The Beracha of “Ozer Yisrael Bi’gbura”

The Gemara teaches that one recites each morning the blessing of "Ozer Yisrael Bi'gbura" – "who girds Israel with strength" – upon putting on an "Abnet." Most commentaries explain this term to mean a belt (like the belt worn by the Kohanim in the Bet Ha'mikdash, which is called "Abnet"), and indeed, the word "Ozer" means "gird," referring to putting on a belt. Others, however, including the Peri Hadash (Rav Hizkiya Da Silva, 1659-1698) and Rav David Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century), explain that this Beracha speaks of putting on pants. According to both understandings, this Beracha thanks Hashem for allowing us to make a separation between the upper body and lower body. On this basis, some explain why we speak in this blessing of our being girded with Gebura – "strength." As the Mishna in Abot (4:1) famously teaches, "Ezehu Gibor, Ha'kobesh Et Yisro" – the truly "strong" person is one who has the strength to restrain his evil inclination. The belt thus signifies our ability to separate between the lower body, which is associated with sinful desires, and the upper body, which is associated with the intellect and conscience. When we recite this Beracha, we praise Hashem for giving us the power of self-restraint, to use our upper body – such as the mind, the eyes, the mouth, etc. – for meaningful, spiritual endeavors, detached from sinful passions associated with the lower body. This ability is a precious gift which Hashem has given us, and so the Sages instituted the recitation of a special Beracha each morning to thank Him for this quality that He has mercifully embedded within us.