Blessings of the Body and Soul: A Rabbi's Journey of Self-Recognition
I love our Jewish morning liturgy mostly because I believe it's great to wake up in the morning and offer blessings of gratitude and thanks before we begin our day. As I have said on numerous occasions when we wake up in the morning, we have a choice; we can greet the world and say OY! This day sucks, or we can say Wow! How awesome is this day? Even if we wake up with the attitude that this day sucks, blessings of gratitude can change that oy to joy. I also believe when we offer blessings of gratitude before we get to our ‘call to prayer,’ we will be open to receiving the blessings that come from our prayers.
In our liturgy, we thank the Divine source of all for renewing our souls, breathing life into our bodies. We even have a blessing that thanks the God who gives the bird of dawn the discernment to tell day from night. We also thank God for allowing our bodies to function as they were meant to function. This brings me to a blessing called Asher Yatzar, which begins with the words in Hebrew translated to "Blessed are You, God, Who formed me with wisdom and fashioned the human body."
Often referred to as the "bathroom blessing," this prayer is traditionally recited by Jews every morning after using the restroom.
As a Reconstructionist rabbi and part of my role in Jewish life is to find ways “Reconstruct” our tradition and our text to make them more relevant today.
The complete prayer in English reads:
"Blessed are You, God, Who formed me with wisdom and fashioned the human body. Creating many openings, arteries, glands, and organs, marvelous in structure... It is revealed and known before You that if any one of these passageways be open when it should be closed, or blocked up when it should be free, I could not stay alive or exist for even just an hour. Blessed are You, God, the healer of all flesh, who sustains our bodies in wondrous ways."
During my studies to become a rabbi, this prayer resonated deeply within me, and it quickly became my favorite. I saw this blessing as more than just a prayer of me thanking God for allowing me to relieve myself in the morning. For me, it was a profound expression of gratitude, thanking God for creating me exactly as I am: a black, queer, Jewish woman and a rabbi. Reflecting on the rise of anti-Semitism, racism, and violence in our society, I recognize that I stand at the intersection of multiple forms of bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination.
My blackness precedes me, and people see my blackness before they get to know me. And my Jewishness can be perceived as threatening in our Christian-dominated society. Additionally, while some in the Jewish community readily celebrate my blackness, they often overlook or underestimate my Jewish identity.
I am Black, queer, and a rabbi. While my identity may spell excitement for many of those who follow me, it can also generate discomfort or even anger in others. To those who feel discomfort, I encourage you to dwell on that feeling; I promise it will get better and will lead to understanding and acceptance. To those who feel anger at my existence, I feel bad for you because individuals like myself symbolize the vibrant and diverse future of Judaism. If anger remains your companion, you risk missing out on the richness and beauty of being Jewish in the 21st century.
As we navigate our daily lives, it is essential to remember that every person carries a unique combination of identities, experiences, and insights. My identity as a black, queer, Jewish woman and a rabbi is not a contradiction but a testament to the vast diversity of human experiences and identities. It enriches my understanding of the world and strengthens my spiritual journey, allowing me to connect with others on many levels and contribute to the tapestry of contemporary Judaism.
Through the Asher Yatzar and other prayers, we have the opportunity to recognize the miraculous nature of our existence, to celebrate our bodies as they are, and to be thankful for our health and well-being. For me, it is also a reminder to appreciate the unique ways God created me and to stand firmly in my identity, inspiring others to do the same.
In this new era of Judaism, I invite everyone, regardless of their identities, to join in the celebration of diversity and inclusion, to challenge the discomfort, to face the anger, and to step into acceptance and understanding. After all, the real beauty of Judaism lies in its ability to evolve and adapt, to include and celebrate the vast array of Jewish identities and experiences. We should all strive to create a space where every Jewish voice can be heard, acknowledged, and valued.
Let us greet each new day with gratitude and joy, embracing the blessing of being ourselves and appreciating the rich diversity of the Jewish community. As we do so, we ensure that the future of Judaism in America and beyond is vibrant, inclusive, and profoundly beautiful.
Shabbat is approaching. May this playlist help during this time.
Shabbat Shalom
Thank you, Rabbi. I will do my best to believe that God created me as I should be. Good Shabbos, Marianne Strauss