In this section, we will post a new D'var Torah each week, written specifically for this site.
Dvar Torah
R. Zev Rosenfield
This website and the need for it reminds us how thankful we should be for good health, a thought often taken for granted. Birkat Asher yatzar is recited for this exact purpose - to remember that the human body and its health are not just nature but, in fact, miracles that Hashem continuously performs.
This bracha is usually recited numerous times throughout the day. However, Rema in Orach Chaim 4:1 claims that Asher Yatzar should be recited every morning even if one did not go the bathroom, as part of the list of birkot hashachar. What is the significance of this bracha at the beginning of the day?
In order to explain this Rema, we must understand the opening words of this bracha. Asher yatzar et ha'adam b'chochma - Hashem created man with wisdom… First, whose wisdom is being referred to? Second, how is this introduction connected to the rest of the bracha?
Rashi views this whole bracha as describing much more than just the digestive system of the body. It describes the amazing phenomenon that our physical body holds within it also the spiritual soul - and this spirituality does not `seep out' despite all the openings in our body. It is with G-d's wisdom that He created man and enabled such a constant miracle.
With Rashi's understanding, the Rema can now be explained. Perhaps he is suggesting that Asher Yatzar is to be recited together with the bracha Elokai, Neshama shenatata bi Tehora hi…, (My Lord, the soul that you have give me is pure…) as part of the morning brachot. When we begin our day reciting both brachot, we realize the duality the Jew lives with - the combination of body and soul. (See note*)
I will present two more commentaries of this opening phrase of Asher Yatzar.
Tosafot, based on Midrash Tanchuma, also see the wisdom as being G-d's; however, they interpret this wisdom as G-d always providing man with food and nourishment. In the six days of creation, G-d created all man's food-sources first and then created man. This is the meaning behind Asher yatzar et ha'adam b'chochma. (Maharsha and Bach argue whether in Tosafot's opinion this introductory phrase is connected to the rest of the bracha or not. Maharsha claims that Tosafot understand this introduction as an idea by itself, disconnected to the rest of the bracha. However, the Bach argues that Tosafot see this introduction as connected to the rest of the bracha - just like G-d provided man with food from day one, so too he continues to provide man with functioning digestive systems.)
Finally, Maharsha gives a new explanation. Asher yatzar et ha'adam b'chochma - G-d created man and granted man wisdom. He explains this phrase to mean that G-d gave man an advantage over animals that man has wisdom to learn the human body and to heal it, maintaining its health!
On this note, it is our hope and prayer that Hashem - Asher yatzar et ha'adam b'chochma - grant the doctors the wisdom to restore Chani to health, betoch she'ar cholei yisrael, along with all other sick Jews.
*Note. Mishna Brura 3 gives a very similar explanation, without alluding to Rashi. See the newer printings of the Mishna Brura that noticed a word missing from the original printing. It should read: “…v'nitkan birkat Elokai Neshama v'Asher Yatzar al yetzirat haguf v'haneshama.”
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