This blessing introduces the Pesukei Dezimrah . It was mentioned by Rabbi Isaac Alfasi (Rif) over 800 years ago in his commentary to Maseches Berachos 32. TheTaz*(Orach Chaim 51:1) states that this prayer was instituted by the “Men of the Great Assembly.” The blessing contains eighty-seven words suggesting the numerical value of פָּז poz,* refined gold.

Blessed is He Who spoke, and the world came into being, blessed is He; blessed is He Who maintains the creation; blessed is He Who says and does;¹ blessed is He Who decrees and fulfills;² blessed is He Who has compassion on the earth; blessed is He Who has compassion on the creatures;³ blessed is He Who rewards well those who fear Him, blessed is He Who lives forever and exists eternally; blessed is He Who redeems and saves⁴ blessed is His Name. Blessed are You, Adonoy, our God, King of the Universe, the Almighty, the merciful Father, Who is verbally extolled by His people, praised and glorified by the tongue of His pious ones, and His servants, and through the songs of David Your servant. We will extoll You, Adonoy our God, with praises and psalms; we will exalt, praise, and glorify You; we will mention Your Name, and proclaim You—our King, our God. Unique One, Life of the worlds, King, praised and glorified forever is His great Name. Blessed are You, Adonoy, King, Who is extolled with praises.

footnotes: ¹ God’s saying and doing are synonymous and simultaneous as it is said, “By the word of God the heavens were made” (Psalms 33:6).—Etz Yosef ² “Says and does” refers to those things that are not lasting and must be renewed whereas, “He decrees and fulfills,” refers to those things that have קיום, and last forever.—Tzelosa d’Avrohom ³ Not only is God’s compassionate providence concerned with the earth and enduring things, but His compassion and providence extend even to those creatures which are destined to perish.—Avudraham ⁴ God redeems those who are in captivity and saves others from being taken into captivity.