Blessings on Mitzvot

Before doing any mitzvah, a blessing is also said, but somewhat longer. Rabbi Freeman illuminates the meaning of the added words.

Question: I've just learned the blessing that we say before taking the Four Species on Sukkot--and I have a question. Why do we say "Blessed are You … who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning the taking of the lulav"? What happe...

Question: For every mitzvah there is a blessing. Why do we not say a blessing when we build the sukkah? Response: While building the sukkah is a mitzvah, the mitzvah is not concluded until you actually dwell in it during Sukkot. Thus building the sukkah w...

All Jewish souls constitute one entity. Our nation is likened to a large body, each soul emanating from one of its 248 limbs. From this stems our mutual responsibility for one another—because we truly are one.

I don't get it. When did G‑d command us to light the menorah? Isn't Chanukah a man-made holiday?

Generally, blessings are recited before performing a mitzvah—such as before eating matzah or before lighting the Chanukah candles. There are two exceptions. however.

Click here for a PDF of the shofar procedure and blessings (PDF) For every Mitzvah between man and G-d, which is prescribed either by the Torah or our Sages, we are obliged to recite a blessing of thanksgiving and praise to G-d for having sanctified us an...

The blessing is recited once, before putting up the mezuzahs. You will put up the first mezuzah on one of the most important doorways in your home, such as your bedroom. As you recite the blessing, keep in mind that it applies to all the mezuzahs you will...

At times, immersion in a mikvah is a mitzvah, and it warrants a blessing, like any other.

Shmuel Question: I am a Jew who is just starting to learn observance. I am presently learning the mitzvah of tefillin. My rabbi has me saying a blessing on the head tefillin but I noticed in your Tefillin Section that there is no separate blessing mention...