Bitachon Part 6
We all long to merit Olam Haba and attain the even greater level of becoming a Ben Olam Haba while still living in this world. The Gemara in Berachos teaches us that one who says Ashrei three times a day is assured to be a Ben Olam Haba. This clearly cannot mean mere recitation. Chazal are telling us that this reward is reserved for one who thinks deeply about what the pesukim in Ashrei are teaching us, and as a result, strengthens his emunah in Hashem.
“Ashrei h’am she’kocho lo, Ashrei h’am she’Hashem Elokov”
Fortunate is the people for whom this is so, fortunate is the people that Hashem takes special care of them
Fortunate are those who can say and feel “kocho lo” - the way it is now is the absolute best it can be - for my ultimate and eternal good of coming close to Hashem in Olam Haba. Hashem knows exactly what we need for our growth and development. Our tefilos provide great opportunity to internalize that Hashem is OUR G-D. When we inculcate these truths deeply Tefilah after tefilah, we will eventually, with Hashem’s help, reach the level of “living it”. We will then be truly fortunate and be happy (two of the meanings of the word “Ashrei”).
“Tehila l’Dovid Aromimcha Hashem Elokai HaMelech, v’avorcha Shimcha l’olam v’oed “
A beautiful praise by Dovid:
I will exalt (lift up) You my G-D the King of all and I will praise You (recognize that You are the source of all blessing) forever and ever
There is a certain aura and fear when we say the word “HaMelech” on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. That same King of kings, Master of the universe, Creator of the trillions of stars, most of which are larger than our earth, is also my personal God. He watches over me and is involved in all aspects of my life.
The Name “Elokai” represents judgement. How do we achieve this lofty state in the face of the challenges, pain, and difficulties in our lives? Contemplate and try to emulate what Dovid HaMelech tells us he did : exulting and lifting Hashem up (Aromimcha) by realizing that He is above our understanding, reminding ourselves that He does exactly what is best for our ultimate and eternal benefit.This applies equally to events affecting the world, Bnei Yisrael, and each of us as individuals and families.
Particularly in today’s times when we are facing huge challenges on so many fronts, it is imperative that we utilize every opportunity to strengthen our emunah and bitachon. Our daily tefilos are quite possibly our greatest opportunity. We all Daven. The question we must address is - do I feel closer to Hashem and stronger in my emunah and biatchon after my tefilos? As we will continue to see, there are numerous pesukim where we can focus and drive our emunah and bitachon deeper within us.
As we say in Aleinu:
“V’yadata hayom v’hasheivosa el levavech ki Hashem Hu H’Elokim”
And you should know and contemplate today and turn over into your heart (to live based on this belief) that Hashem is Master of all strength Who is able to do anything
Even when we know intellectually as clear as day (“hayom”), we must still turn it over and over again and again into our hearts to reach the level of “living it”.
That is the purpose of this new “Tefilah - Bitachon” series. May Hashem grant us all success.