In this episode, Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the deeper meaning behind our request for ahava, chen, chesed, and rachamim — love, favor, kindness, and mercy — in the Vi’hi Ratzon prayer. These aren’t just abstract blessings; they are divine tools through which Hashem molds how others feel about us.
When we ask Hashem for these qualities, we’re not just hoping to be liked — we’re asking Him to influence the hearts of those around us, to plant compassion, warmth, and goodwill in their eyes toward us. Every act of kindness we receive, every opportunity that opens, every person who shows us favor — it’s not random. It’s Hashem orchestrating our relationships, guiding interactions, and softening hearts.
This awareness brings emotional security and spiritual clarity. We stop obsessing over how to win people over and start focusing on our connection with Hashem — the true source of all favor. When we trust that He is the One turning hearts in our direction, we gain peace, confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose in our relationships.
In this continuation of V’hi Ratzon, Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi reveals the deeper meaning behind our daily plea: “Hashem, don’t bring me to sin, temptation, or disgrace — and distance me from the Yetzer Hara.” This isn’t just about avoiding mistakes on our own. It’s about asking Hashem to protect us from ourselves — from our impulses, our distractions, and the inner voice that pulls us away from truth. When we turn to Him for help, He guides our steps, strengthens our discipline, and aligns our will with His.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi begins exploring the prayer Vi’hi Ratzon, asking Hashem to “make us accustomed to Your Torah and attached to Your mitzvot.” Real change isn’t about giant leaps, it’s about daily steps. Rabbi Farhi shares how this prayer asks Hashem to help us make Torah and mitzvot feel natural, effortless, and woven into our everyday rhythm. When learning and mitzvot become our second nature—part of our daily muscle memory—our spiritual life transforms from effort to instinct.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the blessing Hamaavir Chevlei Sheina — “Hashem, You remove the bonds of sleep from my eyes.” Ever notice how you can see someone’s excitement in their eyes? This blessing is a request for Hashem to reignite our inner light, restore our energy, and help us see life with fresh eyes again. When your eyes shine, your soul is alive.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the blessings Shelo Asani Isha and She’asani Kirtzono —Why do men thank Hashem for not being women—and women thank Hashem for being made “ as He willed”? Far from a statement of superiority or inequality, these berachot teach the power of acceptance: that Hashem places each person in their perfect role, with their own challenges, tools, and opportunities for growth. Hashem knew that men, left to their own devices, could easily become consumed by work, distraction, and ego—so He gave men structure: fixed times, clear routines, and daily mitzvot to pull us back to Him. Women, by contrast, were created with a natural spiritual sensitivity that keeps them connected without as much external framework. True peace comes when we stop comparing, stop wishing for someone else’s life, and embrace the divine wisdom in our own.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi discusses another idea on the beracha of Shelo Asani Aved. On the surface, we serve Hashem and follow rules. But this service isn’t slavery—it’s alignment. Just like a violin string only produces music when held in tension, our souls produce greatness when bound by divine structure. Hashem’s “restrictions” aren’t to limit us—they remove distractions, refine our focus, and unleash our true potential. Real freedom is found not in doing whatever we want, but in becoming who we’re meant to be.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi unpacks Shelo Asani Aved – “Thank You, Hashem, for not making me a slave.” While we may no longer know physical slavery, many still live bound by inner chains – addictions, anxieties, habits, or self-limiting beliefs. This beracha calls us to see Hashem as the One who can set us free from whatever owns us inside. True freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want – it’s about no longer being a slave to what we don’t want to be.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the powerful blessing Shelo Asani Goy. Far from arrogance, this beracha is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to Hashem for giving us a Jewish soul—a life anchored in truth, purpose, and divine connection. It’s a praise to God for making our portion different from that of a non-Jew, reminding us that even the most successful or admired non-Jewish life cannot compare to the eternal spiritual inheritance of a Jew. This blessing calls us not only to appreciate our unique role, but also to resist the temptation to chase after lifestyles or values that are not ours. Instead, we should embrace our divine mission with pride, integrity, and joy.