Bein HaMetzarim – Why the Prayers of the 21st Day Are More Powerful Than the Prayers of Rosh Hashanah
Bein HaMetzarim – Why the Prayers of the 21st Day Are More Powerful Than the Prayers of Rosh Hashanah
Tehillim 118:5– “Min hameitzar karati Yah, anani vamerchav Yah” – (From the straits I called to the L-rd; the L-rd answered me with expansiveness).Many Sages asked: What is the power of the 21st day of Bein HaMetzarim (the Three Weeks)—the days from the 17th of Tammuz through the 9th of Av?The Maggid of Kozhnitz (may his merit protect us—he was so great that Rabbi Nachman of Breslov sought his approval for Likkutei Moharan) writes something extraordinary.Imagine that there is a party in the royal palace—a genuine celebration. Everyone is invited. Everyone is in a festive mood: singing, dancing, eating, and drinking. Is it difficult to attract people to such an event? No. Everyone is invited, and they come gladly.But, says the Maggid of Kozhnitz, if tragedy strikes and the King is distressed, not everyone is summoned to the palace. Only special people who know how to make the King happy and lift his spirits are invited.What can this be compared to?The angels of the Almighty in Heaven and His creations on earth praise Him all year round. But when the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed, the King was filled with sorrow.He needs someone to make Him happy, to tell Him that He is the King of Kings and will rule forever. At such a time, He is also more accessible to His faithful subjects and can answer their prayers immediately.During these 21 days, those Jews who gather in prayer to draw close to the King, those who continue to believe in Him—they become His VIPs. Everything is open to them.And because you were with Him when He was going through difficult times, He will help you when you are struggling:– “Min hameitzar karati Yah” – (From the straits I called to the L-rd),– “anani vamerchav Yah” – (the L-rd answered me with expansiveness). (Tehillim 118:5)We call out to the Almighty during Bein HaMetzarim, and He answers us: “vamerchav Yah.”“Merchav” (expansiveness) has the gematria of 250, the same as the word “ner” (candle). You call out to Him now, during Bein HaMetzarim, and He will answer you (vamerchav) with the candle of salvation during Rosh Hashanah.If we take these 21 days and multiply them by 24 hours, we get 528 hours.The gematria of 528 is the gematria of the word “mafteach” (key)—these are days that unlock a person’s physical and spiritual salvation.For at such a low point, when we are so distressed, when we are busy and distracted, when people are not seeking G-d, those who nevertheless make the effort to pray become dear to Hashem.These 21 days of Bein HaMetzarim correspond to the Name of G-d “Ehyeh.” This is the greatest Name of G-d, which appears in the sefirah of Keter. Moshe asked the Almighty, “What should I tell Klal Yisrael when they ask Your name?”And He answered: “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh.”“Ehyeh” is the Name that saves a person from exile.“Ehyeh” has the gematria of 21.This Name and these days sweeten all harsh judgments against a person.These days are capable of bringing about a great Tikkun for humanity, more than any other days of the year.They are especially capable of bringing abundant livelihood—to such an extent that a person will say, “Enough.”Yes, our livelihood is determined on Rosh Hashanah, but it is based on what we do now.Yes, a person’s zivug (soulmate/partner) is determined on Rosh Hashanah, but it is based on what he or she does during the Three Weeks.The Zohar places special emphasis on the Name “Mem Bet” – 42. Whenever a person must ascend to the next spiritual or material level, the 42-letter Name elevates him there. Where is this Name found? In the prayer “Ana Bekoach,” which consists of 7 pesukim, each containing six words—making 42.That is why we recite it in the Shema, because the soul ascends to Shamayim at night and we need this protection. Before we say Korbanot or begin Shabbat, we recite this Name because we are entering a higher level.The Maggid MiKozhnitz says that during these 21 days, the “Mem Bet” Name is activated. Why? Because we have 21 days now and 21 days between Rosh Hashanah and Hoshana Rabbah. Together, they make 42.And each year, the Tikkun that is achieved becomes greater, until we reach the coming of Mashiach.Rabbi MiApta HaKadosh says that all the holidays of the year and Shabbat have their own blessings and salvations.Where do these holidays receive their light and abundance? Let us count:8 days of Sukkot, 7 days of Pesach, Rosh Chodesh, Shabbat (17), 2 days of Rosh Hashanah, 2 days of Shavuot, and 2 days of Yom Kippur—that makes 21.These 21 days of Bein HaMetzarim are the source and strength of all 21 holidays and Shabbatot.And the most difficult and depressing day of the year is the 9th of Av, yet it is the day that holds the greatest salvation for Am Yisrael. Mashiach was born on Tisha B’Av, and he is the Geulah. It is the darkest day and the brightest day.The Rav of Lublin says that all those who prayed during the Three Weeks will receive personal salvation on Tisha B’Av after midday.Just as Mashiach was born on the 9th of Av after midday, so too we can receive our personal salvation on Tisha B’Av after midday. It is certainly worthwhile to make the effort during the Three Weeks.
Source:(по уроку Гаон Рава Рафаэль Авитан)
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