Chapter 46: Birchas Hashachar

Halacha 1: The blessings of Birchas Hashachar and the actions that they are said for[1]

• Awaking from sleep: When one awakens from sleep he is to say Elokai Neshamah.
• Rooster crowing: When he hears a rooster crow, he should recite the blessing HaNosen LaSechvi Binah.
• Getting dressed: When one gets dressed he should recite the blessing of Malbish Arumim.
• Rubbing eyes: When one rubs his eyes he should recite the blessing of Pokeiach Ivrim.
• Sitting on bed: When he sits up on his bed he should recite the blessing of Matir Asurim.
• Arching back: When he arches out his back to stand up, he should recite the blessing of Zokeif Kefufim.
• Placing feet on floor: When he places his feet on the ground, he should recite the blessing of Roka HaAretz Al HaMayim.
• Putting on shoes: When he puts on his shoes, he should recite the blessing SheAsah Li Kol Tzorki.
• Walking: When one walks, he should recite the blessing of HaMeichin Mitzadei Gaver.
• Belt: When he puts on his belt, he should recite the blessing of Ozer Yisrael BiGevurah.
• This applies likewise to one who puts on his gartl to separate between his chest and his private parts.
• Hat: When one puts his hat or turban on his head, he should recite the blessing of Oter Yisrael BeSifarah.
• Washing hands: When one washes his hands, he should recite the blessing of Al Netilas Yadayim.
• Washing face: When he washes his face, he should recite the blessing of HaMaavir Sheinah MeiEinai and continue ViYehi Ratzon… until the conclusion: Baruch Atah A-donai Gomel Chassadim Tovim LeAmo Yisrael.
  • Amen: A listener does not answer Amen after the phrase HaMaavir Sheinah MeiEinai and rather waits to answer Amen until the concluding words of HaGomel Chassadim Tovim LeAmo Yisrael, as it is all one blessing.

Halacha 2: The custom for the Chazan to recite brachos[2]

• Today, it has become customary for the Chazan to recite the morning blessings in Shul and the congregation responds Amen to fulfill their obligation.

Halacha 3: Meiah Brachos[3]

• Every person is obligated to recite 100 blessings every day.

Halacha 4: Blessings of Goy, Aved, Isha, Keritzono[4]

• Shelo Asani Goy: Every day a person is required to recite the blessing of: Shelo Asani Goy.
  • Convert: Even a convert may say the blessing, [“Sesani Ger,”]. However, he should not say, Shelo Asani Goy,” as indeed he was born a non-Jew.
• Shelo Asani Aved: Every day a person is required to recite the blessing of: Shelo Asani

Aved.

• Shelo Asani Isha: Every day a person is required to recite the blessing of: Shelo Asani Ishah.
• Women-Sheasani Keritzono: Women recite the blessing SheAsani Kirtzono.

Halacha 5: Said Zokeif before Matir[5]

• If one proceeded to recite the blessing of Zokeif Kefufim before Matir Assurim, then he may no longer recite Matir Assurim.

Halacha 6: Hanosein Layaeif Koach[6]

• The opinion of Michaber: Some are accustomed to reciting the blessing HaNosen LaYaeif Ko’ach, however, practically, this is not proper.
  • The practical ruling: The widespread custom of Ashkenazi countries is to recite it.

Halacha 7: Making up a blessing[7]

• Some are accustomed to reciting additional blessings [to those listed above] and those who do so are mistaken.

Halacha 8: Must one receive the pleasure of the blessing[8]

• The opinion of Michaber: If one did not become obligated to recite one of the Morning Blessings, such as he did not hear a rooster crow, or he did not walk, or did not get dressed, or did not place on a belt, then he should say the blessing without Hashem’s name.
  • The practical ruling: Some Poskim rule that one is to say all the blessings even if he did not become obligated in them, as the blessings were instituted on the general benefits that Hashem created for the world and not on the benefits received for the individual. Practically, the widespread is to recite the blessings even if one has not become obligated, and one may not swerve from this.

Halacha 9: Birchas Hatorah and Shema

Reading scripture in prayer before Alos Hashachar:[9] There is a dispute as to whether one may recite supplications which contain verses of Scripture prior to reciting the blessings of Birchas Hatorah. Practically, one is to be stringent.

• Custom of Ashkenaz: However, the custom is to be lenient, as is done during days of Selichos that we first recite Selichos and then recite Birchas Hatorah and is likewise done whenever one enters the shul in the morning and he recites a few verses and only then recites Birchas Hatorah.
• When to recite Birchas Hatorah: Birchas Hatorah is customarily recited immediately after the blessings Asher Yatzar and one should not swerve from this custom.

• Saying Shema: It is proper to recite Shema Yisrael… and Baruch Shem Kevod Malchuso LeOlam Vaed in the morning, prior to Shacharis, as on occasion one’s recital of Shema within the Davening is delayed until after the Zeman.

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[1] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 5 and 6B

[2] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 9

[3] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 1

[4] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 5

[5] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 11

[6] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 5

[7] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 5

[8] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 8 Halacha 6

[9] See “Awaking like a Jew” Chapter 9 Halacha 7