Weekly Tefilah Focus

(Sources: Sifsei Chaim, Mishnas Rav Aharon)

After acknowledging Hashem through the revelation of the Avos, the first berachah of Shemoneh Esrei proceeds with a series of specific praises. These praises are not recited to placate Hashem or to curry favor, as though tefillah were a form of persuasion. Hashem, of course, is not swayed by flattery nor moved by inducement.

(Sources: Sifsei Chaim, Beur Tefillas Shemone Esrei, Sefer HaChinuch, Rav Schwab, Iyun Tefillah, Nesiv Binah, Gateway to Happiness)

 The Gemara in Berachos (30b) teaches that one’s inner posture at the outset of Shemone Esrei is significant. A person should not begin prayer out of grief, nor from laziness, levity, or idle chatter. All of these states undermine kavanah. Rather, one must approach Shemone Esrei with koved rosh—a sense of gravity and presence. The Gemara explains that this koved rosh is not somberness, but simchah shel mitzvah—the joy that flows from spiritual purpose.

(Sources: Sifsei Chaim, Beur Tefillas Shemone Esrei, Midos Ve’emuna, Rav Schwab, Iyun Tefilla, Siddur Hamevoar, Mesivta)

 After establishing the proper mindset — simchah shel mitzvah — recognizing Hashem as the source of all blessing and Master of all, and appreciating the remarkable intimacy of standing before Him, we proceed to the next words of Shemoneh Esrei.

(Sources: Sifsei Chaim Beur Tefillas Shemoneh Esrei, Midos veAvodas Hashem, Tefillah Vaad Beis, Rav Schwab, Iyun Tefillah, Shemoneh Esrei, Nesiv Bina)

(Sources: Sifsei Chaim, Beur Tefillas Shemoneh Esrei, Sefer HaChinuch, Rav Schwab, Iyun Tefilla, Nesiv Bina, Gateway to Happiness)

Al Kein 7

v’simloch aleihem m’heirah l’olam va’ed