bs”d

I remember when I was younger, I used to wake up feeling cranky and angry – sometimes I still do. How can one rid oneself easily of these feelings to make one’s life more pleasant and to start the day better? How can you calm cranky children?

Every Day when we wake up there are two things the Jewish Person does:

1. Recite Modeh Ani (Modeh Ani Lefanecha Melech Chai Vekayam Shechezarta Bi Nishmati BeChemla. Rabba Emunatecha. / (directed toward G-d) I Give Thanks Before You – oh King Alive and Everlasting, that you returned my Soul to Me with Grace – Great is Your Faith (in me))

2. Do Netilat Yadayim – Wash Hands with a Washing Cup in the following way:

Take Washing Filled with water and pour on right hand. Then Pour on left Hand. (Repeat three or four times – pour on entire hand including wrists)

(Alternative way: Take Washing Filled with water and pour on right hand 3 times. Then Pour on left Hand three times. Then pour on right hand and then on left Hand alternating three times – pour on entire hand including wrists)

I have noticed that this removes some crankiness in the child. And it makes much sense according to the spiritual reasons for performing Netilat Yadayim.