Hebrew Daily Prayer Book. Jonathan Sacks

ON WAKING

      On waking up in the morning, say:

       I thank You, living and eternal King, for giving me back my soul in mercy. Great is Your faithfulness.

      After washing one’s hands, say:

       Wisdom begins in awe of the LORD; all who fulfil [His commandments] gain good understanding; His praise is everlasting. The Torah Moses commanded us is the heritage of the congregation of Jacob. Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. May the Torah be my faith and Almighty GOD my help. Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom for ever and all time.

MORNING SERVICE

      On arrival at the synagogue, say:

       As for me, in Your great lovingkindness, I will come into Your house. I will bow down to Your holy Temple in awe of You. We will walk with the throng to GOD’S house.

      On entering the synagogue, say:

       How goodly are your tents, Jacob, Your dwelling places, Israel. As for me, in Your great lovingkindness, I will come into Your house. I will bow down to Your holy Temple in awe of You. LORD, I love the habitation of Your house, the place where Your glory dwells. As for me, I will bow in worship; I will bend the knee before the LORD my Maker. As for me, may my prayer come to You, LORD, at a time of favour. GOD, in Your great lovingkindness, answer me with Your faithful salvation.

TALLIT

      Meditation before putting on the tallit:

      I am about to wrap myself in this tasselled robe (tallit) to fulfil the commandment of my Creator, as is written in the Torah: “They shall make tassels on the corners of their garments for all generations.” And just as I cover myself with the tallit in this world, so may my soul be worthy of being clothed in a beautiful tallit in the World to Come in the Garden of Eden. Amen.

      Unfold the tallit and, before wrapping oneself in it, say:

       Blessed are You, LORD our GOD, King of the Universe, who has made us holy through His commandments, and has commanded us to wrap ourselves in the tasselled garment.

      After