Ever wondered why we say “Hodu” in the morning prayers between the Sacrificial Section and the Verses of Song? It’s not just there to fill time; it’s actually a spiritual warm-up, prepping us for the journey from our everyday selves to a state of divine connection. Let’s break down this spiritual journey in a way that might make you see your morning prayers in a whole new light.
Waking Up: The World of Asiyah
When you first wake up in the morning, let’s be honest, you’re probably not feeling super spiritual. You’re groggy, your thoughts are all over the place, and the last thing on your mind might be your connection to the Divine. But that’s exactly where the Sacrificial Section of the morning prayers comes in. This section corresponds to the world of Asiyah, which in Kabbalistic terms, is the world of action and doing. It’s the spiritual equivalent of your morning coffee—it gets you moving.
In the world of Asiyah, the angels are called Ophanayim—which literally means “wheels.” They’re constantly in motion, rolling towards a higher state of being, just like you’re trying to roll out of bed and start your day. The Ophanayim are all about yearning and moving forward, which is pretty much what you’re doing when you start your prayers. You’re not quite there yet, but you’re on the way, fueled by the desire to connect with something higher.
Hodu: The Transition from Action to Emotion
So, why do we say “Hodu” after the Sacrificial Section? Because it serves as a bridge. Hodu is not quite part of the Verses of Song, but it’s more than just random verses. It’s like the warm-up before the main event. This section is there to ease you into the emotional state that the Verses of Song require. You’re still in Asiyah, but you’re starting to feel the first sparks of the world of Yetzirah, the world of formation and emotion.
It’s like when you’re at the gym, and you’re just finishing up your warm-up. You’re not at full speed yet, but you’re starting to break a sweat. Hodu is that moment when you’re beginning to feel more connected, more in the zone, but you’re not quite at the height of your spiritual workout.
Verses of Song: Entering Yetzirah
Now we’re getting into the good stuff. The Verses of Song correspond to the world of Yetzirah, where the angels are called Chayos—living beings. This is where things start to come alive. The Chayos are on a higher level than the Ophanayim because they’re closer to the source of divine vitality. When you reach this part of the prayers, your enthusiasm should be building. You’re not just saying words anymore; you’re feeling them.
Think of it as the moment during your workout when you hit your stride. Your energy is up, your focus is sharp, and you’re really starting to feel the burn—in a good way. In spiritual terms, this is where your prayers start to gain real power, and you begin to feel that connection with the Divine.
Who Forms Light: Ascending to Beriyah
Finally, we reach the blessing “Who Forms Light,” which is associated with the world of Beriyah, the world of creation. Here, the angels are known as Seraphim—fiery beings who are so close to G‑d that they’re almost consumed by their desire to connect with Him. When you reach this point in your prayers, you should be fully engaged, your enthusiasm burning like the Seraphim themselves.
This is like hitting the peak of your workout. Your endorphins are flowing, your energy is through the roof, and you’re in the zone. Spiritually, this is where your prayers reach their highest level. You’ve moved from the mundane world of action, through the emotional world of formation, and now you’re in the world of pure creation. Your words are no longer just words; they’re vessels of divine energy, ascending and bringing down blessings.
The Big Picture: Uniting Worlds
So, what’s the big takeaway here? Your morning prayers are not just a routine; they’re a journey. You start in the world of action, just trying to get moving. You transition through emotion, warming up your spiritual muscles, until you reach a state of pure connection with the Divine. Each section of the prayers corresponds to a different world, and each step takes you higher.
When you understand this, your prayers can become much more than just a ritual. They’re a daily journey from the physical to the spiritual, from the mundane to the divine. So next time you say “Hodu,” think of it as your warm-up, getting you ready to reach those spiritual heights where your soul can truly sing.
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’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
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