Tag: Chasidism

Discernment Avails the Wayward Soul

motzei Shabbos: parasha Shoftim 5783

“Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the L-RD thy G-d giveth thee, tribe by tribe; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment…justice, justice shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live” – Deuteronomy 16:18-20, JPS 1917 Tanach

“Whatsoever thy hand attaineth to do by thy strength, that do; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10, JPS

According to Mei HaShiloach, it is important to emphasize the last phrase of this passage, “… so that you may live.” He explains that the Zohar connects this passage to a verse from Ecclesiastes, that notes how we are only able to do mitzvoth, and acquire knowledge & wisdom in this life” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Therefore, whatever is done with mishpat, literally, judgment, as well as discernment, awareness and mindfulness will remain with us, “so that we may live.”

That is to say everything done with mishpat will continue to be part of us, and on our record for the good in the Book of Life. Yet, whatever is not done in judgment, dissipates, hinted at by the latter part of the verse, as the Meir Shiloach explains, if done with mishpat, our good deeds will not descend into Sheol. To have a good sense of discernment, means to know what is permitted and what is forbidden to us. In our lives, discernment is more important than our feelings.

We must measure our actions using discernment, in order to determine whether or not to act upon our feelings. In general, Chassidism teaches not to act upon one’s feelings. The mind must rule the heart. The Meir HaShiloach goes on to explain that the gateways of our soul, as inferred from the beginning of the Torah verse, need to be guarded. The inappropriate desires of the heart cannot influence the soul, if exercised in discernment. May H’Shem guard us against the influences that arise from the heart, especially as a result to exposure to the current social milieu.*

*based on Mei HaShiloach; translated and edited by J. Hershy Worth

Mishnah Insights: Berachos 5:1

Mishnah Berachos 5:1 – Preparation Before Prayer

Continuing with prayer, the Mishnah addresses the recommended state-of-mind to acquire, before the Shemonah Esrei, standing prayer, when we stand before H’Shem as if standing in front of a king. (And how much more so, since He is sovereign King of the Universe). The required state to foster is one of seriousness, denoting humility and awe before H’Shem. This is based upon the following pasuk (verse): serve the L-RD with fear [awe], and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11, JPS 1917 Tanach). In other words, the psalmist relates the understanding that even while rejoicing, we should still simultaneously tremble with fear, so that we do not get carried away with the nature of our rejoicing. This is true and essential reverence, in service towards H’Shem. There is not laxity permitted in regard to this manner of approaching H’Shem; yet, too often this ideal is diminished by our sense of expediency, casualness, and distractedness.

How can a sense of gravity be acquired, before approaching H’Shem in prayer? The Mishnah states that it was the practice of pious men, to take an hour ahead of time to prepare for prayer. They would focus their hearts on HaMakom, the place where G-d resides in Shomayim (Heaven). Today, not many are able to cordon off an hour of time before prayer; however, there is a custom, particularly amongst Chassidim to study an inspirational text from chassidus before prayer, in order to elevate one’s thoughts toward G-d. Thus, by meditating on G-d’s greatness, calming the mind through breathe work, or drinking a cup of tea while reflecting on kitvei kodesh (holy scripture), these may all be acceptable means of preparation before prayer. (However, on a personal note, I do not recommend the use of a mantra; the idea is to uplift our thoughts, not numb the mind).