The Formula for Blessings, Part 1: The Practical
The textual formula for blessings contains some consistent features that are easy to learn.
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Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.
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Tomas Kubin
Czech republic
April 9, 2013
cookies Dear Rabbi, toda rabbah for this comparison with cookies and children. It suits me and I will use it for my children to tell them about brachas .... Reply
Anonymous
Carlsbad
April 9, 2013
Excellent class. Thank you! Reply
Suzi
Orlando, Fl
March 17, 2013
HOW AND WHEN WE MAKE A BLESSING
I am not orthodox, and yet I enjoy thoroughly everything I have ever heard, learned, and seen, from Rabbi Mendel Kaplan. He makes everything enjoyable, due to his attitude, committment, and love, of what he does.
I hope I can get the second class now.
Thank you, toda raba
Reply
Anonymous
Green Bay,Wi
March 17, 2013
This talk is an informative reminder to be diligent in observing mitzvoth with delight. Thank you! Reply
Nature of gratitude Doesn't the ruling to make a blessing before a meal violate the Torah's command: Deut 13:1 You shall neither add laws to the Torah, nor subtract from it.' Why does G-d only command us to praise Him after we eat? Maybe because He wants the praise to come from our heart. When we are satisfied we say it spontaneously, it's universal, "Thank G-d." G-d knows that before we eat, our mind is on our hunger. He wants us to be aware in the moment. At that time, if you are inspired by the appetizing meal or the company with whom you'll share it, and praise to G-d arises spontaneously, it's a beautiful thing. But to make it mandatory even to the point of what words to use? Doesn't that violate the nature of prayer? Prayer is supposed to reflective, go into your heart, create space there for G-d, and let your gratitude flow naturally. To repeat the same words, how many of you can do that with sincerity? Let your relationship with G-d be renewed with each meal by going within and finding G-d's spark