Blessed¹³ are You, Adonoy¹⁴

footnotes: ¹³ The word “blessed” is similar in concept to the words: “merciful” or “gracious” when applied to Hashem. Just as merciful means that He is merciful, the source of mercy; so too, blessed means that He is the source of blessing.—Avudraham ¹⁴ Generally speaking, the name Adonoy is understood as it is pronounced—Adonoy—my Master, and indicates His rule and providence of the universe. When reciting the Shema however, one should bear in mind the written character of the Name which indicates Hashem’s everpresent existence. He was—is—and ever will be.—Vilna Gaon

our God, King of the Universe,

Who sanctified us with His commandments

and commanded us

concerning the washing of hands.

Blessed are You, Adonoy,

our God, King of the Universe,

Who formed man with wisdom¹⁵

footnotes: ¹⁵ This may mean either that man was formed by Hashem’s wisdom, or that Hashem formed man and endowed him with wisdom.

and created within him openings

and hollows.

It is obvious and known

in the presence of Your glorious throne¹⁶

footnotes: ¹⁶ In refutation of those who claim that Hashem is not concerned with earthly matters, we declare that even in the presence of His glorious throne, where He is surrounded by myriads of angels, He is aware of the mundane needs of each individual.—Vilna Gaon

that if one of them were ruptured,

or if one of them were blocked,

it would be impossible to exist

and stand in Your Presence

even for a short while.

Blessed are You, Adonoy,

Who heals all flesh

and performs wonders.

My God!

the soul which You bestowed in me is pure;

You created it, You formed it,

You breathed it into me

and You preserve it within me.

You will eventually take it from me,

and restore it in me in the time to come.¹⁷

footnotes: ¹⁷ This statement refers to the time when the dead will be resurrected.

So long as the soul is within me

I give thanks to You, Adonoy my God,¹⁸

footnotes: ¹⁸ Thus it is said, “I will praise Adonoy with my life, I will sing to my God with my being” (Tehillim 146:2).

and God of my fathers,

Lord of all creatures,

Master of all souls.

Blessed are You, Adonoy,

Who restores souls

to dead bodies.¹⁹

footnotes: ¹⁹ This is a reference to Hashem’s restoring of the soul each morning following its departure while the person sleeps.