The Power of Prayer: Rav Berland on Drawing Down Divine Protection

The Sacrifice of Tzaddikim and the Shechinah

Rav Berland Shlit"a begins by referencing the profound sacrifices of the Tzaddikim, comparing them to Rabbi Yishmael Kohen Gadol, who entered the fire. This act of self-sacrifice, he explains, is connected to the ten martyrs of the kingdom, who died for the sanctification of God's name. Specifically, Rabbi Akiva, one of these martyrs, is seen as corresponding to the Shechinah (Divine Presence) itself, implying that the Shechinah also endured a form of 'ban' or exile during that period.

The Mystery of Joseph's Sale: Shoes for the Shechinah

Rav Berland then delves into the enigmatic sale of Joseph, which the Torah states was for "shoes." This seemingly simple transaction holds a deep spiritual secret. He reveals that these "shoes" are, in fact, the "shoes of the Shechinah."

What does it mean to "sew shoes for the Shechinah"? Rav Berland explains that this refers to our prayers. Just as shoes enable one to walk and move, our prayers create a means for the Shechinah to descend and manifest in this world.

Prayer: Our Daily Act of "Sewing Shoes"

Our three daily prayers – Shacharit, Mincha, and Maariv – are likened to the act of "sewing shoes" for the Shechinah. Each prayer, with its three sections (corresponding to the three ends of the shoes mentioned in the Zohar), contributes to preparing the path for the Divine Presence. By offering these prayers, we actively bring the Shechinah down to protect us. Without prayer, Rav Berland warns, we lack this divine protection.

The Indispensable Link Between Torah and Prayer

Rav Berland emphasizes that prayer cannot be effective without Torah study. Citing the verse from Proverbs (28:9), "He who turns away his ear from listening to the Torah, even his prayer is an abomination," he underscores the critical role of Torah. All prayers and requests are accepted through the merit of Torah study, as taught in Likutei Moharan, Torah 1. One cannot truly pray without engaging in Torah study, even if it's just for a day or two. A Ba'al Teshuvah (one who returns to Judaism) might be able to pray for a month without prior study, but eventually, even they will find it difficult if they don't immerse themselves in Torah.

The Power of Lip Movement in Prayer

For those who find it difficult to pray with full concentration or articulation, Rav Berland offers encouragement. He advises that even simply listening to the prayers, mumbling, or moving one's lips is significant. He refers to the teaching in Megillah 3a, which states that even "deaf and mute" individuals, or those who merely move their lips, are considered to be praying. The essence is to engage with the prayer, even if it's just through the physical act of lip movement, as this still connects us to the Divine and contributes to "sewing the shoes" for the Shechinah's protection.