FEATURED JOBS
Comments (0)Did you know that observant Jews say a blessing after using the restroom? This blessing is called “Asher Yatzar,” which translates to “Who Formed.”
The blessing refers to the complexity of the human body (think of all the organs that need to work for that 30 seconds of relief), and then thanks God for creating our body and the daily miracle of its continued proper functioning.
The basic idea: We should not wait until we get sick to appreciate our health.
Asher Yatzar is recited each morning and then every time during the day that one uses the facilities. Of course, first we wash our hands. We also exit the restroom first because holy words, and especially prayers, should not be spoken in the bathroom.
Asher Yatzar is one of the blessings compiled by the Men of the Great Assembly (circ. 410-310 B.C.E.). We find the blessings mentioned in the Talmud’s Brachot trachtate. Innumerable sages have said that reciting the blessings with good intention and from the written text can help ensure a life of health. (With the rising cost of health insurance, doesn’t that sound nice?)
–– Maayan Jaffe