“Gratitude Makes You Happy!” ~Mendel
At his Bar Mitzvah, just a few weeks before his unexpected passing, Mendel explained the importance of gratitude and spoke about the short and powerful Tefillah of Modeh Ani.
In his words: “The twelve words of Modeh Ani contain profound principles of Judaism.”
- That Hashem is everywhere.
- Our waking up each morning hints at Hashem’s ability to create life from nothing. And even more amazing, it reminds us He is continually re-creating the world from scratch.
- Hashem’s returning our life to us despite our imperfections shows His kindness, something that we should emulate starting right when we wake up.
- We’re thankful for having our specific soul returned to us because of our unique importance to Hashem and his plans. “We matter!”
Mendel’s request: “It would mean so much to me if tomorrow morning, 300 people started their day thanking G-d for all of the good things in their life, beginning with just being alive.”
HELP US GIVE MENDEL THE GIFT HE ASKED FOR!
ORDER FREE MODEH ANI CARDS HERE TO SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
1: Business Card Size
2: Larger card for wall or nightstand 8.5″ x 5.5″
I don’t always remember to say the Modeh Ani prayer upon awakening. I want to keep this card in prominent places in my home in hopes of making this the first thing I think of when my eyes open every morning. I will think of Mendel and pray that I can have the same faith and gratitude that he shared. Love to the Cotlar family for sharing him with us.
Beautiful! This is Inspiring, touching and an honor to Mendel’s memory. May you always remember sweet Mendel with a smile. I will remember him and your whole family every time I say the prayer.
Modeh Ani
מודה אני
Everyone of us experiences a magical feat every day when we transition from the subconscious state of sleep to the fully conscious awake state. At that moment a higher Being is restoring us to our full consciousness with renewed vigor. How we react to or engage in that transition becomes the imprint or basis for our entire day.
You hold in your hands a little card upon which are printed 12 Hebrew works, which taken together form a life guiding credo. As Jews, they are the first words uttered upon experiencing that transition
For simplicity, we will direct our attention to the first two words.
Let me say them for you. Modeh Ani : I thank You
Let’s say them together: Modeh Ani
Let’s put everything out of our hands and set our feet symmetrically on the ground
Let’s rest our hands on our knees or thighs and make out back fairly straight without being too rigid.
Have your head fairly well balanced between your shoulders. It’s a heavy organ
Gently close your eyes.
Note your breath as it enters into your nose and travels down into your body.
Follow it as it makes its way back up and out your nose or mouth. Is it cooler on the way in and warmer on the way out?
On the inhale, you might say to yourself “breathing in” and on the exhale you might say “breathing out”
Just settle in to the rhythm on your breath…..
PPPP
Modeh Ani I thank You HaShem
PP
Modeh Ani I thank YOU HaShem
PP
Modeh Ani I express my acknowledgement and gratitude to You HaShem
Modeh Ani I submit my will to Your will
Modeh Ani I thank You HaShem for bringing back to me MY Neshamah
My individuality
My giftedness
My specialness
This morning
PPPP
Modeh Ani I acknowledge that everything that will occur to me this day is for my ultimate good
PPP
Modeh Ani I submit my will. I abnegate my ego, allowing me to have a wider vista; A broader view into the wondrousness and positivity into the world and in my life
P P P P
Modeh Ani I thank you HaShem for the opportunity to play a significant and infinite role in the life of the universe; because there is no one other than me to make that contribution
PPP
Modeh Ani I acknowledge that even should there be pain and adversity I will interpret it for a higher purpose of good that I do not understand but totally believe in
Spend the next few moments committing and internalizing these words so that their resonance will be mindful and conscious throughout the day
Begin moving your fingers and toes. When you are ready gently open your eyes
Instead of waking up in the morning thinking “I really don’t feel like getting up. The world is in bad shape and I’m a bit scared. And having that resonate throughout your day.
Rather become a sculptor of your consciousness. It will leave a pleasant residue for your day.
This was jus a very beautiful video and letter written by a lovely mother this broke my heart
This was just beautiful written by the mother