Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
I have heard Avraham Fried sing many times, but last night I heard him speak. Fried participated in the launch of a new book: "Lo Bikashti Lavo L'Olam" (I Didn't Ask to Come into this World). The book (in Hebrew only) was written by his brother, Rabbi Manis Friedman, and Dr. Elad Ben Elul. Here is a thought from Fried, as expressed during last night's event:
"I am here with my brother, but I want to pose a question from my sister. Recently she asked. Why do we begin the day with the rooster? The first blessing that we say in the morning blessings is: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who gives the rooster understanding to distinguish between day and night." Once the rooster served as an alarm clock since his cock-a-doodle-do awakened us at sunrise. But why do we need to remind ourselves of the rooster today?
"It's a reminder that the rooster starts his day with a song. He does not only know how to distinguish between day and night. As soon as the day begins, he calls out with great emotion. This is his niggun, and it is a call to us to begin our day with song. I am now reminded of this idea daily with the morning blessings, and try to begin each day with a niggun. This is especially pertinent now, in the month of Adar when joy increases."
Good morning!