Prayer is often seen as a lifeline, a way to connect with HaShem and seek help in times of need. But when we find ourselves in challenging circumstances, especially in exile or far from the spiritual centers of our faith, the act of prayer takes on a new significance. Noach, Comment 127 offers profound insights into how we should approach prayer, particularly when we are in the Diaspora, far from the holy land. The key, as we will see, lies in faith and understanding the deeper purpose behind our prayers.
According to Noach, Comment 127, the main foundation of prayer in exile is faith. This faith is not just a general belief in HaShem but a deep conviction that HaShem’s glory fills the entire world, even in places that might seem spiritually distant or disconnected. When we pray, especially in the Diaspora, we are not just reaching out to HaShem; we are elevating the very presence of the Shechinah, the divine presence, by acknowledging that HaShem’s glory is everywhere. This act of faith is crucial because it ensures that our prayers are not just words but are imbued with the power to elevate and transform the world around us.
One of the key teachings of Noach, Comment 127 is the belief that as soon as the words of prayer leave your mouth, your request is immediately answered. This might sound surprising, especially if you’ve ever felt like your prayers were not answered. But the text offers a deeper explanation: sometimes, the fulfillment of our requests is concealed from us. It’s not that the prayer wasn’t heard or answered; rather, the answer may manifest in ways that we don’t immediately recognize.
For example, you might pray for relief from a particular hardship, but instead of seeing immediate relief, you might continue to struggle. Noach, Comment 127 suggests that this struggle could actually be for your benefit, perhaps to cleanse you of sins or to bring about a greater good that you cannot see in the moment. This idea challenges us to trust in HaShem’s wisdom and to recognize that the answers to our prayers may not always align with our expectations, but they are always aligned with what is ultimately best for us.
Another important aspect of this teaching is the idea that when we pray with the expectation of being answered in a specific way, we risk “physicalizing” our request. In other words, by focusing too much on the material outcome of our prayer, we bring a physical, worldly element into what should be a spiritual act. This can create a barrier, or a “masach mavdil,” that obstructs the spiritual efficacy of the prayer. The proper intention in prayer, according to Noach, Comment 127, is to focus on the spiritual purpose of the prayer, for the sake of the Shechinah, rather than for personal, material gain.
This concept is particularly relevant in the context of exile. When we are distant from the holy land, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the spiritual power that flows more freely in sacred spaces. But Noach, Comment 127 reminds us that HaShem’s presence is not confined to any one place. By maintaining faith in the universality of HaShem’s glory, and by praying with the right intentions, we can overcome the spiritual challenges of exile and ensure that our prayers reach their divine destination.
This teaching also invites us to reflect on the nature of suffering and challenges in our lives. When we experience difficulties, it’s natural to pray for them to be removed. But Noach, Comment 127 encourages us to see these challenges through a different lens. Instead of viewing them solely as obstacles to be overcome, we are invited to consider how they might be serving a higher purpose. Whether it’s to purify us, to strengthen our faith, or to contribute to a greater good on a universal level, these experiences are part of HaShem’s plan, and our prayers should align with that broader perspective.
This blog is in the zechut of Sima Sara rivka bas malka baila Fruma and Tzvi hirsch ben rivka. May HaShem give them complete emuna and success in all their endeavors as well as klal Israel.
In my book, Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find prayers that reflect this understanding—prayers that help us draw closer to HaShem, even in the midst of challenges. These prayers are designed to shift our focus from the material to the spiritual, helping us to connect with the divine presence in a more profound and meaningful way. They remind us that every prayer, no matter where it is offered, has the power to elevate the Shechinah and bring us closer to HaShem.
If you’re inspired by these teachings and want to delve deeper into the spiritual wisdom that underpins them, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that reveals the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Kabbalah connects the layers of Creation in a unified whole, offering insights into the “why” behind the Torah and providing a glimpse of HaShem in a way that no other study can. From the timeless teachings of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah transforms your spiritual understanding and brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. By sponsoring my study in this sacred tradition, you not only support the continuation of this powerful wisdom but also receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
Comments