Nature

Nature has the power to inspire awe in us. After winter’s long frost, we feel a real sense of hope as the first flowers emerge from the earth. Or, we may feel a sense of our small but mighty place in the universe when we look out at the ocean. These Jewish blessings help us express our sense of wonder, and you may wish to write your own blessings for the natural world.

Recite when seeing large-scale wonders of nature such as high mountains, vast deserts, seas, major rivers, shooting stars and the sunrise: 

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, oseh maasei v'reishit.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, who makes the works of creation.

On seeing the small-scale wonders of nature, such as beautiful trees and flowers, animals, and people:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, shekacha lo beolamo.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, that such as these are in Your world.

On seeing a rainbow:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, zocher hab'rit v'neeman biv'rito v'kayam ma-amaro.

We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe, who remembers, is faithful to, and fulfills Your covenant with and promise to creation.