Thursday, July 19, 2012

Prayer: Rosh Hodesh Av

בס"ד

He brings a redeemer to their children's children, for His Name's sake, with love. (From the siddur)"We see that the culmination of Zeuchut Avot=merit of the Fathers- is in the redemption or the coming of the Messianic Age."  pg. 116

On Rosh Hodesh Av when the most difficult time in the Jewish calendar begins and the mourning for the destruction and loss of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem intensifies, we continue in our daily prayers to remember that we are promised, in the merit of our forefathers, that Hashem will redeem us and reveal Himself and His Name with love.

Melech, Ozeir u'Moshia u'Magen  מלך עזר ומושיה ומגן
 King Helper Savior and Shield
"There are four levels of Siyata D'Shmaya ( heavenly help)"
pg. 116-117 [From Jewish Meditation by Aryeh Kaplan, Schocken Books, pg.117]

Melech, a King, Who remains in His palace providing help from afar;  Ozeir, a Helper, Who can be readily approached for assistance-an initial acknowledgment of our close relationship with Hashem;  Moshia,  a Savior, always close enough to rescue us, even at a moment's notice (as when a drowning person is plucked from a raging river);  and Magen, a Shield, Who protects us from harm when there is not even a moment available for a savior's assistance.

Exercise:

Use one or all of the following words in a piece:

King  Redeemer
Shield   Helper
Father   Merit
Rescue   Protect

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