02. Birchas HaShachar: (02) Pokeach Ivrim Wednesday 8 Teves 5774/ Dec. 11 2013. When one opens his eyes he makes s Bracha ‘Pokeach Ivrim’. There are fives ideas to this 1) Simply opening the eyes is sufficient basis for the Bracha, 2) You must see light, 3) You must actually see things, 4) You see...

03. Birchas HaShachar: (03) Matir Asurim Wednesday 15 Teves 5774/ Dec. 18 2013. There are four opinions about when this Bracha is recited 1) not at all 2) after Pokeach Ivrim, 3) after Malbish Arumim, 4) after Zokef kefufim. They correspond to three ideas of freedom: 1) simply being aware, 2) functioning with the faculties...

04. Birchas HaShachar: Zokaif Kifufim Wednesday 22 Teves 5774/ Dec. 25 2013. This Bracha about standing up, can be understood simply. The fact is that bipedalism is so unique and spectacular that it is virtually a miracle in itself. In addition this means we are ‘In the Image of God’. Mind higher than (and above) heart...

05. Birchas HaShachar: Malbish Arumim. Wednesday 29 Teves 5774/ Jan. 1 3014. This class explores (four) reasons we wear clothing and the blessing of having clothing to wear. It explains the reasons we bless Hashem for this in the morning. 1) Clothing that reveals Godliness, 2) Clothing that give an identity separate from the environment, 3)...

06. Birchas HaShachar: Hanosen LaYaef Koach Wednesday 7 Shvat 5774/ Jan. 8 2014. This Bracha was added during the times of the Geonim yet it doesn’t appear in the Rishonim. There is some debate whether it should be said altogether, but in the end Yidden do say it. What is the need for this additional strength...