## Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Giving Thanks, Blessings on Mitzvot

###### Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Giving Thanks, Blessings on Mitzvot 1
[Rabbi Sacks on Siddur, Giving Thanks, Blessings on Mitzvot 1](https://torahapp.org/share/book/Rabbi%20Sacks%20on%20Siddur/s/Giving%20Thanks,_Blessings%20on%20Mitzvot/r/1)

**English Edition; Koren Publishers Jerusalem, 2017:**
BLESSINGS ON MITZVOT
Most mitzvot, except those “between man and man,” require a blessing prior to their performance. The blessing is, in effect, the declaration of an intention to fulfill the commandment, an expression of *kavana*, sacred intent. There are two basic formulae, “Who has commanded us to…” and “Who has commanded us about…” The most common explanation – though there are exceptions – is that the former is used when fulfilling a commandment which I personally am obligated to do, while the latter relates to fulfilling a commandment on behalf of others (as when a *mohel* circumcises a child on behalf of its parents).