תפילה לזמנים מתוחים בישראל
Tefillah L’Zmanim Metuchim B’Yisrael
To the People of Israel, both at home and in the diaspora.
Shalom Aleichem,
As we find ourselves amidst the aftermath of a heinous terrorist attack by Hamas, which tragically unfolded over the weekend on Simchat Torah, our hearts are heavy, our spirits tested. On a day dedicated to the joy of the Torah, celebrating the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new one, it is particularly heart-wrenching to confront such a painful ordeal.
The journey of Am Yisrael has always been punctuated by moments of deep sorrow, yet our resilience and faith have always been our guiding light. In times like these, when words often fail, turning to tefillah (prayer) serves as a powerful medium to channel our collective pain, hopes, and aspirations. A prayer has been composed, not only as an expression of our current sentiments but as a beacon to guide us through the darkness.
This prayer calls out to HaShem, the Master of the Universe, echoing the multi-faceted relationship we, the Children of Israel, have with the Almighty – as our Lord, King, father, mother, teacher, and protector. The plea is for guidance, wisdom, and clarity, drawing parallels to the act of creation, where light emerged from the abyss. The supplication seeks solace for individual souls and the entire nation, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of every Jew, regardless of their minhagim and location.
The prayer reminds us that even amidst adversity, there are opportunities for growth, introspection, unity, and forging deeper connections with HaShem. It is a call for collective awakening, echoing the Sinai experience, with a yearning for the forthcoming redemption when all adversities will be but a fleeting memory.
We must remember that while the prayer speaks of trials and challenges, it also emphasizes hope, resilience, and the undying spirit of the Jewish nation. Even in our darkest hours, our connection to HaShem and the Torah remains unbreakable.
Let us come together, united in our faith and our shared destiny. We pray for the souls of those who were taken from us, for the speedy recovery of the injured, and for the strength and comfort of their families. We hope that this prayer becomes a beacon of hope, illuminating our path during these trying times, binding us together in solidarity, and reinforcing our indomitable spirit.
May the words of this prayer ascend and find favor in the eyes of HaShem, and may we merit seeing the days when “Hashem will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8).
With deep compassion and unity,
– Dovid
I’ve provided English, Transliteration, and Hebrew versions of this prayer below. I’ve also included a full commentary further down the page that breaks down this prayer by highlighting the hidden power contained within it.
English
Adonai, Master of the Universe, my God, my Lord, my King, my father, my mother, my teacher, my companion, my comforter as I stand before You, my heart heavy with the weight of the world and the trials I face, I seek Your guidance and clarity. Just as You brought light out of darkness during the act of creation, illuminate my path and grant me understanding. Show me the way during these testing times, and allow me to draw closer to You.
Let the clouds that obscure my vision be lifted, granting me moments of clarity and insight. Help me decipher the messages You send through nature and events, reminding me always of Your presence and Hashgacha Pratit.
Guide me in my interactions, especially with my loved ones. Grant me the wisdom to foster peace, understanding, and unity. Help me recognize and respect the beliefs of others, while staying true to my own convictions.
Adonai, during these trying times, let me be a beacon of hope, faith, and resilience. Strengthen my resolve, amplify my understanding, and deepen my connection to You and Your Torah. May my prayers rise before You, and may Your divine light shine upon all of Israel and the world.
Adonai, Master of the Universe, as I pour out my heart to You, I ask that You bestow solace upon me, my family, Israel, and all Your people. In these testing times, may our faith be our anchor, providing comfort and strength. Guide and shield us, unify us and may Your protective embrace encompass all of Israel. Destroy all enemies of Israel, may they cease to exist speedily soon.
Let us always be reminded that our journey towards understanding and clarity is a continuous path. Even in the midst of adversity and strife, grant us the wisdom to see the opportunities for growth, introspection, unity and forging deeper connections with You.
May we draw strength from our faith, always looking towards You for guidance and assurance. May Your light guide our way, ensuring that we and all of Israel remain steadfast and resilient during challenging times.
