While the sages of the Talmud unquestionably viewed the biblical miracles as having been preordained and provided for in the act of creation, they also went out of their way to emphasize the daily miracle of life which does not express itself in violations of the laws of nature. "Come and consider how many miracles the Holy One, blessed be He, performs for man, and he is unaware of it. If a man were to swallow unmasticated bread, it would descend into his bowels and scratch him, but God created a well in the throat of man which enables it to descend safely." [*] This thought is expressed in this beautiful formula of thanksgiving (Modim) for God's manifold blessings to us. Modim forms part of the daily Amidah prayer: We give thanks unto You, for You are the Lord our God and the God of our fathers for ever and ever; You are the Rock of our lives, the Shield of our salvation through every generation. We will give thanks unto you and declare your praise for our lives which are committed unto Your hand, and for our souls which are in Your charge, and for Your miracles which are daily with us, and for Your wonders and Thy benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning, and night. You are are all-good, whose mercies fail not; You, merciful Being, whose lovingkindnesses never cease we have ever hoped in You." Hebrew text [*] Exodus Rabbah 24:1 Preordained at Creation     Using miracles as proof     Miracles TABLE OF CONTENTS