Daily Siddur & Brachot | Melech Ha Olam

🌅 Morning — Shacharit

Modeh Ani — Gratitude Upon Waking

מוֹדֶה אֲנִי

Morning

When: Immediately upon waking, before rising from bed

This is the very first prayer said each day — before washing hands, before anything else. It acknowledges that G-D has restored your soul to you for another day. It is said while still in bed.

מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ מֶלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם, שֶׁהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה, רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.

Modeh ani lefanecha, Melech chai v'kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b'chemlah, rabbah emunatecha.

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

Source: Sefaria — Siddur | Rooted in Lamentations 3:23

Recited in all traditions. Women say "Modah ani" (מוֹדָה אֲנִי).

Netilat Yadayim — Ritual Handwashing

נְטִילַת יָדַיִם

Morning

When: After Modeh Ani, before other morning prayers

Note: Melech Ha Olam does not currently practice this at the Synagogue. This is provided as an educational resource for personal observance.

Pour water from a cup over each hand alternately, three times. Right hand first, then left, then right, then left, then right, then left. This ritual washing symbolizes spiritual purification for the new day. The bracha is said after washing, while hands are still wet, before drying.

בָרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוּנוּ עַל נְטִילַת יָדַיִם.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu 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 hands.

Source: Sefaria — Morning Hand Washing | Talmud Bavli, Shabbat 14b

The Shema — Morning Recitation

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל

Morning

When: During Shacharit service, before Sof Zman Shema (the halachic deadline — ¼ of the day after sunrise)

The Shema is the central declaration of Jewish faith. It is recited twice daily — morning and evening. Cover your eyes with your right hand when saying the first line. Extend the dalet (ד) of "echad" slightly. The second line ("Baruch shem…") is whispered on weekdays, said aloud on Yom Kippur.

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד׃
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד׃

וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל מְאֹדֶךָ:

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad. / Baruch shem kevod malchuto l'olam va'ed. / V'ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b'chol levavcha uv'chol nafshecha uv'chol me'odecha.

Hear O Israel: The L-RD our G-D, the L-RD is one. / Blessed is the name of His glorious Kingdom forever and ever. / You shall love the L-RD your G-D with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Continues with Deuteronomy 6:5–9, 11:13–21, Numbers 15:37–41)

Source: Deuteronomy 6:4–9 | Full Shema — Sefaria Siddur

Amidah — The Standing Prayer (Shacharit)

עֲמִידָה

Morning

When: Core of every Shacharit, Mincha, and Ma'ariv service

Stand facing Jerusalem (east in the US). Feet together. Recite silently. Begin with three steps forward. The Amidah has 19 blessings on weekdays (originally 18, hence "Shmoneh Esreh"). On Shabbat and Yom Tov, it is condensed to 7 blessings. You bow at the beginning and end of the first blessing, and at the Modim blessing.

אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ׃

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם, אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק, וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב...

O L-rd, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. / Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D and G-D of our ancestors, G-D of Abraham, G-D of Isaac, and G-D of Jacob... (The full Amidah continues with 19 blessings — see the full text at Sefaria.)

Source: Full Weekday Amidah — Sefaria | Talmud Bavli, Berachot 26b

Ashkenazi and Sephardic versions have minor textual differences. The 19th blessing (V'lamalshinim) is the same in all traditions.

Aleinu — Closing Prayer

עָלֵינוּ

Morning

When: Closing prayer of every service — Shacharit, Mincha, Ma'ariv

Aleinu is recited while standing. At the words "va'anachnu kor'im" (and we bend the knee), bow and then straighten back up. It has two paragraphs — the first acknowledging Israel's unique calling, the second the universal hope for the Kingdom of G-D.

עָלֵינוּ לְשַׁבֵּחַ לַאֲדוֹן הַכֹּל, לָתֵת גְּדֻלָּה לְיוֹצֵר בְּרֵאשִׁית, שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂנוּ כְּגוֹיֵי הָאֲרָצוֹת...