Awaken us from within our tents where we lay asleep in anticipation of receiving your Torah at Mount Sinai. May it all have been a dream, a nightmare that you soon will awaken us from so we may eagerly serve you, hear you, dwell amongst you, in joy, peace, in everlasting awe inspiring happiness, respect and honor of You, that music and honor shall be sung to you my Lord and not sadness.
And I give thanks to you for all things, as you are an awesome God, merciful Lord, honorable and kind King, gentle father, loving mother, amazing teacher, beautiful companion, and compassionate comforter.
May the utterance of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Adonai our rock, and our redeemer.
Amen, Amen and Amen.
Hebrew Transliteration
Ahdonai, Ahdon ha’Oolahm, ahlee ahloohai, ahdee ahdoonee, melekh shahlee, ahvee, eemee, moree, hahver shahlee, m’nahhehm shahlee k’shah’nee oomehd lefahnekhah, leebee kahved me’avodat ha’oolahm v’nisyonot she’ah’nee m’tmoded, ah’nee m’vahkesh et hohr’ahkhtkhah v’beroor. K’mo sh’at’ah heh’eer ah’or me’tokh hohshekh b’poh’oolat habree’ah, haa’eer et dahrahkhtee v’ten lee beenah. Hahr’eeni et hadah’rekh b’z’mahnim haeleh, v’ha’neeh lee lah’kerev ahlaykh.
Yeeheeyoo ha’ahnaneem she’meh’astim et re’eetee m’noosayim, not’nim lee ra’gayim shel beh’roor oot’veenah. Ahzor lee leh’fehraysh et hah’san’dareem she’at’ah sholayakh ahl y’day hatevah v’ha’eerowa’eem, mahz’keer oti tahmeed b’keevoodkha oov’Hahshgahkhah Prateet.
Had’ree’kheni b’mashbehrayai, b’mee’oo’khed eet ah’hoo’vay. T’nah lee et hah’khokhmah leh’dabeer shalom, t’veenah, v’ah’khdoot. Ahzor lee leh’hakheer ool’hakheer et ha’ehmoonot shel ah’khayreem, v’zeh she’ahnee nisheer ne’ehmaan leh’mah’shee’khootay.
Ahdonai, b’z’mahnim haeleh hamkashim, yehi li leh’migdal ohor, ehmoonah, v’hatzma’oot. Heh’khazek et hah’hazlootee, hagdeel et t’veenatee, v’ha’amok et keshehree eelekhah v’leToratkhah. Yeh’ahloo tefilotay lefahnekhah, v’or- kha ha’ehlohee yaa’eir al kol Yisrael v’alah’oolam.
Ahdonai, Ahdon ha’Oolahm, k’shah’nee shofo’akh et leebee lefahnekhah, ah’nee sho’ayl she’teetayn lee neh’hamah, le’meesh’pah’tee, le’Yisrael, v’lekhol ahm’khah. B’z’mahnim haeleh, yehi ehmoonateinoo le’mazeev, mey’say’ah ootanoo ootmeekhazeek. Had’ree’kh v’sh’mor ootanoo, aakh’deenu v’tehi hibook hah’mageyn sh’khah m’sovev et kol Yisrael. Horos et kol oy’vay Yisrael, yih’yoo hehm shavim v’aynoom.
Niz’kar tamid ki mah’alakh’teinoo le’binah oo’le’beroor hi mah’alakh tamid. Gam b’tokh tsarot v’matzavim kashim, ten lanoo et hah’khokhmah lirot et hah’z’manim le’tsimukh, hit’bonenoot, ah’khdoot, v’le’bnot kesheerim amookim ayt’khah.
Ne’drosh koh’akh me’ehmoonateinoo, meh’staklim tamid eelekhah lehadrakhah oo’leh’bitahon. Yehi oor’khah mah’eer et dah’rahkhteinoo, m’vatahkh sheh’anoo v’kol Yisrael yee’kaymoo betzeekook oov’hatzma’oot b’z’mahnim hahmkashim.
