Prayers Upon Awakening - Starting Off Right!

Recited immediately upon awakening:

Modeh Ani Lefanecha
Melech Chai Vekayom
Shehechezarta Bi Nishmati
Bechemla
Raba Emunatecha

I offer thanks to You,
living and eternal King,
for You have mercifully restored my soul within me;
Your faithfulness is great.

Recited after ritually washing the hands:

Baruch Ata Ado-nai
Elo-hanu Melech Haolam
Asher Kidishanu Bemitzvotav
Vetzivanu Al Netilat Yadayim

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d,
King of the universe,
who has sanctified us with His commandments,
and commanded us concerning the washing of the hands.

Recited before the morning prayers:

Haraynee Mekabel Alai
Mitzvat Asai
Shel Ve’ahavta
Lerayacha kamocha.

I hereby take upon myself
to fulfill the commandment of
loving your fellow as yourself.

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101 Comments

Jeetun Banu August 4, 2024

Why do I feel scared at bed time when I think of G.D? Reply

Francine Zabawa August 5, 2024

in response to Jeetun Banu:

What is it you think about when you think of Him? Reply

Dov Stein for Chabad.org August 7, 2024

in response to Jeetun Banu:

Feeling scared when thinking about G-d at bedtime can stem from various reasons. These may include fear of judgment, misunderstanding G-d's nature, spiritual warfare, or underlying anxiety. Some traditional and practical steps to address such fears include focusing on G-d's love and mercy, prayers for peace and protection, and practicing relaxation techniques. Remember, G-d is a source of comfort and peace and His love and mercy are eternal.

You may also want to try engaging in meaningful activities before bed, such as studying Torah to fill your mind with positive thoughts, reading stories of righteous people, relaxing and reflecting on the good things throughout your day, and reciting the Bedtime Shema.

These practices can help you cultivate a sense of peace and connection with G-d. Reply

Jeetun Banu August 7, 2024

in response to Francine Zabawa:

I think He will punish me hard because I have missed prayers very many times. Reply

Francine Zabawa August 7, 2024

in response to Jeetun Banu:

It's good that you're sensitive to Hashem's needs. If I may, my sense about Him is that He is present when we pray and do mitzvah. It is these actions that allow us to help create a dwelling place for Him in this world. However, when we miss prayers, or miss doing mitzvah's he is not present and it does not move us deeper into making a home for Him. The punishment is only that it will take longer for Mosiach to return. Take heart in knowing that when you do mitzvah, you enlarge His presence here. He needs us to pray, study and do mitzvah but I don't think He will punish us. The punishment is that it will take longer for Him to dwell here. Keep doing everything you can and when you miss a chance to do a mitzvah, just do the next one. Ask Him what He wants from you and He will answer you. All the Best to you Jeetun. He loves you. He made you. He knows you. Reply

Robert Negron Pembroke Pines December 6, 2024

in response to Jeetun Banu:

Try to remember that God is both loving and merciful to those who have a repentant heart. He doesn't hold a grudge against us nor is looking to punish us at every turn. His grace is so much greater than our sin and He knows us and our weaknesses better than we know ourselves. Repent and start again for He loves when we acknowledge our need for Him and that we fall short at times. Reply

Stefanie August Da Verlt March 6, 2025

in response to Jeetun Banu:

NO! G-d knows our intent and does not punish - rather makes us think about our actions as a part of our daily lives. Praying can be constant and does not always require a Minyon or being in Shul. I pray alone because for me its what works and allows ne to focus on the intent of the activity of praying and offering my physical energy to service.. When you practice alone you can also reflect on the Torah and its meaning. Perhaps a prayer partner can get you focused in prayer again. Reply

Jeetun Banu August 8, 2024

in response to Francine Zabawa:

Thank you. I will try doing mitzvah as often as needed. 😊 Reply

Francine Zabawa August 8, 2024

in response to Dov Stein for Chabad.org:

That is wonderful advice; thank you for sharing it! Reply

Stefanie August Da Verlt March 6, 2025

in response to Dov Stein for Chabad.org:

I agree with you about spiritual warfare - because as Chassids we are called to intentionally "feed the souls of those who have gone before us." Particularly on Shabbos and holidays. So given the nature of souls and the intention of perpetuation of the soul - its only natural that spiritual warfare might be a part of the unease. As enlightened people we call those souls into being. I agree , too that G-d as a source of comfort and peace is all we should aspire to. Torah study before bed is key. Reply

