Various Masters

102.

Various Masters

B'rakhot of Request

Knowledge

The Hasidic master Isaac Meir of Gur taught: Of all the b'rakhot of request, only this one begins with “You” rather than with the verb expressing the request.  We thus begin the prayers of request by creating a space, a space that is open to a mysterious You, a space that acknowledges our own lack of understanding, which makes us realize that we have to seek understanding.

In the name of Baal Shem Tov it is said:  What is knowledge?  It is the constant awareness that God dwells within you.

Yehudah ArYer Lev of Gur

What is the understanding for which we pray?  It is a prayer for empathy:  an understanding of the other.

Based on Elijah De Vidas

What is wisdom?  It is the increasing knowledge of the world, for the more you know of the world the more you will come to love God.

Based on Maimonides

Repentance

Every day a voice goes out from the Temple Mount:  Return, O My wayward children!

Based on The Midrash

Forgiveness

In asking for forgiveness, we first of all address God as parent, that is as creator, for what we seek is to return to your true being, our origin, to be who we truly need to be.  This is the meaning of t'shuvah, return.

Redemption

God is called Redeemer, in the present tense, for redemption is always present.

Jacob Emden