Tefillah Tips - Hameir Laaretz 10

Hameir Laaretz 10

Vechullam Mekablim Aleyhem Ol Malchus Shamayim….Venosnim Reshus Zeh LaZah Lehakdish Leyotzram Benachas Ruach….. They all accept the yoke of heaven one from another - and give permission to one another - and sanctify the Creator with the calmness of mind.

Rav Miller zt”l points out two striking insights from the verses above. The first – the patience exhibited by the Malachim / Angels in preparation to serve Hashem in contemplation, praise and song. The second – the apparent selflessness of the Angels each offering one another Reshus / permission to advance and perform their unique service to G-d.

Did you ever see a professional golfer take a set of practice swings before he tees off? He stretches, kneels, and swings with patience and diligence to prepare to hit the best drive possible. What about a pro baseball player before he gets up to bat? He picks up three bats, then two bats, with weights and without weights. He also stretches leans and practices with deep concentration so he can hit that home run. What about us? Don’t we the Jewish people need a few home runs in this world?! The Torah and Talmud are replete with instructions and guidance what to do in times of trouble – Pray/Daven. So why are we in such a rush? Where are we running? Hashem is waiting to hear our sincere Tefilloth. Our neshamos/souls are craving to serve our Creator. Let’s exercise a little patience.

Our world is way too cut-throat. Not only do I want to succeed at the office but I want others not to; because then I will get the raise and they will not. Not only do students wish for a perfect score, but that other students do not fare as well so the curve will be more in his/her favor. The Torah/Jewish approach is just the opposite. I want you to succeed the best that you can. I want to succeed the best that I can. Everyone should succeed the best that they can so that the ultimate honor can be produced for the King. It’s not about me, you and the other guy; it’s about what we can all do together to beautify, improve and sanctify G-d’s world.

May we all exercise the right amounts of patience and selflessness in our prayers and in our lives to merit Divine goodness and blessings that we so desperately need.

Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Ephraim Epstein