Jewish Blessings on nature

Submitted by AFAN team member Debbie Young-Somers a Jewish on 05/12/2008 13:36
Tags Associated with article

Care of the Earth
Jewish
Prayers/chants

Blessings to be recited on nature which emphasise it's importance in our lives, and God as creator, and remind us to notice!:

On seeing trees bloom for the first time each year: Blessed are you, Eternal our God, sovereign of the universe, who lets nothing lack from God's world, but created in it beautiful creatures and lovely trees for people to enjoy.

On seeing a rainbow: Blessed are you, Eternal our God, sovereign of the universe, who remembers the covenant, fulfills His pledge, and keeps His word. [this blessing is based on the fact that the rainbow was a sign of the covenant between God and Noah that God would never again flood the earth and destroy its' inhabitants]

On seeing lightning: Blessed are you, Eternal our God, sovereign of the universe, who performs the work of creation.