Fresh Outlook

FRESH OUTLOOK

,םָלוֹעָה ךֶלֶמ וּניֵהֹלֱא הוהי הָתּאַ ךוּרָבּ .יָפַּעְפַעֵמ הָמוּנְתוּ יַניֵעֵמ הָנֵשׁ ריִבֲעַמַּה Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, Majesty of the world, who removes sleep from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids.

LEARNING

This final morning blessing is about removing slumber and stagnation from our outlook on life. Ma’avir, the Hebrew verb used for removing sleep here, connotes passing into a new outlook or a different state of consciousness. From this same root comes the word ivri, “Hebrew,” one who passes over to the other side. We ask God to remove from us what has kept us static or closed, and to open us to see with new eyes.

REFLECTION

During sleep, we often dream of or think about the previous day’s emotions or anxieties. As the effects of sleep pass from our eyes, we are faced with a new sense of clarity with which to face our new day. What insights can we use from the night’s thoughts or dreams to approach our day with renewed vigor? Which of our worries or anxieties must we consciously allow to pass from our consciousness? If we have regrets from yesterday, how can we make them right today?

INSPIRATION

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin23 explains, “The words, Baruch Atah, which are usually translated as, ‘Blessed or praised are You,’ are more essentially a realization that God is the Source of all blessing, and a prayer that God increase blessings in the world.” May our eyes awaken today to see blessings all around us, and in doing so draw and foster more blessings.

PERSONAL PRAYER

God, grant me the awareness that while my eyes are closed, You are orchestrating what I cannot see –so that when I open my eyes, I will contemplate Your handiwork. As I gently rub my eyes, remind me to be gentle with myself. Remind me that life is fragile like my eyes, and allow me to feel You, As You grant me protection and rest, just as my eyelids do.

— Louise Whittaker,

Johannesburg, South Africa