YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Ein Ayah
The following was the practice of Rabbi Akiva: when he would pray with the congregation, he would finish up relatively quickly because of the inconvenience of the congregation, and when he would pray by himself, one would leave him in one corner and find him in another corner. Why did he move that much? Due to bowing and prostrating.
Ein Ayah: Specific intent for the words one is saying is certainly a critical element of prayer. Deep contemplation of the Divine [referred to by the previous gemara as "focusing his heart on the heaven"], is certainly an added advantage. On the basic level, understanding what one is saying includes a basic level of relating to Hashem, to whom the prayers are obviously directed. To heighten the general focus on the Heaven to a deeper level is of critical importance when one is in the introspective context of private prayer. In contrast, when one prays with the community, it is proper to make his thoughts in line with the level of the community. Since the congregation as a group could not possibly reach the deep spiritual visualizations of a holy man like Rabbi Akiva, he quickened his prayers and sufficed with intention for the specific meanings of the words. This is sufficient because joining with the community is itself a matter of a very high level and overrides the high level that an individual can reach.
As far as the meaning of the words is concerned, it is hard to discern between the level of a normal person and that of a great one, as the gradations are more subtle. However, in regard to the more general level of connectedness to Hashem, this is a matter of wisdom of the heart and great spiritual attainments, where one person’s level can be palpably much higher.
Clearly, the fuller the appreciation of Hashem’s greatness, the more a person will view himself as subservient to Him. This frame of mind is demonstrated by bowing down. Therefore, it is appropriate that specifically during private prayers, Rabbi Akiva would bow down many times. Again, despite the power of such spiritual rapture, being part of a community is so great that it justifies having a shorter prayer to avoid inconveniencing the community.
The Interaction of the Intellectual and Emotional in Prayer
(condensed from Berachot 5:19)
Gemara:
"Chana was speaking to her heart" (Shmuel I, 1:13). From here we see that one who prays has to focus his heart.
Ein Ayah: Speech relates to the sechel (intellect), but prayer requires the arousing of the emotions of the heart as well. However, this emotion should be triggered by the sechel, which instructs the heart when it is worthwhile to react. This is what the pasuk meant by saying that she spoke (sechel) to (or, over) her heart. In other words, her intellect gave her heart orders. This is stronger language than saying just to have concentration.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
