Ohr hashachar

By David Bar-Cohn

Book Description

Each morning, millions of people around the world recite ancient Hebrew prayers, yet the profound wisdom embedded within these sacred words often remains hidden beneath surface translations. David Bar-Cohn's "Ohr HaShachar" serves as a spiritual guide for those seeking to unlock the deeper meanings within Jewish morning blessings.

This illuminating exploration takes readers beyond conventional prayer book translations to discover the rich layers of meaning within familiar phrases like Modeh Ani and Elokai Neshama. Bar-Cohn examines fundamental Hebrew concepts that resist simple translation, asking essential questions about the nature of consciousness, purity, and the soul itself. What distinguishes the neshama from other aspects of human spirit? How do ancient ideas about good and evil inclinations speak to contemporary seekers?

The author weaves together traditional commentary with fresh perspectives, connecting morning prayers to broader themes from Torah and Kabbalah. Readers encounter discussions of creation narratives, the story of Job, and mystical concepts of holiness, all grounded in careful linguistic analysis of the Hebrew text.

Enhanced with visual diagrams and extensive notes, this 255-page work transforms routine morning recitations into opportunities for deeper spiritual reflection. Whether you approach these prayers daily or seek to understand Jewish spiritual practice more fully, "Ohr HaShachar" offers tools for discovering contemporary relevance within ancient wisdom, making each morning blessing a gateway to renewed understanding.