I have resolved that this one word, comprised of just three letters, is going to be the focus of my avodas Hashem for 5770. I have rushed over the word אתה so many times, whether it was in the siddur, machzor, Tehillim, or in the brochos that I say each day, that it is questionable whether my davening at times was truly davening or just the rote recitation of some Hebrew formulaic phrases.
Beginning with the new year, I have made it a practice to slow down anytime I encounter this word and ensure that I am directing my thoughts and speech to the Ribbono shel Olam. It is my sincere hope that by doing this that my kavana and deveykus will increase significantly over the course of the next year; allowing me to come even just a small step closer to shleimus hatefilla (perfected prayer).
Beginning with the new year, I have made it a practice to slow down anytime I encounter this word and ensure that I am directing my thoughts and speech to the Ribbono shel Olam. It is my sincere hope that by doing this that my kavana and deveykus will increase significantly over the course of the next year; allowing me to come even just a small step closer to shleimus hatefilla (perfected prayer).
A similar idea from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov can be found in Sichos HaRan #75.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!
ReplyDeleteMy rav suggested that every time I daven, I close my eyes, and focus on a single letter or word or something that allows me to really home in on the fact that I'm davening, speaking with G-d. For me, it's the word אמת (truth!). It works, and the word holds such power.
ReplyDeleteTo a new, sweet year!
Atah - You
ReplyDeleteMaster of the Universe!
I will sing a Dudeleh song to You about You (familiar)
Where shall I seek You, Master of the Universe?
And where shall I not seek You, Master of the Universe?
Where can I find You, Master of the Universe?
And where can I not find You, Master of the Universe?
You, above; You, below;
East, You; West, You;
South, You; North, You.
So if its good You, forfend if it's not [good], also You!
You. . .You!
A Yiddish song attributed to Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berdichev
Hatzlacha Raba. Sounds like a great kabalah.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely concept!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit to a fascination with the meaning of אמונה
Atah refers to atzmus umahus - that which is beyond any name. Much higher than Elokim and even Havaya. Well chosen!
ReplyDeletethanks asj BEST POSTING in while...
ReplyDeleteI love this artist. Her website is http://www.pearlbrush.com. Yasher koach on your inspiring hachlota.
ReplyDeleteWe respectfully address Rabbonim, etc. in the the third person. Yet, G-d wants us to address Him directly - אתה. It's pretty mind blowing when think about it!
ReplyDeleteYashar Koach and a G'mar Chasima Tova.
I saw the following in Chayei Moharan #136 this morning:
ReplyDelete"At the beginning of the Rebbe's journey to the Holy Land shortly after he left his home, he spent a Shabbos in the village of Sokila. There he saw the well-known tzaddik, R' Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk (who had already passed away). He revealed to the Rebbe that the Divine Name ATAH (אתה)has mystical properties which are effective at sea, as it is written "Atah, You, rule the proud swelling sea" (Tehillim 89:10).
menashe, tal, asj
ReplyDeletemetsuyan! thank you