The Jewish morning is chock-full of tasty and nourishing brachot. In this grouping, Rabbi Aaron takes a bite into them and helps us to have a more meaningful and bright morning.
Five Levels of Soul
Before we even wake up, it’s nice to know what we’re made of! Here, Rabbi Aaron takes a look into the five levels of the soul: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Chaya, and Yechida.
This class starts with a history of the prayer book and its structure, to show us how the morning prayers fit into the all-encompassing process of Jewish prayer. This first prayer of thanks and acknowledgement helps us to appreciate that our souls have been returned to our bodies, and much more…
After the Modeh Ani prayer, the first action we take is to wash and raise up our hands, then to say this simple, yet deep blessing. Here, Rabbi Aaron covers some of the laws of washing hands, and talks a whole lot about Judaism’s emphasis on action, and why the hands are a key vehicle for ‘doing’ in this world.
Asher Yatzar – Bathroom Blessing
Why do we say a blessing after going to the bathroom? Rabbi Aaron reads, translates, analyzes, and illuminates this unique blessing. Along the way, we take a peek into the soul and its miraculous garment, the amazing human body.
Here, Rabbi Aaron speaks about the blessing ‘Blessed be You, King of the Universe who has commanded us in your commandments, and particularly commanded us to be involved in words of Torah.’ Involving ourselves in Torah builds a relationship to G-d, to truly be involved in the revelation of Sinai in every moment, even right now.
Birkat HaTorah 1b
In this class, we explore the next part of the blessing: “…Please, G-d, make your Torah sweet in my mouth.” The process of Torah cultivates individuality within the context of community, and is ultimately Hashem relating to man. How could that be anything but sweet?
Tefillin: Plugging Into Divine Consciousness
Rabbi Aaron gives both a hands-on class in the physical structure of the tefillin and a heads-on class in the spiritual, universal, cosmic plugging-in power of the tefillin. Learn how placing the tefillin on the head, arm, and hand makes positive changes in your thinking, feeling, and doing.
Making Choices: The Morning Blessings
Excuses after excuses are used by people in order to shirk taking responsibility and making choices. Each these fourteen one-line blessings is an antidote to irresponsibility. Through these blessings, you have the opportunity to overcome common excuses such as ignorance, vulnerability, and the fear of failing.
You Have Not Made Me A Woman
The controversial bracha recited by a Jewish male in the morning blessing G-d for not having created him as a woman is explored in depth. Rabbi Aaron addresses the controversy and clarifies the misconceptions. There is also a discussion on the differences between men and women, and their respective natural strengths.