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi reflects on Oter Yisrael B’Tifarah—“Hashem crowns Israel with glory”. This is a call to embrace our Jewish identity with confidence and dignity. True honor comes not from blending in, but from standing tall as part of Hashem’s chosen nation. When we carry ourselves with pride and integrity, we reflect the Divine beauty within us—and inspire respect in the world around us.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explains Ozer Yisrael B’gevurah—“Hashem girds Israel with strength”. True strength, doesn’t come from control, but from trust—the calm confidence that Hashem has prepared our path, given us exactly what we need, and placed us precisely where we’re meant to be. From that awareness comes unshakable inner power.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the blessing She’asah Li Kol Tzarki. This prayer teaches profound trust in Hashem: that whatever we have is exactly what we need for today, and whatever we lack is not yet required for our growth. From physical comforts to life’s deeper challenges, Hashem equips each person with the perfect “toolkit” for their mission.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explains Hamechin Mitzadei Gaver—Hashem prepares the footsteps of man. We plan, we act, and we strive, but the results are never fully ours. This blessing teaches us to trust that every step, even the detours and delays, are divinely directed toward what’s ultimately best. By aligning effort with emunah, we find peace in knowing that Hashem guides not just our paths—but our destinations.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores the blessing Roka Haaretz Al Hamayim. Beyond the physical miracle of stable ground beneath our feet, this prayer reminds us of the gift of emotional and spiritual stability. Just as vertigo throws us off balance, life’s chaos can leave us spinning. This blessing becomes a daily request for Hashem’s help to steady our footing, so we can make clear decisions and live with calm direction.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi unpacks the blessing Hanoten Layaef Koach. Life’s challenges often leave us drained, yet each new day is proof that Hashem renews our energy, our resilience, and our ability to endure. Sometimes that strength helps us overcome, and sometimes it helps us rise again after stumbling. This prayer is not just about rest—it’s about knowing that Hashem never leaves you without the energy to face your challenges.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi delves into a deeper aspect of Malbish Arumim. Just as clothing covers our body’s imperfections, our physical body “covers” our neshama, presenting challenges. These struggles, desires, and limitations are actually opportunities. By reframing life’s difficulties, we can recognize them as the very chance that allows our souls to grow, overcome obstacles, and strengthen our connection with Hashem.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi unpacks Malbish Arumim—the blessing that thanks Hashem for clothing the naked. Beyond simply covering ourselves, this beracha reminds us that even the physical joy of clothing, whether it’s simple essentials or even something stylish we enjoy, can become a moment of connection with Hashem.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores another idea on the beracha Zokef Kefufim— Hashem straightens those who are bent. Beyond the physical gift of posture and strength, this blessing is also about spiritual awareness. Often, we can’t even see where we’re “bent”—our blind spots, flaws, and habits that keep us from growth. This prayer asks Hashem to reveal what’s hidden, help us straighten our ways, and keep us moving on a path of constant correction and uplift.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi unpacks the blessing Zokef Kefufim—“Hashem straightens those who are bent.” Beyond thanking God for physical posture and mobility, it’s a reminder that true confidence and inner strength come from Him. Standing tall means living with resilience, rooted in the awareness that our power is not our own, but from Hashem.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explores another dimension of Matir Asurim. Beyond gratitude for physical freedom, it is a heartfelt prayer to be released from spiritual stagnation, from the heavy feeling of being stuck despite our best intentions. As the High Holidays approach, this blessing reminds us that Hashem can transform fleeting inspiration into lasting growth, and even awaken us from deep spiritual slumber.
Rabbi Eliyahu Farhi explains that the blessing Matir Asurim —reminds us to thank Hashem for freedom in all its forms. From the mobility of our limbs, to the gift of not living behind bars, to release from emotional prisons like fear, anxiety, or addiction—this beracha teaches us deep gratitude. Each morning, we affirm that Hashem is the One who unlocks what ties us down, granting us true movement and freedom.