In last weeks Parsha, we read how Avrahams most trusted servant, Eliezer, was the matchmaker to materialize the marriage of Rivkah and Yitzchak. In the beginning of this weeks Parsha, Toldot, the Torah tells us about Rivkahs difficult pregnancy. She felt a constant struggle within her womb. Rivkah was distressed and went to Noachs son, Shaim, to inquire about the situation. Shaim told her, There are two nations within your womb. Two peoples shall be separated from you and the elder one will serve the younger one. Rivkah gave birth to twins. The first child who emerged was ruddy full with a mantle of hair and he was called, Esau. Then his brother came out holding unto Esaus heel. He was named Yaakov (Jacob). Three of the matriarchs, Sarah, Rivkah and Rachel were barren. By the laws of nature, they couldnt have any children. But after much prayer they conceived and gave birth. Our sages explain that G-d wanted the matriarchs to pray to Him for children, for G-d loves the prayers of the righteous. The birth of the Jewish nation was associated with miracles from the very beginning. Sarah gave birth to Yitzchak at the age of 90 defying the laws of nature. Jacobs birth was also a result of the prayers of his parents. All this was an indication that Jewish existence and survival, throughout the generations, is connected with miracles, prayer and the forces beyond nature. Tefilah - Prayer is an essential part of our Jewish faith. Our sages find the importance of the mitzvah of prayer in the Shma Israel (Hear O Israel), which we recite every morning and night each day of the year; To love the L-rd your G-d and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul... To serve Him with all your heart, refers to prayer which is a service of the heart. One of the 13 principles of the Jewish faith as composed by Maimonides is, I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His name - to Him alone is it proper to pray and it is not proper to pray to any other. We believe with complete faith that G-d hears every one of our prayers. The following are sayings of the Talmud concerning the power of prayer: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said, Even an iron fence cannot separate between Israel and their Father-in-Heaven. Rabbi Chama bar Chanina said, If a person sees that their prayer wasnt answered they should continue to pray as it is written, Hope and pray to G-d, strengthen yourself and He will give you courage. One should not get discouraged, but continue to pray as long as needed. Rabbi Zeera said, A person who has a friend who beseeches him continuously with his needs and pleas, may come to dislike him and avoid him. But, with the Holy One blessed be He, it is not so. The more a person pleads with G-d for their needs, the more G-d loves them. Moshiach NOW!!!
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 06:11:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015