Siman - Berachos Daf 10
- The neshama is similar to Hashem in five ways
We learn from the five times that Dovid HaMelech stated ”ברכי נפשי” that the neshamah is comparable to Hakadosh Baruch Hu in five ways.
Just as Hashem fills the world, sustains it, sees but is not seen, is tahor and resides in חדרי חדרים (the hidden chambers), so too the neshama in its relationship to the body.
- Never give up hope
A person should never give up hope no matter how dire a situation seems. Even if a sword is placed upon his neck, one should never refrain from praying for mercy.
-אפילו חרב חדה מונחת על צוארו של אדם אל ימני עצמו מן הרחמים
This was learned from Chizkiyahu HaMelech who prayed for his health even though Yeshaya HaNavi had told him he was going to die and lose his portion in olam haba for not getting married and procreating.
- Do not eat before davening Shacharis
One should not eat before he davens. This is learned from "לא תאכלו על הדם", “you may not eat upon the blood”, which teaches that you may not eat in the morning before you pray upon your “blood”, i.e. before praying for your well-being.