Ha’eer otanoo me’b’tokh aholoteinoo, she’nahnu yosh’vim b’tokham b’tzipiyah leh’kabel et Torat’khah b’Har Seenay. Yehi kol zeh kh’halom, k’khoshekh sheh’m’herah tah’eer otanoo me’tokho k’day sheh’n’ahvayd l’kha b’tshookah, nish’ma’khah, nish’kon b’tokh’khah, b’simkhah, shalom, b’simkhah sh’ehnah het’keefah, b’kavod oo’be’tiferet lekha, sheh’zemer oov’kavod yoo’sharu lekha, ah’donee v’loh b’eetsoov.
V’ani modeh l’kha al hakol, k’yatah Elohim nora’ah, Adon rahum, Melekh kavod v’khased, Av rakh, Eem ahevet, Morah niflah, Havair nifla, v’Menahem rahum.
Yehi’u l’ratzon im’ray fee u’hev’yon leebee lefanekha, Adonai tzuray v’go’ali.
Ah-men, Ah-men v’ Ah-men.
Hebrew
אֲדוֹנָי אֲדוֹן הָעוֹלָם אֵלִי אֱלוֹהַי אֲדֹנִי אֲדוֹנִי מֶלֶךְ שָׁלִי אָבִי אִמִּי מוֹרִי חֲבֵרִי מְנַחֵם שָׁלִי כְּשֶׁאֲנִי עוֹמֵד לְפָנֶיךָ לִבִּי כָבֵד מִמַּשָּׂא הָעוֹלָם וְהַנִּסָּיוֹן שֶׁאֲנִי מַתְמוֹדֵד אֲנִי מְבַקֵּשׁ אֶת הוֹרַאתְךָ וּבֵינָה
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהֵבֵאתָ אוֹר מִתּוֹךְ חוֹשֶׁךְ בְּמַעֲשֵׂה בְּרֵאשִׁית הָאֵר אֶת דַּרְכִּי וּתְנֵה לִי בִּינָה
הַרְאֵנִי אֶת הַדֶּרֶךְ בְּהַמִּבְחָנוֹת הָאֵלֶּה וּתְנֵה לִי לְהִתְקָרֵב אֵלֶיךָ
יִתָּהְרוּ הֶעָנָנִים הַמַּסְתִּירִים אֶת רְאוֹתִי וְיִתְּנוּ לִי רְגָעִים שֶׁל בֵּרוּר וְתֵבוּנָה
עָזוֹר לִי לְפָרֵשׁ אֶת הַהוֹדָעוֹת שֶׁאַתָּה שוֹלֵחַ דֶּרֶךְ הַטֶּבַע וְהָאִרוּעִים לְהַזְכִּיר לִי תָּמִיד אֶת נוֹכְחוּתֶךָ וְהַשְׁגָּחַתְךָ הַפְּרָטִית.
הַדְרִיכֵנִי בְּתוֹךְ הַמַּשָּׂא וְהַמַּתָּן שֶׁלִּי בִּמיוּחָד עִם קְרוֹבַי. תֵּן לִי אֶת הַחָכְמָה לִיצֹר שָׁלוֹם לְהָבִין וּלְהַגִּיעַ לְאַחְדוּת
עָזוֹר לִי לְהַכִּיר וּלְהַעֲרִיךְ אֶת אֲמִיתַת הַדַּעַת שֶׁל אֲחֵרִים תוֹדַעְנִי שֶׁאֲנִי נֶאֱמָן לְעַצְמִי.
אֲדוֹנָי בָּזְמַן הַקָּשֶׁה הַזֶּה הַפְקֵד אוֹתִי לְהִפְעִיל אוֹת לַתִּקְוָה לֶאֱמוּנָה וּלְחוֹזֶק. הַחֲזִיק בְּהַתַּמְדָּתִי הַגְבֵּה אֶת הַתְּבוּנָה שֶׁלִּי וְהַעֲמֵק אֶת הַקֶּשֶׁר שֶׁלִּי אִתְּךָ וּבְתוֹרָתְךָ. תֵּן שֶׁתְּפִלוֹתַי תַּעֲלֶה לְפָנֶיךָ וְאוֹרְךָ הָאֵלהִי יַאֲיר עַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְעַל הָעוֹלָם.
