Welcome back to Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog from Chabad of the Valley. In today's episode, we dive deep into the morning blessing, "Otir Yisrael Betif Ara," where we express gratitude to God for crowning the Jewish people with glory. This blessing emphasizes our collective identity as Am Yisroel, the Jewish nation, highlighting the importance of community over individuality.

Before we explore its significance, consider this: how does the world view headgear compared to how Jewish people perceive it? We'll answer this throughout our discussion.

Yesterday, we talked about the blessing of God's might and strength. Today, we connect that to the concept of wearing a kippah or head covering. While many wear hats for protection or style, for Jews, it symbolizes our acknowledgment of a higher authority. The kippah serves as a constant reminder that there is more to life than our understanding—it connects us to the divine.

Interestingly, women traditionally do not wear a kippah, as their spiritual sensitivity allows them to connect with God without the need for such reminders. This distinction highlights the unique spiritual roles within Judaism.

We also explore the kippah as a crown, representing our pride in belonging to the Jewish people and our mission to be a light unto the nations. As we navigate the challenges of the world, especially in light of recent events, let us wear our kippahs with pride, signifying our unwavering connection to our faith and identity.

Join us for this enlightening discussion as we embrace our heritage and the beauty of our traditions. Wishing you a blessed day!