Unlike the general blessings that bless G-d because of who He is and because He is “our G-d” ( Eloheinu) this prayer is a personal statement. But one thing about this wording is very telling. The reasons for this we will explain in a minute. Unlike other prayers, this one begins as a statement and not a blessing. It really is so concise and clear that the lesson truely is in the telling. Let us to learn how to practice this prayer by exploring the words of it. This prayer is made of three main pieces, from all three of the traditional sources: the first piece from the Talmud, Talmud Yerushalmi shown above the middle part as a summarization of the Elohai Nishma prayer, which thanks G-d for returning our soul and a phrase of scripture added on at the end as we will also explore.Įxploring The Prayer by Laying out The Parts They are beautifully reverent and hopeful prayers. Notice how two of them begin with the words “ modeh ani lifanecha / I give thanks before You.” This is the first occurrence in the rabbinic literature of this phrase. Talmud Yerushalmi, Vilna Edition, page 58Īlthough these prayers are not know to have been made it into the traditions we know today, in the 3 rd century Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani proposed three prayers to be said during the three times of the day dawn, noon and dusk. This connection goes unnoticed because it is presented in the Talmud Yerushali – the Talmud as documented in Palestine as opposed to Talmud Bavli – the Babylonian Talmud, which is more comprehensive and thus more popularly used. Upon investigation it appears to me that this prayer might actually have its origins in the Talmud, or at least part of it. Modeh Ani follows the general way that liturgy is derived prayers, even the most obscure, can be drawn from and blended together with other prayers, Talmudic references and scriptures to make a new prayer. We want to have a heart like the prophets and righteous, so we model ourselves after their example using words they would use. Just as they merited to connect to G-d with certain meaningful statements, we use like words to seek to connect to G-d in the same consciousness they did. We pray in the Hebrew language and with the tone of our forefathers. The best way we can be sure to say an appropriate prayer is to use the language of the righteous that went before us. Prayers are composed with careful consideration of sacredness. This prayer is so well loved that it is often the first prayer taught to Jewish children, even as mere toddlers most every religious child can say this prayer by heart.Įven thought this prayer is relatively new in light of all of Jewish history, it should not be dismissed as though it were created at whim. This theory may hold some truth as Modeh Ani is one of the prayers that is included in many prayerbooks with a selection of essential prayers for children. It was this prayer that was traditionally said in the morning since the times of the Talmud ( Talmud Bavli Berachot 60b). It is also this simplicity that hints to many scholars that this was created as a simplified version of the prayer Elohai Neshama, which we will discuss another time. It is this simplicity that made this prayer memorable to so many people that it became a liturgical standard. The great love for this prayer comes from it’s simplicity. This is one of the most beloved of all Jewish prayers. 1 Based on that the prayer is assumed by scholars to have its origin earlier in that century. The first existent instance of this prayer is in a work called Seder ha-Yom by Rav Moshe Ibn Machir of Tzfat, published in 1599, but merely as an addendum. Though Jews have always begun the morning with prayers of thanksgiving and acknowledgement of G-d, this prayer is actually a recent addition to our tradition. However, it would be mentioned in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch ( Abridged Code of Jewish Law 1:2, 19 th century). Whereas with other prayers I would prefer to turn to the Shulchan Aruch, ( Code of Jewish Law, 16 th century) we cannot look that far back historically with this prayer. As these are the first words on the lips of every religious Jew each day, its important for us to consider their meaning.īefore we begin talking about this prayer lets get a little historical background about it. This first of these is the Modeh Ani, the prayer said up awakening and while still in this meditative state with our eyes closed, remaining quiet and motionless until we say this prayer. Now we are actually going to being discussing the recited prayers of Judaism. It is a silent meditation done before we open our eyes or say a single word. Last time, in our first installment of this series we touched on the idea of Shiviti Hashem – placing G-d before us, recognizing His place in our lives. Modeh ani lifanecha melech chai v’kayam shehechezarta bee nishmahti b’chemlah. Starting the Day with an Attitude of Gratitude
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