(Sources: Sifsei Chaim, Rav Schwab)

Mechalkel Chaim B’Chesed

The phrase Mechayeh Meisim mentioned here is not simply a repetition of the same phrase that appeared earlier in the berachah. Rather, the phrases that follow are intended to make the concept of Techiyas HaMeisim more accessible to human understanding.

The Gemara (Shabbos 63a) teaches that the true nature of Olam HaBa and Techiyas HaMeisim are beyond the comprehension of even the prophets. Although prophets such as Yechezkel revived the dead, those miracles involved only individuals. The universal resurrection of the dead is a future reality that transcends human understanding.

Nevertheless, Chazal teach us that we can begin to appreciate this extraordinary event. Throughout our lives, we experience occurrences that resemble, on a much smaller scale, the future Techiyas HaMeisim. These partial manifestations of renewal provide us with a glimpse of the complete and eternal resurrection that will one day take place.

This is why the Anshei Knesses HaGedolah chose the word “Mechalkel” in this phrase. Mechalkel is related to the Mishnaic word kalkalah, a basket or container with a fixed capacity. Just as a container holds only a measured amount, so too Hashem, in His benevolence, provides each person with the measure of sustenance and blessing appropriate for this world.

This principle is evident throughout creation. People differ greatly in their physical abilities, their health, their talents, and their financial resources. Humanity spans the full economic spectrum—from severe poverty, to those struggling to make ends meet, to the middle class, to the affluent, and finally to those blessed with extraordinary wealth. In our present world, Hashem’s blessings are dispensed in measured proportions.

In summary, the opening of this berachah teaches that Hashem, in His kindness, sustains the world by granting measured blessings appropriate for our present existence. These measured expressions of Divine kindness enable us to begin appreciating the boundless blessings that will accompany Techiyas HaMeisim. At that time, Hashem’s kindness will no longer be dispensed in measured portions. Rather, it will be revealed without limit as rachamim rabim.

The berachah therefore continues by describing familiar experiences that resemble, in a limited way, the future resurrection. Through these experiences, we begin to appreciate the ultimate Techiyas HaMeisim that awaits the world.

Somech Noflim

A person may endure repeated disappointments and failures until he feels completely broken and without hope. Then Hashem transforms his circumstances, replacing failure with success beyond anything he imagined. This dramatic reversal represents the first limited example of a rebirth—a present-day reflection of Techiyas HaMeisim.

Rofeh Cholim

Some people suffer from illnesses for which medicine offers no remaining cure, and they themselves lose all hope of recovery. Yet Hashem can suddenly restore them to physical and emotional health. This remarkable recovery is another limited manifestation of renewed life.

Matir Asurim

There are those who are imprisoned or immobilized and have completely abandoned hope of rescue. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Hashem brings about their release. Their freedom is yet another reflection of Techiyas HaMeisim.

Similarly, each morning we experience a form of revival when we awaken from sleep. Chazal teach that sleep—a state of unconsciousness and suspended awareness—is comparable to death. Hashem faithfully restores us to consciousness every day.

This daily transition from death-like sleep to wakefulness reminds us that, in the future, Hashem will bring about the ultimate Techiyas HaMeisim, when those who dwell in the earth will arise to everlasting life.

As noted earlier, all of these acts of kindness are measured, as implied by the word Mechalkel. A person who succeeds after failure may fail again. Someone who is healed may later become ill. One who is freed may once again lose that freedom. Likewise, every person who awakens in the morning will eventually become tired and return to sleep.

These experiences are therefore temporary expressions of renewal. Nevertheless, they enable us to begin appreciating the ultimate and everlasting revival that will occur through Techiyas HaMeisim. (Rav Schwab, Iyun Tefillah, pp. 307–308)

The Sifsei Chaim offers the following insights:

Mechalkel Chaim B’Chesed

Rav Dessler explains that human beings are composed of a body and a soul. These are two fundamentally opposite forces. The soul longs to return to its purely spiritual source, while the body is naturally drawn to the physical world. Left to themselves, these opposing forces would separate.

Hashem, in His kindness, continually unites these contradictory elements, enabling them to function together as one. It is through this ongoing act of Divine kindness that we are able to live in this world, fulfill Hashem’s mitzvos, and develop a relationship with Him.

This is the meaning of Mechalkel Chaim B’Chesed: Hashem continually sustains life by maintaining the miraculous union of body and soul.

Lishenei Afar

The blessing deliberately refers to those who are “asleep in the dust” rather than simply calling them “the dead.” This emphasizes that death is not permanent. Like sleep, it is a temporary state from which there will ultimately be an awakening.

Furthermore, even while the body rests in the grave, it retains a residual spiritual connection that will ultimately serve as the basis for Techiyas HaMeisim. (This also explains the significance of praying at the graves of tzaddikim. The grave contains not only the physical remains of the individual but is also associated with a lingering spiritual presence. According to the Arizal, this is likewise why a monument is erected over the grave—it marks the place where the surrounding spiritual light of the soul continues to rest.) (Sifsei Chaim, Shemoneh Esrei, p. 49)

The phrase Lishenei Afar can also be understood as referring to the Avos. Hashem promised them that their descendants would become numerous. The ultimate fulfillment of that promise is realized when their descendants attain the eternal life of Techiyas HaMeisim.

 Rabbi Daniel Rubin can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..