Prayer is one of the most profound spiritual practices in Judaism, but its true power lies not just in the words we say, but in the intentions we bring to those words. Noach, Comment 129, offers deep insights into the mystical dimensions of prayer, revealing how our prayers can connect the physical and spiritual worlds, and how our intentions can elevate our prayers to new heights.
The comment begins with a reference to a well-known teaching: “Three books are opened on Rosh Hashanah,” but here, “books” are interpreted as “words.” For the completely righteous, or Tzaddikim, their words—whether in prayer or Torah study—are always aimed at uniting the World of Speech (Olam HaDibbur) with the World of Thought (Olam HaMachshavah). This unification is not just a lofty goal; it is a fundamental principle of how prayer works on a mystical level.
In the world of Kabbalah, speech and thought are not just actions; they are powerful forces that can influence both the physical and spiritual realms. When a person prays with true intention, they are not merely reciting words; they are engaging in a spiritual act that has the potential to unite the lower world of physical speech with the higher world of divine thought. This unification is what gives prayer its power. It’s not just about asking for what we need; it’s about connecting our physical reality with the spiritual truths that underlie it.
But what happens when you pray with all your heart and soul, and your requests are not granted? Noach, Comment 129 addresses this common concern by explaining that even when our prayers seem to go unanswered, they are still incredibly powerful. The act of uniting speech with thought, even without immediate results, creates a ripple effect in the higher spiritual realms. This concept is referred to as “lower arousal” (Itaruta de-Letata), meaning that our actions here below in the physical world can initiate spiritual movements above.
Those who dedicate their prayers solely to this unification—without concern for their own needs—are considered completely righteous, or Tzaddikim Gemurim. Their focus is purely on fulfilling the spiritual purpose of prayer, and in doing so, they bring about a divine pride in the World of Speech, which then spreads throughout all the spiritual worlds. This divine pride also reflects back onto the person praying, but they must be cautious not to let this lead to self-pride, which would disrupt the spiritual connection they’ve worked so hard to establish.
The text also explores the concept of the “intermediaries,” or Beinoni, those who pray with mixed intentions. These individuals seek both to unite the spiritual worlds and to fulfill their own material needs. According to Noach, Comment 129, these people are “left hanging” until Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which represents the World of Thought. This metaphor suggests that their prayers are in a state of suspension, waiting for the final judgment that comes from their true intentions.
If the intermediary’s intentions are pure—if their requests for material needs are genuinely for the sake of serving HaShem better—then their prayers are also considered to unite the World of Speech with the World of Thought. Even though their prayers include personal requests, these are not selfish; they are aimed at enabling the individual to serve HaShem more fully. In such cases, these intermediaries are also “written for life” in the divine books opened on Rosh Hashanah, meaning their prayers are accepted and their spiritual intentions are fulfilled.
This teaching reminds us of the importance of kavannah, or intention, in prayer. It’s not just about the words we say, but the meaning and purpose behind them. When our intentions align with spiritual goals—when we pray not just for ourselves, but to contribute to the greater unity of the divine realms—our prayers become incredibly powerful. They have the potential to bring about not just personal fulfillment, but also cosmic harmony.
For those of us who find ourselves in the category of intermediaries, this teaching offers both a challenge and a comfort. The challenge is to elevate our intentions, to focus less on our own material needs and more on how we can use what we ask for to serve HaShem and fulfill our spiritual mission. The comfort is in knowing that even when our prayers include personal requests, they are not necessarily lesser if they are made with the right intention.
Noach, Comment 129 challenges us to elevate our prayers beyond mere requests for personal gain. It invites us to see prayer as a powerful tool for spiritual connection and unification, one that can bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. By focusing on the higher purpose of our prayers, we can become part of the divine process that brings unity and harmony to all levels of existence.
This blog is in the zechut of Avner ben Yael Esther. May you have complete emuna, easy parnassa tova, excellent health, success in all your endeavors as well as klal Israel.
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you find these teachings inspiring and wish to explore more about how prayer and intention can transform your spiritual life, I encourage you to delve deeper into the wisdom of Kabbalah. Kabbalah offers profound insights into the nature of reality and our place within it, revealing how our thoughts, words, and actions can influence the world around us. By sponsoring my study in this sacred tradition, you can support the continuation of these teachings and receive their blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the light of Kabbalah shines brightly in your life.
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