אֲדוֹנָי אֲדוֹן הָעוֹלָם בְּהַשְׁפָּךְ לִבִּי לְפָנֶיךָ אֲנִי מְבַקֵּשׁ שֶׁתִּתֵּן לִי נֶחָמָה לְמִשְׁפַּחְתִּי לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וּלְכָל עַמְּךָ בְּהַמִּבְחָנוֹת הָאֵלֶּה תֵּהַא אֱמוּנָתֵנוּ לָנוּ לְעוֹגֶן לְתַסֵּךְ וּלְחִיזּוּק הַדְרִיכֵנוּ וּשְׁמָר אוֹתָנוּ אַחֵד אוֹתָנוּ וִיהִי חִיבּוּק הַגָּנָה שֶׁלְךָ מְקִיף אֶת כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל הוֹרֵד אֶת כָּל אוֹיְבֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁיַּכְלוּ לְהִסָּפֵק בִּמְהֵרָה
תַּמִּיד נִזְכַּר שֶׁהַמַּסָּע שֶׁלָּנוּ לְהָבָנָה וּבֵירוּר הוּא בְּדֶרֶךְ הַמִּשְׁתַּמֶּשֶׁת אַף בְּאֶמצַע הַמִּבְחָנוֹת וְהַתַּקְלוֹת תֵּן לָנוּ אֶת הַחָכְמָה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַזְּמַן לְצִמּוּחַ הִתְבּוֹנֵנוּת אַחְדוּת וּלְבָנוֹת קֶשֶׁר עִמְּךָ הַמָּעֻמֵּק.
נִשְׁאֶה כּוֹחַ מִתּוֹךְ אֱמוּנָתֵנוּ פּוֹנִים תָּמִיד אֵלֶיךָ לְהַדְרָכָה וּלְבִטָּחוֹן יְהִי אוֹרְךָ מֵאִיר אֶת דַּרְכֵּנוּ בָּטוּחִים שֶׁאֲנַחְנוּ וְכָל יִשְׂרָאֵל יַמִּידִים בָּזְמַן הַקָּשֶׁה.
הָעִירֵנוּ מִתּוֹךְ אָהֳלֵינוּ אֲשֶׁר אֲנַחְנוּ יָשְׁנִים בוֹ בְּצִפִּיָּה לְקַבֵּל אֶת תּוֹרָתְךָ בְּהַר סִינַי יְהִי הַכֹּל כְּחֲלוֹם כַּאֲשֶׁר בְּקָרוֹב תָּעִיר אוֹתָנוּ מִמֶּנּוּ לַעֲבֹד אוֹתְךָ בְּתָאוָה לִשְׁמֹעַ אוֹתְךָ לָגוּר בֵּינֵיךָ בְּשִׂמְחָה בְּשָׁלוֹם בְּשִׂמְחָה נֵצַחִית בְּכָבוֹד וּבְיִרְאָה שֶׁלְּךָ שֶׁשִּׁיר וְכָבוֹד יוּשַׁר אֵלֶיךָ אֲדוֹנָי וְלֹא בַּצַּר.
וַאֲנִי מוֹדֶה לְךָ עַל הַכֹּל כִּי אַתָּה אֵל נוֹרָא אֲדוֹן רַחוּם מֶלֶךְ בַּעַל הַכָּבוֹד וְהַחֶסֶד אָב רַךְ אֵם אוֹהֶבֶת מוֹרֶה נִפְלָא חָבֵר מְהוֹדָר וּמְנַחֵם רַחוּם.
יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי וְהֶגְיוֹן לִבִּי לְפָנֶיךָ ה’ צוּרִי וְגוֹאֲלִי.
אָמֵן אָמֵן וְאָמֵן.
