Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog

In this enlightening discussion, Rabbi Ari Herzog explores the essence of the threefold blessing known as Bracha Hamashuleshet. He delves into its historical significance, tracing its roots back to the holy temple where the Kohanim, the priests, would bless the Jewish people daily. The blessings, rich in meaning, encompass the material and spiritual needs we all seek. As Rabbi Herzog articulates, these powerful words remind us of our role as a kingdom of priests, encouraging us to uplift one another, especially in times of vulnerability. Join us as we uncover the relevance of these blessings in our lives today and how they can guide us toward peace, unity, and a deeper connection with our faith.

What is Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog?

Welcome to "Core Prayers" with Rabbi Ari Herzog from Chabad of the Valley and recorded every morning at Chabad of Encino. In this enlightening podcast, we'll explore the heart of Jewish prayer and its profound relevance to our daily lives.
Join Rabbi Ari as he breaks down essential prayers, unveiling their deeper meanings and showing how these ancient words can guide us through modern challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, practical wisdom, or a deeper connection to tradition, "Core Prayers" offers insights for everyone.
Tune in to discover how the timeless teachings within our core prayers can transform your perspective and enrich your everyday experiences. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together.

Core Prayers: The Threefold Blessing

Welcome back to our core prayer series. Today, we’re diving into the Bracha Hamashuleshet, commonly known as the threefold blessing. This beautiful prayer, recited daily, originates from the holy temple where the priests, or Kohanim, would bless the Jewish people.

Let’s explore its significance. Each morning in the temple, the Kohanim offered two sacrifices known as the Tamid, meaning continuous. One lamb was offered in the morning, and another in the afternoon. After these sacrifices, they recited the threefold blessing, consisting of 15 words that correspond to the 15 steps leading to the temple’s entrance.

Though we no longer have a temple, the command for the priests to bless the Jewish people remains. Today, we all share this responsibility as a kingdom of priests, looking out for one another, especially in our current times of vulnerability.

The blessing begins, "May God the Lord bless you and guard you." This first part emphasizes the importance of material blessings paired with protection. Wealth can sometimes become a burden, so we ask for God’s guidance to manage it wisely.

Next, we say, "May God shine His countenance upon you and be gracious to you." This speaks to the illumination of living a life guided by Torah, fostering unity and love among people. Our relationships flourish when we treat others with kindness and respect.

Lastly, "May God raise His face towards you and grant you peace." It’s a reminder of our inherent worth and the unconditional love that God has for us. We seek inner peace and balance in our spiritual and material lives.

As we reflect on these powerful words, let us embrace our duty to bless one another. May our lives be filled with blessings, love, and peace. Thank you for joining us today, and wishing you a wonderful, blessing-filled day!