As you read through the morning blessings, you may want to note the balance between blessings for the soul and blessings for the body. The first and third blessings thank God for the soul and its purity; the other blessings focus on the physical nature of our beings. The blessings evoke gratitude for both soul and body, calling us to be aware of both aspects of ourselves, implicitly reminding us to care for both parts of ourselves.
“I give thanks to You, living and present Sovereign, for returning my soul to me with love; great is Your reliability.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who has made each human being with wisdom, creating in us opening and cavities. You know full well that if one of them were to be incorrectly closed or opened, it would be impossible for us to exist in Your presence. We thank You, God, who heals all creatures and performs wonders.”
“My God, the soul with which You endowed me is pure. You created it, You formed it, You breathed it into me, You preserve it within me. In the future, You will take it from me and return it to me in the world to come. As long as my soul is within me, I thank You, Adonai my God, God of my ancestors, Ruler of all creatures, Master of all souls. We praise You, Adonai, in whose hands are the souls of all the living and the spirit of all human beings.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who gives the rooster the ability to distinguish between day and night.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who made me a Jew.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who created me in God’s image.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who opens the eyes of the blind.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who clothes the naked.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who releases the oppressed.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who straightens those who are bent over.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who makes the earth firm upon the waters.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who takes care of all my daily needs.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who guides our steps.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who girds Israel with strength.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who crowns Israel with glory.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who gives strength to those who are weary.”
“Praised are You, Adonai our God, whose presence fills the universe, who removes the sleep from my eyes, and who clears away the slumber from my eyelids.”
Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai is One.
— Kerry M. Olitzky, editor, Daniel Judson, editor in The Rituals and Practices of a Jewish Life