Commentary
Segment 1:
**Adonai, Master of the Universe, my God, my Lord, my King, my father, my mother, my teacher, my companion, my comforter as I stand before You, my heart heavy with the weight of the world and the trials I face, I seek Your guidance and clarity.**
English Commentary:
The invocation of “Adonai,” ה’ (HaShem) – The Name, denotes intimacy, as this Name is used by the Children of Israel to address the Almighty in a personal manner.
The title “Master of the Universe” בעל העולמות (Ba’al HaOlamot) connects one to the cosmological idea that HaShem reigns over every aspect of existence, both seen and unseen. It’s found in the teachings of the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), who elucidates on the divine structure of the multiple worlds.
The sequence of titles that follow, echoing familial relationships, emphasizes the multifaceted connection we maintain with the Divine: Father, mother, teacher, companion, and comforter. This aligns with the Kabbalistic idea expressed in Sefer Yetzirah, emphasizing how HaShem takes on many roles in our lives, and each role corresponds with a sefirah on the Tree of Life, manifesting spiritual principles into our tangible experiences.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “Adonai, Master of the Universe,” ה’ בעל העולמות, carries a numerical value of 433, which aligns with the gematria of “love” (אהבה) and “one” (אחד). This suggests the unity and singular love of Hashem.
The seeker’s heart is described as heavy, mirroring the phrase from the Talmud, בבבא בתרא (Bava Batra) which discusses the burdens one might carry, emphasizing the human experience’s profound depth.
Segment 2:
**Just as You brought light out of darkness during the act of creation, illuminate my path and grant me understanding.**
English Commentary:
Drawing a parallel to the Genesis act, בראשית (Bereshit), the petitioner recalls the initial divine act of separating light from darkness. In the Zohar, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai elaborates on this primordial act, shedding light on the secret of the emergence of light from the confines of darkness.
Understanding, בינה (Binah), is one of the higher Sefirot. Binah is considered the womb where raw wisdom (Chokhmah) is developed into understanding, and in this prayer, the seeker wishes for this divine illumination to guide them.
Gematria Insights:
The Hebrew for “light out of darkness,” אור מאפלה, has the numerical value of 297, reminiscent of the value of the word “food” (אוכל), suggesting the sustenance and nourishment light provides for the soul.
The plea to illuminate the path and grant understanding is reminiscent of the Psalmist’s entreaty in Tehillim 119:105, נר לרגלי דברך (Your word is a lamp to my feet).
Segment 3:
**Show me the way during these testing times, and allow me to draw closer to You.**
English Commentary:
The call for divine direction during trials echoes the age-old theme found in the journey of our patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal, in his sefer, Etz Chayim, teaches about the process of Tikkun, rectification, and the trials that come with it. These tests are a means to refine the soul and allow one to ascend the spiritual ladder, drawing ever closer to HaShem.
Gematria Insights:
The words “these testing times,” הזמנים המבחנים, equal a value of 212, which is also the gematria for “the dawn,” השחר. This hints at the idea that even during challenging periods, a new beginning or enlightenment is on the horizon.
Segment 4:
**Let the clouds that obscure my vision be lifted, granting me moments of clarity and insight.**
English Commentary:
Clouds, often a metaphor for confusion or lack of clarity in rabbinic literature, are referenced in Talmud, tractate Ta’anit, in the context of prayer and divine compassion. This plea to dispel the clouds recalls Moses’ experience at Mount Sinai, when he entered the thick cloud to receive the Torah, as recorded in Shemot (Exodus) 20:18.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “clouds that obscure,” עננים המסתירים, holds a numerical value of 400, resonating with the 400 years of the Israelite exile in Egypt. This alludes to the periods of spiritual obscurity before redemption.
Segment 5:
**Help me decipher the messages You send through nature and events, reminding me always of Your presence and Hashgacha Pratit.**
English Commentary:
Nature as a conduit for divine messages aligns with the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Cordovero in his magnum opus, Pardes Rimonim. He expounds on the idea of Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) and how everything in nature carries significance and is orchestrated by the Divine. The belief in Hashgacha Pratit is a cornerstone of Jewish faith, reflecting the deep interconnectedness of creation and Creator.
