Shekakhah lo be’olamo -

Praising God for Natural Beauty

In the Hebraic mindset, everything beautiful is deemed an expression of God’s revelation to us. The beauty observed in nature is ascribed neither to metaphysical randomness nor to the subjective imposition of value by the observer, but rather is seen as a genuine experience of the glory of the LORD’s handiwork. When we are properly attuned to the created order, we cannot help but behold the mysterious beauty that constantly surrounds us. We are filled with wonder, awe, and profound joy.

When we happen to see a beautiful woman (or man), we are likewise not to entertain lust within our hearts, but we affirm the goodness of the LORD who fills the world around us with such beauty.

The following blessing is often recited in order to sanctify our experience of natural beauty:

Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam,
shekakhah lo b’olamo.

Blessed are You, LORD our God, Master of the Universe,
Who has things such in His world.

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