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Nature's Alarm Clock


Question:

A friend told me there’s a blessing for hearing a rooster crow in the morning. Really?



AskTheRabbi.org answered:

“Thank God for the rooster!” is hardly what most people think when they are woken at dawn by its crowing. “Where’s the axe?” is a more likely reaction. Nevertheless, the first of a series of morning blessings thanks God for giving the rooster wisdom to distinguish between day and night.

In actuality, the rooster is used symbolically in this blessing which praises God for creating the intricately connected eco-system that is our world.

Flora and fauna, animal and human, each element is connected to every other. The rooster’s crowing at the beginning of the day is of no benefit to himself, but acts as a natural alarm clock for human beings. Each day, it is the first manifestation of this interconnection and of the many ways in which the entire natural world is meant for our benefit. Even if you live in the city and you’re woken daily by your alarm clock or the sweet sound of garbage trucks, this blessing is a pleasant reminder of the perfection happening out there beyond the city limits.

A series of blessings follow that expresses our gratitude for the broad range of kindnesses that God has granted us. We offer our thanks to Him for clothing, shelter, vision, freedom, mobility and all the essential requirements of life. By stopping each day to appreciate every aspect of our existence, we are able to achieve greater happiness, and to be more content in life. It is also easier to remain humble when we recognize that we are the recipients of so many undeserved gifts.


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