Rising in the Morning
1. One should be aware of the fact that Adonai always stands near him and
observes his doings, for Adonai fills the whole earth with His glory.
2. Therefore, one should be cautious at all times to keep his behavior, affairs, and
speech at their very best, since he is in the presence of the Great King, the Almighty.
3. Similarly, upon awakening, one should consider the mercy of Adonai, who graciously
restores man’s invigorated soul to him each morning, so that he may worship Adonai anew.
4. To express this gratitude one should say, even before getting out of bed, the following
prayer called
Modeh-Ani:
מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה
אמונתך
“I thank Thee, O living and eternal King, because
Thou hast graciously restored my soul to me; great is Thy faithfulness.”
5. One should pause between the words רבה and בחמלה.
6. One may say this prayer although his hands are yet unwashed, since the name of Adonai
is not mentioned in it.
7. Judah, the son of Tema, said:
“Be strong as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and mighty as a lion
to do the will of thy father who is in heaven.”
a) “Strong as a leopard” means that no man should be ashamed if people should mock,
him for serving Adonai.
b) “Light as an eagle” refers to the vision of the eye. Be swift to shut your eyes
from looking at evil things, for this may lead to sin.
c) “Swift as a deer” refers to the legs. Your feet should run swiftly to do
good.
d) “Mighty as a lion” refers to the heart. A man should strengthen his heart, by
conquering his evil inclinations, and engage only in the service of Adonai.
8. As soon as one awakens, one should be ready to serve the Creator, and never
allow his evil inclinations to sway him from getting up promptly.
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