It is our duty to praise the Master of all, to ascribe greatness to the Author of creation, who has not made us like the nations of the lands and has not placed us like the families of the earth...

Source: Aleinu — Sefaria

🕯️ Shabbat — The Seventh Day

Hadlakat Nerot — Candle Lighting

הַדְלָקַת נֵרוֹת

Shabbat

When: 18 minutes before sunset on Friday. Candles are lit by women (and men if no woman is present). Once the candle is lit, Shabbat has begun for the one who lit it.

Light the candles. Then wave hands over them three times toward yourself (drawing in the Shabbat light), cover your eyes, and recite the blessing. After the blessing, uncover your eyes and gaze at the candles. It is customary to add a personal silent prayer after the blessing.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל שַׁבָּת.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Shabbat.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Shabbat light.

Source: Candle Lighting — Sefaria

Kiddush — Friday Night Sanctification

קִדּוּשׁ לֵיל שַׁבָּת

Shabbat

When: Friday night, at the Shabbat dinner table, after candle lighting and before the meal

Fill the Kiddush cup to the brim with wine or grape juice. Hold the cup in your right hand (or both hands). Recite Kiddush standing. Everyone present answers "Amen." Drink at least a revi'it (about 3oz) of the wine. Proceed to HaMotzi over the challah.

יוֹם הַשִּׁשִּׁי. וַיְכֻלּוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם וְהָאָרֶץ וְכָל צְבָאָם... בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.

Yom hashishi. Vay'chulu hashamayim v'ha'aretz v'chol tzva'am... Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei pri hagafen.

The sixth day. The heavens and the earth were finished, and all their host... Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Source: Friday Night Kiddush — Sefaria | Genesis 1:31–2:3

Havdalah — Shabbat Ends

הַבְדָּלָה

Shabbat

When: Saturday night, 50 minutes after sunset (when 3 stars are visible)

Note: Melech Ha Olam does not currently conduct Havdalah at the Synagogue. This is provided as an educational resource for personal observance.

You need: Kiddush cup of wine, a braided Havdalah candle, and spices (besamim — often cloves or cinnamon). Light the Havdalah candle. Hold the wine in your right hand. After the wine blessing, pass the spices and smell them. Then hold your fingers to the Havdalah candle flame and observe the light and shadow on your fingernails. Recite the Havdalah blessing. Drink the wine. Extinguish the candle in the remaining wine.

הַמַּבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחֹל, בֵּין אוֹר לְחֹשֶׁךְ, בֵּין יִשְׂרָאֵל לָעַמִּים, בֵּין יוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי לְשֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַמַּעֲשֶׂה.

Hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol, bein or l'choshech, bein Yisrael la'amim, bein yom hash'vi'i l'sheshet y'mei hama'aseh. Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, hamavdil bein kodesh l'chol.

Who separates between the holy and the mundane, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labor.

Source: Full Havdalah — Sefaria

🍷 Brachot — Blessings Index

HaMotzi — Over Bread

הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

Bracha

When: Before eating any bread (including challah). HaMotzi exempts all other foods eaten during the meal.

Hold two loaves of bread (on Shabbat and Yom Tov — for the double portion of manna). Recite the blessing, then cut or break and eat the bread before distributing to others.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 6:1

HaGefen — Over Wine or Grape Juice

בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן

Bracha

When: Before drinking wine or grape juice. Used for Kiddush, Havdalah, at meals, and the four cups at Pesach.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּפֶן.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei pri hagafen.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 6:1

Shehecheyanu — For New and Special Occasions

שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ

Bracha

When: First time doing something new or significant that season; beginning of each Yom Tov (holiday); first time eating a new fruit of the season; major life milestones.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu v'higianu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 9:3

🌆 Afternoon — Mincha

Ashrei — Before the Amidah

אַשְׁרֵי

Afternoon

When: Recited at the beginning of Mincha (afternoon service)

Ashrei is Psalm 145 (along with two introductory verses). It is recited three times daily. Each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet — an acrostic psalm of praise.