Gematria Insights:
The term “Your presence,” שכינתך, has a value of 850, which is also the value for “In the beginning God created,” בראשית ברא אלהים, emphasizing the ever-present nature of the Divine from the inception of creation.
Segment 6:
**Guide me in my interactions, especially with my loved ones. Grant me the wisdom to foster peace, understanding, and unity.**
English Commentary:
The emphasis on righteous interactions is a central theme in Jewish teachings, with Rabbi Akiva famously stating, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18) as a fundamental tenet of the Torah. The Talmud in tractate Berakhot emphasizes the importance of peace within the household, and unity is regarded as one of the highest virtues, forming a vessel to receive the Divine blessing, as elaborated upon by the Rambam in his Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De’ot.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “wisdom to foster peace,” חכמה לקיים שלום, equals 421, which aligns with the word “truth,” אמת. This denotes that genuine peace is rooted in truth and understanding.
Segment 7:
**Help me recognize and respect the beliefs of others, while staying true to my own convictions.**
English Commentary:
This sentiment mirrors the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who speaks of recognizing the Divine spark in every individual and respecting them for their unique role in the grand tapestry of creation. The balance between respecting others’ beliefs and maintaining one’s own convictions can be seen in Pirkei Avot, where it advises to “make your will His will so that He will regard your will as His.”
Gematria Insights:
The word “recognize,” להכיר, has a numerical value of 255, which is the same as “the inner,” הפנימי. This suggests the deep introspective process required to truly understand others.
Segment 8:
**Adonai, during these trying times, let me be a beacon of hope, faith, and resilience.**
English Commentary:
The petitioner’s aspiration to become a beacon reflects the broader Jewish mission to be a “light unto the nations,” as referenced in Isaiah 42:6. The theme of hope, faith, and resilience permeates the Jewish narrative, from the sojourn in Egypt to the Babylonian exile. The Kabbalistic sefirot of Netzach (eternity) and Hod (glory) embody these attributes of resilience and hope, respectively.
Gematria Insights:
The term “beacon of hope,” אור התקווה, holds a value of 232, which corresponds with the phrase “And the world will be filled with the knowledge of HaShem,” ומלאה הארץ דעה את ה’, indicating the spread of divine wisdom through hope.
Segment 9:
**Strengthen my resolve, amplify my understanding, and deepen my connection to You and Your Torah.**
English Commentary:
The Talmud in tractate Berakhot emphasizes the importance of resolve and determination in spiritual endeavors. Rabbi Isaac Luria, the Arizal, in his writings, speaks of the deepening of one’s connection to the Torah as a lifelong journey, where each layer of understanding reveals another, like peeling layers from an onion.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “connection to You and Your Torah,” קשר אליך ולתורתך, equals 770, which is symbolic of the headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, known for its outreach and deep commitment to Torah study.
Segment 10:
**May my prayers rise before You, and may Your divine light shine upon all of Israel and the world.**
English Commentary:
This mirrors the sentiment in Tehillim (Psalms) 141:2, “May my prayer be set forth as incense before You.” Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, in Tomer Devorah, speaks of the Divine light shining upon the world, connecting the individual’s righteous actions to the broader wellbeing of Israel and humanity.
Gematria Insights:
The term “divine light,” אור אלהי, has a numerical value of 244, which aligns with the word “mercy,” רחמים, underscoring the merciful nature of the Divine illumination.
Segment 11:
**Adonai, Master of the Universe, as I pour out my heart to You, I ask that You bestow solace upon me, my family, Israel, and all Your people.**
English Commentary:
Reiterating the intimate address, this segment evokes the sentiments expressed in Tehillim (Psalms) 62:9, “Pour out your hearts before Him.” The plea for solace and comfort extends not just to the individual but to all of Israel, reflecting the collective nature of Jewish prayer. In the writings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in his Derech Hashem, he discusses the importance of seeking Divine comfort, not just for personal tranquility but for the elevation of the collective soul of Israel.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “bestow solace upon me,” להניח לי נחמה, has a numerical value of 118, which matches the term “life,” חי. This indicates that true solace and comfort are integrally linked to the vitality and essence of life itself.
