When you first wake up, Judaism invites you to pause and recognize the gift of life. These short blessings, traditionally said in the morning, help us begin the day with gratitude for our soul, our breath, and even the way our bodies function.

You don’t have to learn them all at once. Start small—one blessing at a time—and let them become part of your natural rhythm.

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Modeh/Modah Ani – I Give Thanks

When: Immediately upon waking up
Why: To thank G-d for returning your soul for a new day
Text:

• Hebrew: מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקיים, שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה; רבה אמונתך
• Transliteration: Modeh ani lefanecha, Melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah; rabbah emunatecha.
• English: I give thanks before You, living and eternal King, for You have restored my soul within me with compassion; abundant is Your faithfulness.

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Elohai Neshama – My G-d, the Soul You Gave Me

When: After washing hands in the morning
Why: Gratitude for the soul as pure and sustaining
Text:

• Hebrew: אלוהי, נשמה שנתת בי טהורה היא…
• Transliteration: Elohai, neshama shenatata bi, tehorah hi…
• English: My G-d, the soul You have given me is pure. You created it, You formed it, You breathed it into me, and You preserve it within me.

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Asher Yatzar – Blessing for the Body

When: After using the bathroom in the morning (or any time during the day)
Why: A reminder of the miracle of the human body and health
Text:

• Hebrew: ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם אשר יצר את האדם בחכמה…
• Transliteration: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher yatzar et ha’adam b’chochmah…
• English: Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who formed man with wisdom and created within him many openings and cavities…

Hareini Mekabel – Accepting the Mitzvah of Loving Others

When: Before beginning morning prayers (Shacharit)
Why: To begin the day and prayer with compassion and unity toward others

Text:

• Hebrew: הֲרֵינִי מְקַבֵּל עָלַי מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה שֶׁל וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ
• Transliteration: Hareini mekabel alai mitzvat aseh shel v’ahavta l’re’acha kamocha
• English: I hereby accept upon myself the positive commandment to love my fellow as myself.

Why it matters:
This short but powerful prayer is often said at the very start of Shacharit. It’s a reminder that before speaking to G-d, we align our hearts toward others—with empathy, kindness, and a sense of shared humanity. Prayer, after all, is not only personal—it connects us to the entire community of Israel.

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Beginner Tip: Don’t worry if Hebrew feels challenging at first. You can start in English, or use transliteration until the sounds become familiar. The most important part is the intention behind the words.

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🔗 Return to the Prayers for more prayers and guides.