Tefillah Tips - Birchot HaShachar VIII

The next bracha in our daily regimen, which is not mentioned in the Talmud, is Hanoten Layaeif Koach- G-d continuously gives strength to the tired.

The commentators note that this blessing appears out of sequence. Firstly, the previous two brachot are directly related to the people of Israel - Ozer Yisroel Bigvurah and Otair Yisrael Bitifarah - and this one seems applicable to all peoples. Secondly, after describing in great detail the strengths and gifts that have been restored to us from our eyesight to our shoes why do we now mention the morning fatigue we have already overcome?

The Avudraham writes that Hanoten Layaeif Koach is indeed related to the previous blessings and is thereby directly linked to the Jewish people.

He explains that all three blessings address our age old struggle of persecution in the exile. Our current struggle in Israel is a painful reminder of our bloody history of unstable relationships with our host nations throughout the centuries. Jewish blood has stained too many streets in too many cities for too long!

At times this is quite difficult to deal with. It is natural to become despondent and less confident in our role as a "light unto the nations." These three brachot address our feelings of insecurity and hopelessness. Despite how bleak our situation may ever look, G-d protects us with his Gevurah-strength and his Tifarah- splendor. No matter how severe the set of circumstances, and how tired we become, we trust in Hashem to give us the strength to survive and one day thrive. He is the Notain Layaeif Koach- Giver of strength to the tired and broken hearted.

Especially, when we approach the three weeks of mourning for our beloved Temple, may Hashem answer all of our tefillot - prayers, and restore comfort to Zion and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.