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Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
A Thought on Thanksgiving
Neurologists from around the world convened to discuss a strange phenomenon of people who faint as soon as they get out of bed in the morning.
One of the speakers was Professor Linda McMaron from Great Britain. After years of observations and study, she concluded that the fainting phenomenon was the result of an overly quick transition between the prone and standing positions.
She explained that the blood in the body requires twelve seconds to flow from the feet to the brain. However, when a person rises too fast (under 12 seconds) then the blood finds itself “projected” too fast from the feet, causing a loss of consciousness. She recommended that every person waking up in the morning should sit up on their bed and slowly count till twelve, in order to prevent any feeling of weakness, dizziness or fainting. Her lecture was welcomed with a very enthusiastic reaction and applause from the attendees.
Someone present commented: Ironically, we Jews follow an old tradition to recite a prayer every morning in tribute to the creator of the world, thanking Him for granting us the privilege of waking up whole and healthy. This prayer is recited immediately upon opening our eyes, while sitting on our bed.
This prayer is indeed composed of twelve words (in Hebrew), and if we recite it slowly, with fervor, it takes exactly twelve second to say it..... twelve words in twelve seconds!
“I offer thanks to You, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great.”
The crowd again stood up and clapped vigorously but this time in honor and in gratitude to the Creator of the world.
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Rabbi Dovid S. Polter Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program Jewish Senior Life
248-592-5039 • dpolter@jslmi.org
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