The Location Of The Prayer In The Prayer Book

The "Nishmat Kol Chai" Prayer Is A Prayer Said On Sabbaths And Jewish Holidays, In The Morning Prayer After Pesukei D'Zimra. It Is Also Said In The Passover Seder Haggadah.

The Identity Of The Author

There Are Several Opinions Regarding The Author Of The "Nishmat Kol Chai" Prayer. According To Rashi, The Prayer Was Instituted By The Men Of The Great Assembly. One Opinion Attributes The Composition To A Liturgical Poet Named Shimon, Based On The First Letter Of Five Parts Of The Prayer, From End To Beginning: Shochen Ad, Mi Yidmeh, Ad Henah Azarunu, Ve'ilu Finu, Nishmat. Some Attribute The Prayer To The Tanna Shimon Ben Shatach, Who Was A Tanna During The Second Temple Period. According To Rabbi David (Bar Yosef) Abudraham, The Author Was Named "Yitzchak," Based On The Acrostic Of The Words "Yesharim," "Tzadikim," "Chasidim," And "Kedoshim." His Wife's Name, According To This Version, Was "Rebekah," Corresponding To The Acrostic Of The Words "Titromam," "Titbarach," "Titkadash," "Tithalal."

Shabbat Prayers - Rabbi Reuven Lauffer

The Meaning Of The Prayer

The "Nishmat Kol Chai" Prayer Expresses The Recognition Of Gratitude Toward The Creator Of The World For The Creation Of Everything That Exists. It Is Designed To Praise God And Connect Man To His Creator, While Recognizing That All Life In The World – Every Single Detail – Is A Creation Of God And Requires Thanksgiving And Praise.

Nishmat Kol Chai – Ashkenazi Version, From The Prayer Book. 

Nishmat Kol Chai – Sephardic Version, From The Prayer Book