Intermediate Talmud: Tractate Berachot, Chapter 9

Initiating the final chapter of tractate Berachot, which introduces us to the category of blessings of Thanksgiving for G-d’s beneficence and kindness. Discover how giving thanks is really a declaration of a faith-based perspective on life and it’s fullness. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54a)

Learning appreciation and nurturing an attitude of gratitude: how we must bless G-d for the good, bad and ugly to acknowledge g-d’s goodness and judgment with equanimity. Also touching upon crying over spilt milk, and the urbane dangers of big city life. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54a)

Learning appreciation by nurturing reverence! Attitudes and beliefs on irreverent approaches and sacrilegious shortcuts; on everlasting blessings and afterlife denial; on the customs and conventions of traditional Jewish greetings and the occasional need to negate torch in order to preserve it. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54a)

On our sacred duty to acknowledge G-d’s miracles and supernatural deliverances—from walking through deep oceans to roaring rivers and to a break in a brick wall. National wonders require blessings from all, yet individual salvations make for personal obligations. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54a)

In exemplifying the lofty calling to acknowledge G-d’s miraculous deliverances, the Talmud enumerated episodes of divinely orchestrated national deliverances. These supernatural occurrences that require blessings, are now individually analyzed to achieve greater clarity. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54a-b)

In practically narrating our sacred duty to acknowledge G-d’s miraculous deliverances, we continue to review historical episodes of extraordinary proportions. From war-room stone summits to sea-salt statues and great walls collapsing; these fascinating stories of divine wonders will amaze you! (Talmud tractate Berachot 54b)

After identifying circumstantial obligations to acknowledge G-d’s deliverance and kindness, we now move from historical episodes into extraordinary experiences. From the high seas to desert wilderness from life-threatening illness to incarceration. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54b)

Having identified the circumstance that obligate us to acknowledge G-d’s deliverance and kindness, we now focus on just how we are supposed to express those sentiments of gratefulness and appreciation to the Creator of universe. (Talmud tractate Berachot 54b)

Incidental to previous teachings of acknowledging Divine benevolence, we are introduced to vulnerable lives that matter, requiring protection. We are also made privy to three matters whose prolonged duration necessarily assures us longevity! (Talmud tractate Berachot 54b-55a)

Sage advice on activities that serve to extend one’s days and years. Deeper meanings of nutrition will satiate your soul, and discoveries about prolonging the duration of defecation will free you of toxins and engender longevity! (Talmud tractate Berachot 55a)

Sage advice on diet, posture, regularity, and the duration of one’s defecation habits can literally prolong life and extend one’s days and years. Advice on how to relieve oneself, avoid hemorrhoids and improve facial complexion are also included. (Talmud tractate Berachot 55a)

Are you looking for life, liberty and happiness? Learn secret teachings of our Sages about little known, dangerous, mortality-inducing things to avoid, and the things that require a special plea-for-mercy from G-d! (Talmud tractate Berachot 55a)

It is wise to compile a list of things that might shorten your life, so you know what to avoid. Yet the notion that refusing an offer to lead the ‘Grace After Meals’ makes the list is certainly hard to swallow. Discover the power of blessings! (Talmud tractate Berachot 55a)