As we continue to enjoy more normalcy after a challenging and unconventional year, the blessings of our life unfold renewed before us. This week, I will share some of the brachot (blessing) formulas that come from our tradition for special and eye-opening moments.
When I became a mother for the first time in January 2020, new blessings unfolded before me in so many magical and unexpected ways. And two days after finally accompanying my daughter to receive her eight-week shots, allowing us the new freedom to take her out of the house safely, our city and much of the world beyond went into lockdown. Like so many parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we spent a year-plus finding ways to entertain and teach our child exclusively at home. As we have slowly regained normalcy, our lives have opened up in so many seemingly routine but now extra special ways. After so much loss, life’s blessings still abound.
Last month, for the very first time, we went with Ruby and her friend, Ziggy, to the zoo! For many months prior, we read books at home about all of the different kinds of animals, from basic birds to giant elephants to the rare okapi, Ruby’s favorite. Watching her and Ziggy’s eyes open widely to the new wonders of the animal world after spending the majority of their life at home brought tears to my eyes. We missed so much, but we have so much to look forward to, and these beautiful children (like all of us) are so grateful and excited for all of the exploration ahead.
There is a hilarious and endearing Yiddish term that my grandparents used to describe us kids when we were particularly rambunctious—vilde chaye—lovingly likening us to wild animals. Each of us, kids and adults alike, might feel a bit like newly freed animals who are tentative but excited to explore the world again. For those of us enjoying the zoo, taking trips to Yosemite and other national parks, or gazing upon animals outside our windows, our tradition teaches us to recite a special blessing upon seeing unique animals, an invitation to acknowledge the majesty of the sacred creatures with which we share God’s earth. Wishing you adventurous time out of doors this summer and many opportunities to utter this special blessing!
.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶך הָעולָם משנה הבריות
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, m’shaneh habriyot.
Blessed are You, God, who makes creatures different.
— Cantor Emma Lutz