What it is about
In this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz explores the powerful significance of prayer through the biblical account of Jacob. When confronted by his brother Esau and a camp of 400 men, Jacob employs strategic measures that include prayer as a primary means of reaching out to God for help and protection.
Why it matters
Jacob’s prayer exemplifies a profound aspect of Jewish devotion, where gratitude and faith are at the core of connecting with the Creator. This prayer is not just a request but an opportunity for affirming one’s trust in God’s unwavering support. This pivotal moment in Jewish tradition serves as a lasting reminder of the relationship between human supplicants and their Creator, making prayer a vital part of one’s spiritual life.
The Deeper Meaning of Jacob’s Prayer
As Jacob acknowledges God’s historic goodness to him, he pleads with undeniable sincerity: “Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him…” (Genesis 32:12). This prayer demonstrates the blend of praise and detailed requests, teaching that prayer is not only about asking but also about articulating specific personal concerns, acknowledging God’s graciousness.
The Zohar’s Insights
The Zohar, a foundational text of Kabbalah, accentuates this characterization of prayer. It instructs that articulation in prayer reflects respect towards God and eliminates ambiguity in our pleas. Starting with gratitude fosters a meaningful connection with the divine before sharing one’s pressing needs.
The Essence of Prayer
For believers, prayer is inherently a cornerstone of their relationship with God, rather than a mere listing of desires. It perpetuates a divine-human connection and manifests the willingness to relinquish self-reliance in favor of trust in God’s greatness. True prayer is an intimate endeavor commencing with thanksgiving, reflecting innermost hopes and relaying heartfelt appeals from the soul’s depths.
Why Pray?
Although the belief holds that God knows all that is best for us, prayer ensures that believers assert their mutual relationship and their utmost dependence on God’s wisdom and kindness. It affirms both Jewish principles and the holiness embedded within the expression of faith. Ultimately, Jacob’s example reveals not just resilience, but an enduring template for a faithful, prayer-centered life.
This story was first published on jpost.com.