אַשְׁרֵי יוֹשְׁבֵי בֵיתֶךָ, עוֹד יְהַלְלוּךָ סֶּלָה׃
אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם שֶׁכָּכָה לּוֹ, אַשְׁרֵי הָעָם שֶׁיהוָה אֱלֹהָיו׃
תְּהִלָּה לְדָוִד — אֲרוֹמִמְךָ אֱלוֹהַי הַמֶּלֶךְ, וַאֲבָרֲכָה שִׁמְךָ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד׃

Ashrei yoshvei veitecha, od yehallelucha selah. Ashrei haam shekachah lo, ashrei haam sheAdonai Elohav...

Happy are those who dwell in Your House — they will yet praise You, Selah. Happy is the people for whom it is so; happy is the people whose G-D is the L-RD. A psalm of praise by David — I will exalt You, my G-D the King, and bless Your Name forever and ever...

Source: Psalm 145 — Sefaria | Talmud Bavli, Berakhot 4b

Amidah — Mincha (Weekday)

עֲמִידָה — מִנְחָה

Afternoon

When: After Ashrei, during the afternoon. On weekdays: after Mincha Gedolah (30 min after halachic midday). Best time: Mincha Ketanah (2.5 halachic hours before sunset).

The Mincha Amidah is identical to the Shacharit Amidah on weekdays (19 blessings). On Shabbat and holidays, it uses the condensed 7-blessing version. Face Jerusalem. Stand with feet together. Recite silently.

אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ׃

Adonai s'fatai tiftach, ufi yagid t'hilatecha. (The full Amidah text follows — see Sefaria link below.)

O L-rd, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. (The full 19-blessing Amidah follows — see the complete text at Sefaria.)

Source: Mincha Amidah — Sefaria (Ashkenaz) | Sephardic version

Tachanun — Supplication (weekdays only)

תַּחֲנוּן

Afternoon

When: Weekday Shacharit and Mincha only. Omitted on Shabbat, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, Hanukkah, Purim, and other joyful occasions.

Tachanun (supplication) includes confession, penitential poems, and the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. During Tachanun, one leans the head on the arm (nefilat apayim — falling on the face) as a sign of humility before G-D.

רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן חָטָאתִי לְפָנֶיךָ, יְהוָה מָלֵא רַחֲמִים, רַחֵם עָלַי וְקַבֵּל תַּחֲנוּנָי׃

O Merciful and Gracious One, I have sinned before You. O L-RD, full of mercy, have mercy on me and receive my supplications.

Source: Tachanun — Sefaria

Ashkenazi and Sephardic versions differ significantly. Sephardic Tachanun is generally shorter on Monday and Thursday.

🌙 Evening — Ma'ariv

Barchu — Call to Prayer

בָּרְכוּ

Evening

When: Opening of Maariv (evening service) — after nightfall when 3 stars are visible

The chazzan (prayer leader) calls the congregation to bless G-D. The congregation responds. This is a formal call to communal prayer and is recited only in a minyan.

בָּרְכוּ אֶת יְהוָה הַמְבֹרָךְ׃
בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה הַמְבֹרָךְ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד׃

Barchu et Adonai hamvorach. / Baruch Adonai hamvorach leolam vaed.

Bless the L-RD who is blessed! / Blessed is the L-RD who is blessed forever and ever!

Source: Barchu — Sefaria

The Shema — Evening Recitation

שְׁמַע — עַרְבִית

Evening

When: Evening service — after nightfall. The Shema must be recited before midnight.

The evening Shema is preceded by two blessings and followed by Emet veEmunah and Hashkiveinu. The structure mirrors the morning, but the specific blessings differ. The Shema itself is identical morning and evening.

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד׃
בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד׃

Hear O Israel: The L-RD our G-D, the L-RD is one. / Blessed is the name of His glorious Kingdom forever and ever.

