It is often said of Judaism that it is less a faith than it is a way of life. For Judaism enters into all aspects of our life. This is seen best in the numerous blessings which are said on different occasions. Among the blessings listed in the Siddur (the daily and Sabbath prayer book) will be found those on waking in the morning, for putting on a new garment, for seeing a rainbow, washing ones hands, eating various foods, etc as well as those said when we fulfil a commandment. Talmudic Rabbis said that it was forbidden to enjoy such things without saying a blessing. Many of the blessings used today date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries CE and can be found in the Talmud in tractate Berachot.
In Judaism we do not bless inanimate objects to declare that they are holy. Blessings are said over or concerning things, and they are expressions of thanks to God who created them. So many of the prayers in our services are in the form of blessings, which praise or thank God. Therefore, when we say Kiddush on a Sabbath or festival we do not bless the wine and think of it as holy. Instead we thank God the Creator of the fruit of the vine. And the blessing over the day begins Blessed are you Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and... This is used on all occasions when we are saying a blessing before carrying out a mitzvah or commandment and usually continues ... and has commanded us to ... and then follows the name of the commandment.
Originally found here
Picture originally found here
