Baruch She'amar: 7 Fascinating Facts About This Powerful Blessing

Baruch She'amar is the blessing that opens Pesukei D'Zimra in the Shacharit prayer service. While it is recited every morning by Jews around the world, few realize the remarkable history and deep spiritual significance behind it.

According to Jewish tradition, this blessing holds a unique place in the liturgy. Its elevated language, rich symbolism, and extraordinary origins have made it one of the most cherished blessings in Jewish prayer.

The Text of Baruch She'amar

Blessed is He Who spoke, and the world came into being; blessed is He.

Blessed is He Who speaks and acts, blessed is He Who decrees and fulfills, blessed is He Who made creation,

blessed is He Who has mercy on the earth, blessed is He Who has mercy on all creatures,

blessed is He Who grants good reward to those who fear Him, blessed is He Who lives forever and endures for eternity,

blessed is He Who redeems and rescues, blessed is His Name.

Blessed are You, Hashem our God, King of the universe, the God, merciful Father, praised by the mouth of His people, lauded and glorified by the tongue of His devoted ones and His servants. And with the songs of David Your servant, we will praise You, Hashem our God, with praises and melodies. We will exalt You, praise You, glorify You, proclaim You King, and mention Your Name, our King and our God, the Life of all worlds, whose great Name is forever praised and glorified. Blessed are You, Hashem, King Who is praised with praises.

Seven Fascinating Facts About Baruch She'amar

1. It Does Not Appear in the Babylonian Talmud

Unlike many other blessings in the prayer service, Baruch She'amar is not mentioned explicitly in the Babylonian Talmud.

Its earliest known appearance is during the period of the Geonim, in the writings of Rav Moshe Gaon around the year 825, followed by Rav Amram Gaon in his renowned prayer book and later by the Rif.

Over time, it became a standard part of the morning prayer service throughout the Jewish world.

2. A Remarkable Tradition Surrounds Its Origin

According to a well-known kabbalistic tradition, Baruch She'amar was not composed in the same way as other blessings.

The holy books relate—and later halachic authorities such as the Bayit Chadash and the Taz cite this tradition—that the text was revealed through a wondrous note that descended from Heaven with the blessing already written upon it.

3. Every Word Matters

Kabbalistic tradition teaches that the blessing contains exactly 87 words, corresponding to the numerical value alluded to in the verse, "Its head is fine gold."

For this reason, halachic authorities emphasize reciting the blessing carefully, without adding or omitting words.

4. The Ten Expressions of "Blessed"

Before the blessing concludes, the word "Blessed" appears ten times.

According to Kabbalah, these ten expressions correspond to the ten sefirot and symbolize drawing Divine blessing and abundance into the world.

5. Why Many People Stand While Reciting It

An ancient custom that originated among the pious communities of Ashkenaz and France is to stand while reciting Baruch She'amar.

The kabbalists explain that standing reflects the posture of the angels, as described in the verse, "Seraphim stood above Him."

By standing for this blessing, a person symbolically joins the heavenly praise of the angels before continuing with King David's psalms in Pesukei D'Zimra.

6. Two Parts With One Purpose

The blessing is built around two complementary themes.

The opening praises Hashem as the Creator who brought the universe into existence through speech and continues by acknowledging His mercy, providence, and care for all creation.

The second half shifts from describing Hashem's greatness to expressing the privilege of human beings who are able to praise and glorify Him through prayer.

7. It Frames All of Pesukei D'Zimra

Together with Yishtabach, the blessing recited at the conclusion of Pesukei D'Zimra, Baruch She'amar creates the spiritual framework for the psalms that follow.

It prepares a person's heart for prayer and teaches that before standing before the King of kings, one should first recognize His greatness, reflect on His kindness, and approach Him with praise and gratitude.