Dear Temple Sinai Members and Friends,
Even for those of you who do not daven (pray) every day, do you ever think about the number of times a day you thank God? These times might not be offering the formalized words, Baruch Atah Adonai. It might just be a thought or the whispering of words of gratitude to God for something that occurs in the moment.
We are taught in the Tradition to offer a minimum of 100 blessings (Berachot) a day. It was King David who instituted that one must say 100 blessings every day as a result of the sudden death of 100 Jews each day during his reign. At first David wasn’t sure why there were so many sudden deaths until he saw the reason being the need to offer these 100 blessings a day to avert any more deaths. This institution of reciting 100 blessings daily has Biblical support from the verse “What does God ask of you but to fear God.” The term “what” in Hebrew is “Mah” which can also be read as “Meiah” which means 100. Thus, the verse is saying “100 [blessings] G-d is asking from you.” The purpose of the institution. The purpose of the blessings is to remind oneself of God, and one’s love and fear (respect) of God.
It is also taught that the commands (mitzvot) of G-d draw G-d’s radiance below in a concealed manner, in a way that it is not felt by the person. In order to internalize the radiance, one is required to say a blessing (Berachah) prior to the mitzvah. It is for this reason that 100 blessings are required. As the number 100 in Kabbalah represents a level of divinity which is completely above the worlds, and it is this level which we want to reveal in our soul and thus unite with God.
I thought of sharing these teachings with you at this time, as we have just finished our celebration of the wonderful holiday of Chanukah. We have so much to be grateful for to God regarding this year’s celebration, in spite of the tragedy in Australia. I am grateful for the opportunity of sharing this holiday with my wife Judy and lighting our candles both in the house and in our window. I am grateful for the incredible crowd that attended the first night of Chanukah menorah lighting in Delray Beach. I am grateful for the large number of our Temple members who were present. What an incredible night that was and surely, I was grateful that the predicted rain never came. I am grateful to Cantor Shir and her girls’ choir that sang so beautifully that night. Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Temple Sinai at Sonata and Harbour’s Edge facilities and bring Chanukah to its residents, and of course, at our wonderful Shabbat of Chanukah this past Friday night with over 140 people in attendance. The glow of all the Menorot was emblazoning.
In light of all of this, I am going to institute a “Club” called, “B’nai Berachot, The People of the Berachot” (The People of the Blessings). In February I am going to teach a class on Berachot and how they function in our Tradition. Everyone is welcome to the class whether one joins this Club or not. Each Club member will receive a Club certificate and the opportunity to participate in various exercises and Berachot games.
I just purchased a hand counter. Each Club member will have to purchase a counter (you can purchase one on Amazon for $5 or less) to keep count of your day’s Berachot. Throughout the day, starting from the moment I awake, every time I either say or think the words Barch Attah Adonai, or Thank you God, I press the counter. My goal each day is to measure whether I make the100 Berachot or get close. What I have found is that this action has me becoming even more conscious and aware of God’s presence in my life than ever before.
If you purchase a counter and start this practice, please tell me and I will give you a certificate of membership in B’nai Berachot. After the formal start of the group, there will, of course, be a teaching on the Berachot of our Tradition. There will also be Berachot contests all with the goal of bringing God more into our lives.
Shabbat Shalom and remember Purim is not far off!
Your Rabbi Steve
P.S. Remember that Rabbi Marci Bloch will be teaching a special two-part class on Ethical Wills Thursday, January 8th and 15th at 3 pm. Please call the office 561-276-6161 Ext #100 and let Susi know if you plan to attend.