We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a prayer, really trying to focus, and suddenly—boom! Your mind is wandering to that email you forgot to send, or maybe what you’re having for dinner. Frustrating, right? You’re standing before the King of Kings, but somehow your brain is stuck on mundane things. But guess what? Noach, Comment 134 has a fresh perspective on what’s really happening when you’re feeling pushed away in prayer.
The teaching starts with a story about Rabbi Nechunia ben HaKaneh, a super knowledgeable sage who knew all the mystical intentions behind every word of prayer. Yet, despite his deep understanding, he would pray like a child—simple, sincere, no frills. Why? Because, according to the teaching, there are two ways HaShem interacts with us during prayer. One is on the left, when it feels like He’s pushing us away. The other is on the right, when He’s pulling us closer. It’s like a divine game of tag—sometimes you’re “it,” and sometimes you’re not.
This duality is echoed in a teaching from the Tur, a classic Jewish legal text. The *Tur* says that when you say the name “Ado-nai” in prayer, you should remember that HaShem is the Master of everything. At the same time, you should also keep in mind the deeper meaning of the Tetragrammaton (the four-letter name of G-d), which implies that HaShem is, was, and always will be, and that He continuously brings the entire universe into existence. When you really think about it, that’s some next-level mindfulness. And when you’re in that zone, speaking directly to the King of the Universe? There’s no greater pleasure.
But, of course, life isn’t always that simple. Sometimes, when you say “Blessed are You,” instead of feeling that divine connection, your mind drifts to your grocery list or your unresolved to-do list. Suddenly, the sweetness of that moment is gone. This, according to the teaching, is HaShem’s “left hand” at work—pushing you away, creating distance. But here’s the kicker: that push isn’t a rejection. It’s actually a setup for a comeback. It’s HaShem’s way of making sure that when you do reconnect, the bond is even stronger.
Think about it like this: When someone physically pushes you, they’re right there with you, aren’t they? The push is just a way to get you to reposition yourself, maybe to find a better footing or to come back with even more energy. The same goes for when HaShem pushes us away in prayer. He’s still there, still engaged, just waiting for us to come back with renewed focus and intention.
And here’s where it gets really deep: The teaching goes on to explain that this push from HaShem, this left-hand action, is actually for our own good. It’s designed to bring us closer when we return with a full heart. A wise person, the teaching says, will recognize this and accept the push with love, even “kissing” the rejection because they understand that it’s all part of HaShem’s way of drawing us closer.
This idea of embracing the push might seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually pretty empowering. It’s like the ultimate reframe. Instead of getting frustrated when your prayer feels off, you can view it as an opportunity. HaShem is giving you a chance to come back stronger, more focused, more connected. So the next time you’re praying and you feel that push, take a deep breath, smile, and know that it’s all part of the divine dance.
Moreover, this approach doesn’t just apply to prayer. It’s a life hack for dealing with all kinds of challenges. The teaching suggests that external fears—whether it’s anxiety about the future, stress about work, or anything else—can be a pathway to deeper inner awareness and spiritual growth. When you feel pushed away by life’s difficulties, it’s an invitation to dig deeper, to reconnect with what really matters.
And yes, the teaching does acknowledge that HaShem’s kisses—those sweet moments of clarity and connection in prayer—are preferable to the pushbacks. But it also encourages us to embrace the challenges, knowing that they’re ultimately for our own growth and closeness to HaShem.
So, what’s the takeaway from Noach, Comment 134? When you’re in prayer and things aren’t going as planned, don’t sweat it. Recognize that HaShem is still right there with you, even in the pushback. Take it as a sign that there’s room to grow, to come back stronger, and to deepen your connection with the Divine.
This blog is in the zechut of Chana Sussie bat Leah may HaShem help her attain all her hearts desires speedily as well as klal Israel in complete emuna and excellent health!
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.
And if you want to explore these ideas further, Kabbalah offers a treasure trove of insights into the spiritual dynamics at play here. Studying Kabbalah can help you understand the deeper layers of prayer, the push and pull of divine interaction, and how to elevate your entire spiritual practice. By sponsoring my study in this mystical tradition, you can support the continuation of these teachings and receive blessings for sustenance, health, and family. Let the wisdom of Kabbalah light your path and strengthen your connection to HaShem, even when you feel that push.
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