Category: d’var Torah

Prayer in respect to the connection between heaven and earth

parasha Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10 – 32:3) 5783

Jacob journeys on foot to Haran, in order to take a wife from his own kindred. Along the way, he encounters the place (hamakom). He “spent the night there, for the sun had set” (Genesis 28:11). “And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of G-d were ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12). This ascent and descent of the angels upon the ladder in Jacob’s dream may be understood as being symbolic of prayer (Sforno).

Consider that this place (hamakom) is described as “the House of G-d,” and ”the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17, TLV). So, a parallel may be drawn between this place (hamakom) on earth, and “the place (hamakom),” used to describe where the H’Shem resides in Shomayim (Heaven): “Blessed be the glory of the L-RD from His place (makom)” (Ezekiel 3:12, JPS 1917 Tanach).

The Talmud notes that even though G-d resides in Shomayim (Heaven), He can still hear the whispered prayers of a penitent, standing near a column, during a prayer service at a synagogue. Perhaps, the column suggests a connection between heaven earth.

Nevertheless, for many people, G-d seems to be distant, far away from the mundane business and chatter of the world. This dilemma may be approached through finding the opportunity to speak to G-d, from the depths of the heart, preferably, during a quiet time set aside for this purpose. Although, even in the sanctuaries of prayer today, the service allows for an individual connection to G-d, when we resolve ourselves to tune out any distractions within or without.

“Everything is in the hands of G-d, except for the fear of G-d.”

– Berachos 33b

 “And now, Israel, what doth the L-RD thy G-d require of thee, but to fear the L-RD thy G-d, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the L-RD thy G-d with all thy heart and with all thy soul; to keep for thy good the commandments of the L-RD, and His statutes, which I command thee this day?”  – Deuteronomy 10:12, JPS 1917 Tanach

Yiras H’Shem (fear of G-d) is a major component of one’s relationship to G-d; fear, in the sense of awe, reverence, and respect. The Torah records, “What doth the L-RD thy G-d require of thee, but to fear the L-RD thy G-d?”

The quality of yiras H’Shem is what will determine the level of kedushah (holiness) in a person’s life. For our response to constant acknowledgment of G-d, will compel us to watch our own thoughts, speech, and behavior at all times, thereby elevating our level of kedushah.

Our response to H’Shem’s directive, through His commandments, requires giving Him the due respect that He deserves as our King. As a consequence of our reverence towards Him, we bring kedushah (holiness) into our lives through our obedience. We become sanctified through His commandments; every aspect of our lives may become sanctified (made holy).

“Happy is everyone that feareth the L-RD, that walketh in His ways.” – Psalm 128:1, JPS 1917 Tanach

“With Thy mighty acts, O L-rd G-D; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.” – Psalm 71:16, JPS

When we are humbled by our own sense of unrighteousness, there is nothing left to do than to proclaim the righteousness of H’Shem. As the psalmist speaks, “I will mention Your righteousness, Yours alone” (Psalms 71:16). King David, who was taught by H’Shem since his youth (v.17), grew up with an understanding of his own smallness, as compared to G-d’s greatness. This is what compelled David to attribute all of his success to G-d, and what ultimately made him great, as the chosen receptacle for G-d’s sovereignty to be enacted.

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“Moses said to the people, “Fear not, for G-d has come in order to exalt you, and in order that His awe shall be upon your faces, so that you shall not sin.” – Exodus 20:16

“The fear of the L-RD is pure, abiding forever.” – Psalms 19:10

An impressive away of supernal fireworks, in the form of fire, smoke, and lightning appeared on the top of Mt. Sinai; yet, not for entertainment; rather, to instill awe in the hearts of the children of Israel, for the sake of their upright walk with the L-RD. Thus, Moshe conveyed to the people that they should not be in fear, in a negative sense of the word; instead, a godly fear that would compel them not to go astray, as long as they would continue to keep the phenomenal experience at Sinai, after leaving the encampment.

This was the intent, in terms of understanding how to direct one’s fear, towards refraining from sin. For, our G-d is a consuming fire; let us not make haste in turning towards the ways of the world; the betterment of the soul, to bring about an eternal fruition, may only be furthered by focusing on G-d, to the exclusion of whatever might lead us astray. The revelation at Sinai, expressly described in the narrative, carries weight over the centuries, impressing itself upon our conscious minds as well. Let this serve as a reminder, to refrain from all ungodly activities.

Although our conscience may lead us closer towards right conduct day by day, if we make an effort to listen to the still small voice; when necessary, we may be reminded not to get thrown off track from our godly pursuits, by a healthy fear of G-d, in the sense of awe, reverence, and respect towards Him. Staying in alignment with G-d’s intentions for us, as individuals, as well as part of a community, will cause us to be more attuned to His guidance. For, “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Prov. 4:18).