Source: Evening Shema — Sefaria

Hashkiveinu — Lie Down in Peace

הַשְׁכִּיבֵנוּ

Evening

When: Evening — immediately following the Shema blessings in Maariv

Hashkiveinu is the second blessing after the Shema in Maariv, asking G-D to shelter Israel through the night. It concludes differently on weeknights vs Shabbat.

הַשְׁכִּיבֵנוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ לְשָׁלוֹם, וְהַעֲמִידֵנוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ לְחַיִּים, וּפְרֹשׂ עָלֵינוּ סֻכַּת שְׁלוֹמֶךָ...

Hashkiveinu Adonai Eloheinu leshalom, vehaameideinu malkenu lechayim, ufros aleinu sukkat shlomecha...

Lay us down, O L-RD our G-D, in peace, and raise us up, our King, to life. Spread over us the shelter of Your peace, guide us with Your good counsel, and save us for the sake of Your Name...

Source: Hashkiveinu — Sefaria

On Shabbat, the conclusion changes to "Shomer amo Yisrael laad" (Guardian of His people Israel forever).

Kriat Shema al HaMita — Bedtime Shema

קְרִיאַת שְׁמַע עַל הַמִּטָּה

Evening

When: Just before going to sleep each night

The bedtime Shema includes: Shema, Hamapil blessing, and optional additional psalms and prayers for protection. It is said lying in bed. This is a personal, private prayer — not a formal service.

בְּיָדְךָ אַפְקִיד רוּחִי, פָּדִיתָה אֹתִי יְהוָה אֵל אֱמֶת׃
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד׃

B'yadcha afkid ruchi, padita oti Adonai El emet. Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.

Into Your hand I entrust my spirit; You have redeemed me, O L-RD, faithful G-D. (Psalm 31:6) / Hear O Israel: The L-RD our G-D, the L-RD is one.

Source: Bedtime Shema — Sefaria

✦ Additional Brachot

HaEtz — Over Tree Fruits

בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵץ

Bracha

When: Before eating fruits that grow on trees — apples, oranges, grapes, olives, dates, figs, pomegranates, almonds.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָעֵץ.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei pri haetz.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 6:1

HaAdamah — Over Ground Produce

בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה

Bracha

When: Before eating vegetables, root vegetables, legumes, bananas, pineapple, and other produce that grows from the ground.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, borei pri haadamah.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the ground.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 6:1

Shehakol — Over All Other Foods

שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיֶה בִּדְבָרוֹ

Bracha

When: Before eating meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, water and other beverages (except wine), candy, mushrooms, and any food not covered by the above brachot.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהַכֹּל נִהְיֶה בִּדְבָרוֹ.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehakol nihyeh bidvaro.

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, by whose word all things came to be.

Source: Mishnah Berakhot 6:1

Birkat HaMazon — Grace After Meals

בִּרְכַּת הַמָּזוֹן

After Meals

When: After eating a meal that included bread. This is a Torah commandment (Deuteronomy 8:10 — "and you shall eat and be satisfied and bless the L-RD your G-D").

Birkat HaMazon consists of four blessings: Hazan et Hakol (who nourishes all), Al HaAretz (for the Land), Boneh Yerushalayim (who builds Jerusalem), and HaTov veHaMeitiv (who is good and does good). A shortened version (Mein Shalosh) is said after eating grain products without bread.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, הַזָּן אֶת הָעוֹלָם כֻּלּוֹ בְּטוּבוֹ, בְּחֵן בְּחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים...

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech haolam, hazan et haolam kulo b'tuvo, b'chen b'chesed uv'rachamim... (The full four blessings follow — see Sefaria link below.)

Blessed are You, L-RD our G-D, King of the Universe, who nourishes the entire world in His goodness, with grace, with kindness and with mercy... (The full text continues with four blessings.)

Source: Birkat HaMazon — Sefaria (Ashkenaz) | Sephardic version | Deuteronomy 8:10