In this week’s parshah, Vayikra, the Torah discusses the various offerings that were brought to the Beis HaMikdash. While we no longer bring physical sacrifices, the essence of these offerings still teaches us how to connect with Hashem. In Parshas Vayikra, Hashem’s closeness is revealed, teaching us how to maintain and deepen our relationship with Him.
The Talmud (B’rachos 6b) explains that prayer (t’filah) is considered a form of service to Hashem, much like the sacrifices in the Beis HaMikdash. Just as korbanos helped bring a person closer to Hashem, prayer helps us reconnect with our true selves and draw near to Him. However, this requires our full focus; prayer is not a ritual to be rushed through, but an act of avodah (service) that demands intention and mindfulness.
In today’s world, with constant distractions, it can be hard to maintain concentration during davening. The Chafetz Chaim once welcomed people back after noticing their minds had wandered during prayer, highlighting the importance of focus. If prayer doesn’t change us or bring us closer to Hashem, then we haven’t truly davened.
Just as we need to focus on the words we say, we must also ensure that our hearts are aligned with our prayers. Prayer without kavanah (intention) lacks the deep connection Hashem desires from us. In our busy lives, we should strive to turn off distractions, leave the world behind, and truly engage with Hashem during t’filah. This is a precious opportunity to connect and grow spiritually.
List of People Who Need a r’fuah sh’leimah (a complete recovery)
Please recite Psalms 20, 30, 88, 121, and 130.
Pinchas Refael ben Sarah
Nechemiah Moshe ben Elka Devorah
Shmuel ben Ita Ettel
Daniel ben Rachel
Chanah Chavah bas Sarah Nechamah
Heleni Orna bas Chen Chanah
Esther Hadassah bas Devorah
Mitali Naomi bas Gilah Farcha
Israeli Soldiers (Please recite Psalms 25, 26, 46, 83, 142.)
Matnia ben Sarah
Yehudah ben Baila
Shai ben Baila
Ro’i ben Baila
Asaf ben Tamar
Avitar ben Tamar
Elad ben Tamar
Amit Levi ben Dalit
Menachem ben Alizah Esther
Yehoshua ben Alizah Esther
Binyamin ben Chanah
Yoel Tzvi ben Adinah Shoshanah
Moshe Avraham ben Malkah Rivkah
Yosef Rachamim ben Sarah
Binyamin Moshe ben Sarah
Yosef Elyasaf ben Devorah
Moshe David ben Chavah Leah
Omer ben Sigal
Shmuel Yonah ben Leah
To add names of individuals who need a r’fuah sh’leimah to next week’s T’hilim column, please email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and complete the Google form.
