Pokeach Ivrim. Wednesday 8 Teves 5774/ Dec. 11 2013. When one opens his eyes he makes s Bracha ‘Pokeach Ivrim’. There are fives ideas to this 1) Simply opening the eyes is sufficient basis for the Bracha, 2) You must see light, 3) You must actually see things, 4) You see the eyes of Hashem upon you, 5) Actually rubbing the eyes. These five ideas are explained and explored and developed in this class. Tolaas Yaakov and the GaRaA complete the class.
Pokeach Ivrim
Matir Asurim. Wednesday 15 Teves 5774/ Dec. 18 2013. There are four opinions about when this Bracha is recited 1) not at all 2) after Pokeach Ivrim, 3) after Malbish Arumim, 4) after Zokef kefufim. They correspond to three ideas of freedom: 1) simply being aware, 2) functioning with the faculties and senses, 3) stepping into (and having a place in) the greater world. This is about freedom not just not being captive. Mystically, this is about going out of confinement in 1) Klipa, 2) the hiddenness of Bina (higher than the world), 3) Even the Tuma of nidus (something over which we have no control.
Zokaif Kifufim Wednesday 22 Teves 5774/ Dec. 25 2013. This Bracha about standing up, can be understood simply. The fact is that bipedalism is so unique and spectacular that it is virtually a miracle in itself. In addition this means we are ‘In the Image of God’. Mind higher than (and above) heart and heart above the lower third of humanness. The idea that when one bows they stand erect at Hashem’s name also comes in here. The Kabbalistic ideas are that during sleep we are in a fetus-like state and when we wake up physically we open up to be like a human being. This idea has several levels, including the notion of man (in his balance and integration, is accessing a depth within himself that) exceeding infinity. Additionally, there is the notion of small and big man, culminating in the level of Miloachtecah Naasis Al Yedei Acheirim.
Malbish Arumim. Wednesday 29 Teves 5774/ Jan. 1 3014. This class explores (four) reasons we wear clothing and the blessing of having clothing to wear. It explains the reasons we bless Hashem for this in the morning. 1) Clothing that reveals Godliness, 2) Clothing that give an identity separate from the environment, 3) Clothing that protect from evil etc. There are four opinions where this Bracha is recited. We attempt to explain these four opinions based on four reasons one says this Bracha.
HaNosein LaYaeif Koach Wednesday 7 Shvat 5774/ Jan. 8 2014. This Bracha was added during the times of the Geonim yet it doesn’t appear in the Rishonim. There is some debate whether it should be said altogether, but in the end Yidden do say it. What is the need for this additional strength and what is the positive side to a Bracha added because Yidden are weak (in faith strength or otherwise).
Yeshiva Brachos 2-6 In one class. The inner meaning of each of these Brachos 2) Really Seeing 3) Untying knots 4) standing upright 5) wearing layers, garments 6) Strength for what is truly hard.