Gwendolynn Florida October 23, 2023

Thank you for sharing this. Reply

Eleanor Skibo Pennsylvania, USA October 21, 2023

G d demands our attention each and every day. G d wants to hear from each of us in our own unique ways. G d demands so little but gives so much, if only all of us would realize how much we need him our lives would be so much brighter and fuller. On 10/21/2023, as we witness war, hate, and all immense influence of evil, allow G d in your hearts, minds, souls and bodies to be led by our Supreme G d. Reply

Francine Julie Zabawa ORANGE PARK November 25, 2023

in response to Eleanor Skibo:

Amen Reply

Amid deiparine Tayug ,pangasinan, Philippines December 4, 2023

in response to Eleanor Skibo:

God bless at all blessings on more power than all the nations Reply

Seth Naharia January 20, 2024

in response to Eleanor Skibo:

Amen 🙏 Reply

Menachem Mendel R. St. Louis, MO October 6, 2023

What is the meaning of the first prayer when we awake, starting with Modeh Ani Lefanech ? Reply

Chabad.org Staff October 19, 2023

in response to Menachem Mendel R.:

Hi! The translation is listed above. On a deeper level, when we say Modeh Ani we thank Hashem for returning our soul to us, we thank Him for the gift of life. See here for more insights on the meaning of Modeh Ani. Reply

Yossi Norway September 20, 2023

Thank you for opening my eyes,and restoring my Soul. Reply

Gwendolynn Z. Fort Myers August 3, 2023

Thank you for sharing this. Reply

Frank Beverly Glenview, IL. 60026 July 24, 2023

I appreciate this amazing community of caring, committed Jews. I pray that HaShem will heal all who are failing and restore good health. How do I begin to express my gratitude.

. I have slipped into a depression and have been experiencing heart palpitations. I yearn for healing and HaShem’s love and mercy. May HaShem wrap his arms and love around each person on this site. Bracha Bat Charna Malka… Reply

Teressia Smith Yukon August 3, 2023

in response to Frank Beverly:

I will pray for your healing Frank. Reply

Gail L Toland Houston August 7, 2023

in response to Frank Beverly:

May you have a refuach shlema. Reply

Jared Philadelphia, PA September 21, 2023

in response to Frank Beverly:

I hope you are doing well, Frank. Much love. Reply

David Saint Petersburg January 27, 2024

in response to Frank Beverly:

Baruch HaShem Reply

Gwendolynn May 23, 2023

Thank you for sharing this. Reply

Frank Coughlan Chatham March 8, 2023

My name is Frank, I live in the UK, I do believe in God and respect all. I have learnt so much from your community and thank and pray for the wisdom i have learnt through chabad.org Reply

Mohammed Daud Hackney January 20, 2022

Thank you. Shaabat shaalom Reply

David Woodward Copperas Cove July 31, 2021

If one is not living in Israel and praying, is it customary to face East or towards Jerusalem when offering up a prayer? Reply

Rabbi EK for Chabad.org August 2, 2021

in response to David Woodward:

Yes, this is the custom.

See also Shulchan Aruch Harav here: Reply

Jeri M Hallberg Harmon El Paso July 25, 2023

in response to David Woodward:

Great question Dave.. my question Also Reply

Mitch Epstein Memphis May 20, 2021

"Restoreth ny soul" Where did the soul go when I was asleep? Reply

Rabbi Mendel Adelman May 21, 2021

in response to Mitch Epstein:

Good question!

The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 14:9) says that when a person sleeps, parts of their soul ascend heavenward and "draw life from the source of life". In some sense, a person is closer to G-d while they sleep. That is why many prophets would only receive prophecy during their sleep.

Every morning, we acknowledge that journey, and the fact that the soul returned back to this mundane world, into a physical, limited body. Reply

Elana Gerson SALEM February 21, 2022

in response to Rabbi Mendel Adelman:

Rabbi,
My question is, why at night do we say "b'yado efkeed ruchi (into His hand I entrust my "Ruah" (soul) but in the morning, at mode an we thank Hashem for giving back our Neshama/ (soul). Why are two different words used? Does something happen to our souls at night when we are sleeping? Does G-d rturn the "ruaach" that we entrust to Him at night in a different form in the morning? Thank you. Reply

Marina June 24, 2023

in response to Elana Gerson:

Possibly the soul ascends to a higher level after having rested (might also be the meaning of Shabbat).
chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380375/jewish/Names-of-the-Soul-11.htm Reply

Anonymous May 20, 2021

I'm looking for the rest of the beginning of the day prayers. Does chabad have a list of them? Reply

Gail L Toland Houston August 7, 2023

in response to Anonymous :

They are in the Siddur on page 5-7 and on page 12. My Siddur has the morning blessings on pages 5-8. I hope you find this helpful. Reply

