Vaetchanan תרל”ב

תרל”ב
במדרש סימן לתפילה אם כיון לבו כו’ ובפ’ מי גוי גדול כו’ הש”י רחוק וקרוב כו’ סומך גאולה לתפילה ת’ נשמעת כו’ ע”ש. כי וודאי בלי כוונה אינה תפילה כלל. רק הפי’ להיות מכוון ומקרב עצמו לתפילה שנתפעל ונשתנה ע”י זו התפילה. וז”ש בכל קראנו אליו כי הש”י קרוב אל האדם כפי הקריאה והתקרב האדם אליו. כן מתקרב כמים הפנים כו’. וזה סמיכות גל”ת. ע”י שיודע וזוכר שהכל מהש”י ומתבטל אל השורש ומקור החיות שמהש”י וזה גאולה שגאולת מצרים ושאר גליות יש לכל איש ישראל ואף שהש”י גואל ומביא האדם למדרגות זו למעלה מזו צריך האדם לזכור התחלות הכל. כמ”ש גלמי ראו עיניך כו’ היינו להיות נחשב בעיניו כמו בשעה שהי’ רק גולם בלי צורה ותנועה כלל כמ”ש במ”א ועי”ז מרחם עליו הש”י ומתקרב אליו כנ”ל. וזה עצמו פי’ אתה החילות להראות כו’ שמזה למדו לספר מתחילה בשבחו של מקום כנ”ל להיות נזכר התחלה ושורש הכל כנ”ל:

The Midrash explains that a sign of true tefillah (prayer) is that when one has intention, he will surely be answered. Furthermore, the Midrash explains that it is imperative to mention the redemption just before Shemone Esrei (the Amidah, the central prayer in Jewish liturgy).

Now, it is obvious that if a person had no intention, he has not really prayed. So, what is the meaning of this special “intention” that the Midrash is referring to? The Sfas Emes explains that the correct intention a person must have when involved in prayer is to approach Hashem with the correct intentions and bring oneself close to Him during the tefillah. The idea is that the closeness one attains with Hashem during tefillah depends on a person’s intention. Just as water reflects what is facing it, so too Hashem reflects back to a person what one directs towards Him.

This is the concept of “Redemption juxtaposed to tefillah.” It is when a person realizes and remembers that everything is from Hashem, and nullifies oneself to the source of life force – Hashem. This is a form of redemption, and by doing so, Hashem has mercy on the person and becomes “close” to them.

The idea of mentioning the redemption from Mitzrayim (Egypt) is to realize the beginning stages that even though one may reach high levels, it is all from Hashem. By remembering this original state and how we are completely dependent on Him, we merit to awaken Hashem’s mercy and be close to Him.

This is the idea of (Devarim 3:24) “You have begun to show your servant…”. From this, we learn that one must begin all tefillah by first recounting the glory of Hashem, where one remembers the original source of everything.

Summary:

The Midrash teaches us that true tefillah (prayer) involves a crucial aspect: having sincere intention. When one prays with genuine intent, the Midrash assures us that their prayers will be answered. Additionally, the Midrash emphasizes the importance of mentioning the redemption just before reciting the Shemone Esrei (Amidah).

But what does this “intention” in tefillah really mean? The Sfas Emes offers an insightful explanation. It’s not merely going through the motions of prayer, but rather, it involves approaching Hashem with the right mindset, drawing oneself closer to Him during the tefillah. The depth of connection one experiences with Hashem during prayer is directly influenced by the level of sincerity in their intentions. Just as water reflects what is before it, Hashem responds to our genuine approach and sincerity in prayer.

This concept is known as “Redemption juxtaposed to tefillah.” It unfolds when we realize and humbly acknowledge that everything originates from Hashem. By surrendering ourselves to the Divine source of life, we experience a form of redemption. Through this surrender, we attract Hashem’s mercy, and He draws near to us.

Mentioning the redemption from Mitzrayim serves as a reminder. It prompts us to recognize that no matter how high we may ascend spiritually, it is all thanks to Hashem’s grace. By acknowledging our inherent dependence on Him, we awaken His compassion, and He draws closer to us in response.

As Devarim 3:24 suggests, “You have begun to show your servant…”. This verse teaches us to initiate tefillah by praising Hashem, acknowledging His glory, and remembering that He is the source of everything.

In summary, meaningful tefillah involves genuine intention, drawing ourselves closer to Hashem, and acknowledging His role as the ultimate source of all blessings. When we pray with sincerity and humility, we pave the way for redemption and foster a deeper connection with the Divine.