What Do the Words Mean?

     We say certain Blessings many times a day throughout our entire lives, but often many of us do not understand what the words mean! If we do not know what the words mean there is no way we can get the practical benefit of saying them. The blessings were given to us so we can elevate our consciousness, but if we do not even know the literal, simple meaning of the words then there is no way for us to receive that elevation.

     This blessing, in particular, is misunderstood by most who say it. In fact, until some thirty years ago the Hebrew-English prayer books had it translated wrong!  

     See how you translate the ending before you read its correct translation. It is the ending of the after-blessing for consuming certain foods and drinks.

    "…borei nefashot rabot v'chesronan al kol ma she'barata l'hachayot bahem nefesh kol chai baruch chei ha'olamim."

    It does not mean, Blessed is the One Who lives forever. Nor does it mean, Blessed is the One Who gives life to the world.

     The proper translation is, "Blessed is the (One) Life in all the Worlds".

     We live as if there is one world and many lives. The Torah teaches us that there are many Worlds, such as This World and The World to Come, but in all the worlds there is only One Life. Hashem is the Life that is living in all of us… and He is One.   

     Now try to see how this concept relates to you in your daily life.