Kenneth olen Smith Denison, Texas March 30, 2020

I make these wonderful prayers when i get up every morning, they are a blessing, they bring my soul close to the L-rd and set a course for my life and spirit.We have been blessed more than we could have ever dreamed, members and friends in over one hundred nations, we never accept donations for our mission or funds to operate, we are blessed. Reply

Rivkah ben Avraham Avinu Alcester, England April 24, 2020

in response to Kenneth olen Smith:

Yes they are the cord that ties you to G-d as I see it. I left South Africa in rather a rush - on the last British Airways flight to England. I depend on these prayers and the Bedtime Shma to sort of hang in. Reply

Jeri Hallberg Harmon Ok USA June 23, 2022

in response to Rivkah ben Avraham Avinu:

May Hashem bless you in your journey Reply

Kenneth olen Smith Denison, Texas November 1, 2019

"Todah Rabbah, Dear wonderful Rabbi and friends. Reply

Jc May 4, 2019

so do you guys have a basin by your night stand or do you use a sink whats the best method newly discovered jewish person
thanks for the help Reply

David Scotland June 5, 2019

in response to Jc :

A lot of people do have a basin and a bowl of water next to their bed if the bathroom is further than 6 feet. Search morning hand washing in the search bar as I can't paste the link on chabad.org. Reply

Fellow Jew Brooklyn March 29, 2020

in response to Jc :

What would be the best is to place a washing bowl and large washing cup near your bed Reply

David Hammond Denver Colorado April 24, 2020

in response to David:

You don't use any soap? Reply

Chabad.org Staff April 24, 2020

in response to David Hammond :

Of course we do, this hand washing is in addition to regular hand washing with soap and water. Reply

Harry Abrams Port Arthur, Texas April 24, 2019

Morning prayer and washing of hands has significant meaning and I believe if taught to children at age 5 through 8 would reduce crime and immoral behavior Reply

Jeri Hallberg Ok USA June 23, 2022

in response to Harry Abrams:

I agree Reply

Raheel bhatti NYC October 18, 2018

What is mean by loving your fellow as yourself?
Loving God’s people like we respect and love God
I mean in respect? Reply

Eliezer Zalmanov for Chabad.org October 23, 2018

in response to Raheel bhatti:

Just like you love yourself despite your shortcomings, they same benefit should be provided to others, by overlooking their shortcomings and loving them as they are. Reply

Steven Finger Lakes, NY December 7, 2019

in response to Raheel bhatti:

May I attempt to answer this question? I must first apologize, for I must correct you. The phrasing is "...loving your fellow as yourself." It is not loving humans the way you love G-d. You cannot do that. It is loving your fellow man or woman as you would love yourself. It is to treat each and every person you meet this day, not as you would want G-d to treat you, but as you would treat you. If you go around treating people like you are G-d, you will find yourself either at a dais in front of millions or they will lock you up. Reply

Racheli Naparstek Montreal February 2, 2021

in response to Raheel bhatti:

Like loving your fellow Jew how you live yourself like you love yourself right? So the same way we should love and respect G-d's children for they are all special in G-d's eyes and therefore should also be all special and equal in ours! Reply

Sheila Robinson Charlotte January 12, 2020

in response to Steven:

Very good Reply

Linda Lewis Livingston April 17, 2018

If you were alone in the wilderness or alone in the ocean or trapped somewhere without human assistance Do you think that you feel or think the same thoughts? Sometimes our prerspective on life and matters of faith and what we believe in changes when we experience major events in life. It is common to adapt and grow in all aspects of life especially in spiritual maturity as we go thru these events in our lives even if we do not realize it at the time. I see it everyday not just in my own life but everyone else as well. It is just sometimes people do not realize this until latter. It is better to pray all the time whether we feel like it at the time than not. We are Blessed to be able to do so. There are many who can not. Reply

Anonymous USA May 1, 2018

in response to Linda Lewis:

By the Grace of G-d Thank you for this gentle reminder, that it is the G-d’s Grace that has brought us this far and it is the least we can do to remember Him thrice throughout each day. Have a blessed day. Reply

wilhelm hernandez Bogotá May 17, 2018

in response to Linda Lewis:

We.will find all pretexts to avoid our obligations, this is the difference between success in life and failure. Discipline is a must, when you have a child there are no excuses you have to do it with love... changing feeding etc Is like a land it is upto you to keep it out of badweeds Reply

Lisa Maryland June 16, 2022

in response to Linda Lewis:

Thank you as well. We are truly Bless to be able to pray, praise and worship G-d Reply

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