Energy Source

I

t’s not surprising that energy bars and energy drinks are so popular. Who doesn’t want that extra boost? Ads for these products promise that snacking on an energy bar or chugging down a sports drink will leave you feeling revitalized and able to accomplish more.

These products, however, don’t hold the real key to increased energy. The brachah “Hanosen l’ya’eif koach,” which thanks Hashem for returning the souls we entrusted to Him the night before refreshed, is where our real investment in our energy levels should be.

The Tur comments that this brachah should be recited every morning, even though it’s not listed with the other brachos in the Gemara. But why does this brachah appear at the end of the birchos hashachar? And why is it recited specifically after we thank Hashem for our elevated state as Jews, who are crowned with His glory?

Rabbi Efrayim Forshdam, in Lefanav Naavod, emphasizes that this brachah is a reminder that Hashem is the One who infuses us with renewed energy, and that our energy isn’t, as we tend to think, the result of a good night’s sleep. This brachah drives home to us that we’re limited beings; all of our success and abilities are a gift from Hashem.