Your morning, in one minute

Modeh Ani and the Shema

Two short steps to begin the day: thank Hashem for giving you back your soul, then say the first line of the Shema.

The first second

Modeh Ani

מוֹדֶה אֲנִיModeh AniI thank
Before your feet touch the floor

The very first words of the Jewish day — said while still lying in bed. You don’t need to wash first: it contains no name of Hashem, so it may be said right away.

Where it comes from

Seder HaYom (16th century)Later / Mystical Tradition · Summary

Modeh Ani is not found in the Talmud. The custom of saying it on waking is recorded by later authorities, beginning around the 16th century; today the practice is widespread across Jewish communities.

Eichah 3:23Primary Source

“They are new every morning — great is Your faithfulness.” Modeh Ani ends with these words.

Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 1:1Halachic Ruling

“Rise like a lion in the morning to serve your Creator.”

How

  1. Open your eyes. Don’t reach for your phone first.
  2. Sitting up or still lying down, say Modeh Ani (below).
  3. Pause on “great is Your faithfulness”: Hashem trusted you with one more day.
  4. Get up with energy — like a lion.

What to say

On waking (women say “Modah ani”)
מוֹדֶה אֲנִי לְפָנֶיךָ, מֶלֶךְ חַי וְקַיָּם, שֶׁהֶחֱזַרְתָּ בִּי נִשְׁמָתִי בְּחֶמְלָה, רַבָּה אֱמוּנָתֶךָ.
Say itModeh ani l’fanecha, melech chai v’kayam, shehechezarta bi nishmati b’chemlah, rabbah emunatecha.
I thank You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me. Great is Your faithfulness.
Teach it to your children — it is the first prayer many Jewish children learn.

The first line of the Shema

Where it comes from
Devarim 6:7Primary Source

“…and you shall speak of them… when you lie down and when you rise up.”

Berachot 60bPrimary Source · Summary

The Talmud teaches that one who goes to sleep says the Shema and the blessing Hamapil.

How
  1. Cover your eyes with your right hand and say the first line slowly.
What to say
The first line of the Shema
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד.
Say itShema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.
Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

When you’re ready for more, the 5-Minute Morning and the full Shacharit are here.