Welcome to Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog

Welcome, everyone. Today, we embark on the Shacharit prayer, the morning prayers. We have reached the Hodu prayer, a beautiful expression of gratitude and praise to God.

Hodu l'Hashem means we offer praise to God, proclaim His name, and share His deeds with the nations. This prayer has a rich history, sung first by King David in the Book of Chronicles, as a celebration of the return of the Holy Ark to Jerusalem.

The Hodu prayer is divided into three parts, with roots in both the Book of Chronicles and the Book of Psalms. It reminds us of our history and God's promise to our ancestors, particularly the miracles experienced during the Exodus from Egypt.

This prayer serves as a point of connection, allowing us to reflect on God's past actions as we prepare to present our own needs in prayer. It sets the tone for our morning, encouraging us to acknowledge the divine presence in our lives and the world around us.

Join me as we explore the deeper meanings of Hodu and the significance of beginning our morning prayers with this heartfelt expression of gratitude. Wishing you a day filled with blessings and connection to the divine.