The Knowledge behind: The Art of Jewish Prayer

So far we have looked at “Standing in HaShems Presence” and asking that; “…my mouth be opened to tell (of) Your Praise.” And we have looked at the Shield of Abraham (Avraham) – the ‘Avot’. And we have looked at the Resurrection of the Dead. We have read the words, heard the words, and discussed the words. But have he learned? Have we assimilated the words? Have the words entered into our essence and become part of us? There is a difference between ‘DAAT’ and ‘BINAH’, and that is what we seek – to combine knowledge and wisdom! So let us continue.

We are still learning from the wonderful book “The Art of Jewish Prayer” by Yitzchok Kirzner with Lisa Aiken, and this week we ‘look at’ Chapter 6 which is concerned with The Holy G-d… “You are holy, and Your Name is holy, and holy ones praise You every day, forever. Blessed are You, G-d, the holy G-d”. And even before we look at the text, I want you to think for a period: “What does ‘HOLY’ mean?” Send a little time ruminating on what that word means – to you in particular. How do you understand that word? Perhaps you need to consider the Hebrew word. Does that make a difference to your data and binah? Kadosh.

There is a Midrash that tells us that this prayer’s concluding blessing was first uttered by the angels when Jacob had his first prophetic vision. He had come to the place on which the temple was later to be built, and he saw a ladder with angels ascending and descending on it. At the top of the ladder he saw the Gates of compassion open. This vision inspired him to sanctify G-d’s Name, at which time the angels declared, “Blessed are You, G-d, the holy G-d.”

You will, of course, find additional comments and information in the book beginning on page 83, through page 87. Let me just leave you with one idea; the word ‘holy’ (kadosh) carries with it the concept of separate, separateness, set aside, different…




Now is it not interesting that this blessing is followed by one that asks for knowledge and understanding? Now, especially at this time of the Hebrew calendar when we begin anew reading B’reshit, it is so important that we assimilate this concept of the Creation with a prayer for knowledge and understanding! Think of Adam and Chava eating from the tree of knowledge and even though that brought the expulsion it gave man the capacity to turn his knowledge into wisdom. Granted that has not all been for the good but that is the price we pay. Without knowledge man would not have ‘split the atom’ (IS there a relationship between: Adam and atom?) to generate power for electricity and other forms of ‘good’ – but it take great wisdom to keep that power from destructive uses.

“YOU graciously give man discerning knowledge, and teach people understanding. Graciously grant us from Yourself discerning knowledge, understanding and intellect. Blessed are You, G-d, who graciously grants discerning knowledge.”
Another understanding expresses it this way-
“YOU generously grand man perception and teach mankind understanding. Generously grant us, from You, perception, understanding and wisdom. Blessed are You, HaShem, Generous Granter of knowledge.”

But there is something else that is bothering me and perhaps you can help me to understand this. We are taught that in Gan Eden that, as the midrash says; “…if you eat from the tree of knowledge… you will surely die.” Here is the problem as I see it: Adam and Chava were the first persons to live. What would be their concept of death? They had never seen death. They have never lost a parent (or a child- yet!). If someone – even HaShem – were to tell you something that is beyond your experience, what would it mean to you? So, if HaShem tell you (Adam) that; “if you do this, you will die”, does it have any meaning to you? Has G-d already granted Adam and Chava data and binah? Where does it tell us that?

Let’s stop to ponder where this Torah is leading us vis-à-vis our learning of the Silent Amidah….