Segment 12:
**In these testing times, may our faith be our anchor, providing comfort and strength.**
English Commentary:
This mirrors the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Kessin, who emphasizes the anchoring power of faith during tumultuous times. Rabbi Akiva, in the Talmud, tractate Berakhot, speaks of the unwavering faith of the Jewish people, even amidst hardships, exemplifying how faith acts as a fortress of strength.
Gematria Insights:
The word “anchor,” עוגן, carries a numerical value of 124, which matches the term “mercy,” רחם. This suggests that our faith anchors us through the Divine attribute of mercy.
Segment 13:
**Guide and shield us, unify us and may Your protective embrace encompass all of Israel. Destroy all enemies of Israel, may they cease to exist speedily soon.**
English Commentary:
The dual plea for guidance and protection reflects themes found in the daily Jewish prayers, such as the Shema and Amidah. The Rambam, in his Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tefillah, discusses the importance of seeking divine protection, especially in times of peril. The yearning for unity among the Jewish people and the obliteration of their foes mirrors sentiments expressed in numerous biblical and rabbinic texts, emphasizing the collective safety and harmony of the Jewish nation.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “protective embrace,” חיק המגן, has a numerical value of 143, which aligns with the word “covenant,” ברית. This emphasizes the divine promise and covenant to safeguard the Children of Israel.
Segment 14:
**Let us always be reminded that our journey towards understanding and clarity is a continuous path.**
English Commentary:
The journey of spiritual ascension and understanding is a central theme in Jewish mysticism. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, in the Zohar, describes this path as one that never truly ends, as with each revelation, new horizons of understanding open up.
Gematria Insights:
The term “continuous path,” דרך תמידית, has a numerical value of 639, which aligns with the term “The Tree of Life,” עץ החיים, underscoring the ever-evolving and life-sustaining nature of this spiritual journey.
Segment 15:
**Even in the midst of adversity and strife, grant us the wisdom to see the opportunities for growth, introspection, unity and forging deeper connections with You.**
English Commentary:
This segment captures the essence of the teachings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto in his seminal work, Mesillat Yesharim. He highlights how challenges are divine tools to refine the soul and foster deeper connections with HaShem. In adversity, the sages teach, lies hidden opportunities. The Talmud, in tractate Berakhot, speaks of the blessings that can be found even in seemingly negative occurrences, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of all events in one’s spiritual journey.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “opportunities for growth,” זמנים לצמיחה, has a numerical value of 203, resonating with the word “fire,” אש, which is often a metaphor for challenges and purification in rabbinic literature.
Segment 16:
**May we draw strength from our faith, always looking towards You for guidance and assurance.**
English Commentary:
The intrinsic connection between faith and strength is a recurring theme in Jewish thought. Rabbi Akiva emphasized the redemptive power of faith, especially during challenging times. This sentiment is echoed in Tehillim (Psalms) 27:14, “Wait for HaShem; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for HaShem!”
Gematria Insights:
The term “strength from our faith,” כח מאמונתנו, equals 155, the same value as the word “honey,” דבש, suggesting the sweetness and nourishment derived from unwavering faith.
Segment 17:
**May Your light guide our way, ensuring that we and all of Israel remain steadfast and resilient during challenging times.**
English Commentary:
The metaphor of divine light as guidance is deeply rooted in Jewish mysticism, particularly in the teachings of the Kabbalist, Rabbi Isaac Luria. The Zohar describes this divine light as a beacon for the soul, guiding it through the maze of existence. This segment resonates with the priestly blessing in Bamidbar (Numbers) 6:25, “May HaShem shine His face upon you.”
Gematria Insights:
The term “Your light guide,” אורך ידריך, carries a numerical value of 279, which aligns with the term “crown,” כתר, one of the topmost sefirot in the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, suggesting the elevated nature of this guiding light.
Segment 18:
**Awaken us from within our tents where we lay asleep in anticipation of receiving your Torah at Mount Sinai.**
English Commentary:
Evoking imagery from the giving of the Torah, this segment recalls the nation’s collective experience at Sinai. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, in the Zohar, elaborates on the spiritual slumber of the Israelites before the revelation, emphasizing the transformative power of the Torah’s reception.
