in a mikveh. The נטילת ידים (Netilat Yadayim) is limited to the hands. Likewise, נטילת ידים is offered at various times throughout the day. However the prayer I would like to address as a hanhagot is the morning נטילת ידים .

It is suggested that “One should not walk more than four cubits from his bed before washing his hands upon arising in the morning.”

This prayer is associated with the Priests who worked in the Beit HaMikdash. The Priests could not enter into service without first washing their hands.

By saying the נטילת ידים should be a conscious effort to commit to HaShem’s service throughout the day.

Practice נטילת ידים and saying the appropriate prayer as a means of commiting to HaShem’s service for the day.

Transliteration: Boruch A-toh Ado-noi E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ho-olom A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tov Vi-tzi-vo-nu Al Ne-Ti-Lat Ya-Dayim.

Translation: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.

Shalom

Shoelaces

How can shoelaces be spiritual?

A Rabbinic Maxim teaches us that some Rabbis taught their talmidim to make a conscious effort to see themselves being “bound” to HaShem when they tied (bound) their shoelaces.

When you put your shoes on think about “binding” yourself to HaShem. Shoes are also the way we are able to walk about. Try to see the tying of your shoes as way to remind you that your steps should be ordered by HaShem.¹

Modeh Ani

One the most positive prayers that we can offer is the modeh ani. Sources suggest that it should be said before we ever get out of bed. (This is my practice) Regardless, the modeh ani is our first contact with HaShem during the day. If we take the time to start the day with a conversation with HaShem we are more likely to spend the remainder of the day conversing with Him.

Jewish sources suggest that the prayer “Modeh Ani” is a prayer that reminds us that we (believers) will have our part in the resurrection. Being raised from sleep (a picture of death) is symbolic of the resurrection. Therefore, the “modeh ani” is picturesque of thanking HaShem for raising us from the dead after the resurrection. The “modeh ani” looks forward to the “olam haba” (world to come) and our being able to spend eternity with HaShem whom we have devoted our life and service to.

The following is a quotation of the “modeh ani”.

Modeh ani lefaneicha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bi nishmati bechemlah - rabbah emunatecha

I gratefully thank you, O living and eternal King, for You have returned my soul within me with compassion - abundant is Your faithfulness!

Regardless of whether you say the “modeh ani” or not, practice starting the day by having a conversation with HaShem. Start as soon as possible. It will set the mood for the day.

Shalom

1. Ps 37:23 [↩]