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Routine has a way of wearing down our appreciation for and enjoyment of all the good God gives us. As a result, all this beneficence does not lead to happiness. Our lives feel empty, and in an attempt to alleviate the boredom and sadness, we start looking for excitement and chasing after base desires. To avoid these dangers, which stem from ingratitude, the Sages established the morning blessings in which we thank God for all the goodness He constantly bestows upon us. By starting the day by expressing our gratitude to God, we are able to look at the world through compassionate eyes and become inspired to make good use of the new day.
These are the blessings we recite: Elohai Neshama (“My God, the soul You placed within me is pure”) expresses our gratitude for being alive and having a soul. Ha-noten La-sekhvi Vina (“Who gives the rooster understanding”) and Ha-ma’avir Ĥevlei Sheina (“Who removes sleep from my eyes”) express our gratitude for waking up in the morning. Ha-noten La-ya’ef Ko’aĥ (“Who gives strength to the weary”) is for energy. Poke’aĥ Ivrim (“Who gives sight to the blind”) is for vision. Matir Asurim (“Who frees captives”) and Zokef Kefufim (“Who raises those bowed down”) are for being able to move freely. Roka Ha-aretz al Ha-mayim (“Who spreads the earth above the water”) is for our ability to stand. Malbish Arumim (“Who clothes the naked”) and Ozer Yisrael Bi-gevura (“Who girds Israel with strength”) are for having clothes. Oter Yisrael Be-tifara (“Who crowns Israel with glory”) is for having head coverings. She-asa Li Kol Tzorki (“Who has provided me with all I need”) is for having shoes. Ha-mekhin Mitzadei Gaver (“Who makes people’s steps firm”) is for being able to walk.
Additionally, we recite three blessings of thanks for our mission: She-lo Asani Goy (“Who has not made me a non-Jew”) is followed by She-lo Asani Aved (“Who has not made me a slave”). Then, men recite She-lo Asani Isha (“Who has not made me a woman”) while women recite She-asani Kirtzono (“Who has made me according to His will”). Converts are permitted to recite She-lo Asani Goy, as their conversion shows they had a Jewish soul all along. If they wish, they may substitute the blessing of She-asani Ger (“Who has made me a convert”).