Gematria Insights:
The term “from within our tents,” מתוך אהלינו, equals 546, which aligns with the phrase “Israel’s merit,” זכות ישראל, suggesting the merit accrued from their eager anticipation of the Torah.
Segment 19:
**May it all have been a dream, a nightmare that you soon will awaken us from so we may eagerly serve you, hear you, dwell amongst you, in joy, peace, in everlasting awe-inspiring happiness, respect, and honor of You, that music and honor shall be sung to you my Lord and not sadness.**
English Commentary:
This profound hope for divine awakening and redemption mirrors the themes found in the Talmud, tractate Berakhot, where our sages discuss dreams and their interpretations. Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, in his Pardes Rimonim, describes the spiritual slumbers and awakenings as stages in the soul’s journey, each serving a unique purpose in our spiritual ascent.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “eagerly serve you,” לשרתך בהתלהבות, holds a value of 1197, which corresponds to the term “covenant of peace,” ברית שלום, underscoring the peace and harmony achieved through dedicated service to the Divine.
Segment 20:
**And I give thanks to you for all things, as you are an awesome God, merciful Lord, honorable and kind King, gentle father, loving mother, amazing teacher, beautiful companion, and compassionate comforter.**
English Commentary:
This segment encapsulates the manifold attributes of HaShem. Much like the morning blessings recited daily, expressing gratitude for the various aspects of our existence, this too is a comprehensive acknowledgment of divine benevolence. Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in Derech Hashem, speaks about the different ways HaShem interacts with His creations, alluding to the multifaceted descriptions given here. This comprehensive thanksgiving reminds the reader of the countless blessings and roles HaShem plays in our lives.
Gematria Insights:
The term “awesome God,” אלהים נורא, has a numerical value of 258, which aligns with the term “nature,” הטבע, suggesting that even within the natural order, the awe-inspiring power of the Divine is evident.
Segment 21:
**May the utterance of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Adonai our rock, and our redeemer.**
English Commentary:
Drawing from Tehillim (Psalms) 19:15, this segment emphasizes the desire for one’s speech and innermost thoughts to align with divine will. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, in the Zohar, elaborates on the significance of speech, deeming it as the vessel through which the soul connects with the Divine. The reference to HaShem as “our rock and redeemer” echoes the themes found in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 32:4, emphasizing God’s unchanging nature and the eternal bond He shares with His people.
Gematria Insights:
The phrase “utterance of my mouth,” מאמר פי, has a value of 250, corresponding to the number of positive commandments in the Torah, suggesting that right speech aligns with the fulfillment of these commandments.
Segment 22:
**Amen, Amen and Amen.**
English Commentary:
This tripartite affirmation of “Amen” serves as a seal of affirmation, much like its use throughout Jewish liturgy. The Talmud, in tractate Berakhot, speaks of the profound power of the word “Amen,” suggesting that it encompasses the entire universe’s essence. Rabbi Akiva, in the same tractate, emphasizes the importance of responding with “Amen” with full intention, likening it to a seal on a letter.
Gematria Insights:
The word “Amen,” אמן, carries a numerical value of 91, which is the combined value of the divine names Adonai (אדני) and Elohim (אלהים), symbolizing the unification of mercy and judgment.
To Conclude:
The prayer in its entirety is a beautiful amalgamation of 22 segments, mirroring the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Each letter, as elucidated in Sefer Yetzirah, represents an aspect of the divine creative process, and they serve as the building blocks of the universe. The number 22 resonates with the sefirot, where Keter, the crown, is often excluded in practical Kabbalistic discussions, focusing on the remaining 10. Thus, the 22 segments can be seen as a bridge between the spiritual emanations (sefirot) and the physical realm, represented by the Hebrew letters.
Thank you for prayers during this challenging times in Israel and I stand with you in prayers for Israel to have peace. I love the state of Israel and stand in solidarity for the peace of the people of Israel.