Sicha, 19 Kislev 5727
A. The Breakthrough
This week’s Torah reading recounts how, when Jacob left Be’er Sheva for Charan, he dreamed of a ladder set on the ground with its top reaching the heavens, and angels ascending and descending it (Source 1). The Talmud teaches that the three daily prayers were established by the forefathers: Abraham instituted Shacharit, Isaac established Minchah, and Jacob introduced Arvit on the night he dreamed of the ladder. (Source 2)
In this class, we will explore the uniqueness of each prayer:
Arvit (Evening Prayer)
The essence of prayer is breaking through the boundaries of the natural world, expressed in our requests of G-d to heal and bless us, transcending the laws of nature. In Judaism, the day begins at night (Source 3), making Arvit the first prayer of the day and the one that blazes the trail in this endeavor.
B. The Entire World Prays
Shacharit (Morning Prayer):
While Arvit primarily focuses on the Jewish individual’s service to G-d, Shacharit shifts the focus outward, detailing how the nations of the world and all of creation sing praises to G-d, as described vividly in Pesukei Dezimra. Thus, through Shacharit, a person fulfills the mission of their soul’s descent into the world: inspiring the world itself to sing and give thanks to G-d, transforming it into a sanctuary for Him.
(Source 4 includes a moving account by the Rebbe Rayatz of a young Jew’s inspired prayers as he sat marveling at the wonders of nature)
C. During the Workday
Minchah (Afternoon Prayer):
During the famous confrontation between Elijah the Prophet and the prophets of Baal, Elijah prayed to G-d in the afternoon, saying, “Answer me,” and his prayer was answered. This is why the Sages teach us to take special care with Mincha. (Source 5)
The unique aspect of Minchah is that it requires a Jew to pause amid the busy rush of the day to pray and connect with G-d. This contrasts with Arvit, which is recited when the day’s tasks are done, and Shacharit, which precedes the day’s demands.
