Tikkun Before the Hanukkiah According to the Arizal
Tikkun Before the Hanukkiah According to the Arizal
During Hanukkah, the “kelipat nogah” manifests—this is the force of Yavan that obstructs the Divine light, the forces of goodness.
The Arizal (may his merit protect us) explains in “Sha'ar HaKavanot” why it is so important to recite “Vihi Noam” (the last verse of Psalm 90) before Psalm 91 beside the Hanukkiah.
According to the Arizal, Psalm 91 is recited to sustain the neshamah as it departs from the body (generally after death or during sleep).
When we recite the verse “Vihi Noam” before Psalm 91, we connect to and draw upon the forces of the sefirah of Binah—the light of Ohr HaGanuz—which grants special powers for protecting the neshamah.
By reciting Psalm 91 seven times, we envelop ourselves in the light of Ohr HaGanuz, corresponding to the seven sefirot and the seven middot.
91 is the gematria of the words “malakh” (angel)—מלאך—and “amen” (amen)—אמן.
According to the Arizal, the perek of Tehillim 91 is recited aloud seven times and quietly the eighth time.
Why?
Seven recitations of Psalm 91 equal 637, which is the gematria of the phrase: אות היא ביני לבנכם—“Ot hi beini uveineichem” (this is a sign between Me and you) (Exodus 31:13)—protection for Am Yisrael;
The twelfth verse of Psalm 91, “al kapayim yisa'unekha”—על כפים ישאונך—“lest they carry you in their hands (the angels)” (Psalm 91:12)—is protection for Am Yisrael;
The eighth recitation is said quietly because eight recitations of Psalm 91 equal 728.
728 is the gematria of אל תירא עבדי—“Al tira avdi, Yaakov”—“Do not fear, My servant Jacob” (Jeremiah 30:10)—protection for Am Yisrael;
The Creator calls upon Israel not to fear, pointing to Hashgachah Klalit and Hashgachah Pratit.
Tikkun at the Hanukkiah
1) Recite the last verse of Psalm 90, “Vihi Noam” (twice);
2) Recite Psalm 91 aloud seven times and quietly the eighth time;
3) Recite “Ana Bekoach” seven times;
4) Recite Psalm 67 once (while looking at the menorah).
(based on the classes of Marina Fein, Rabbi Alon Anava’s lesson on the book “Sha'ar HaKavanot,” and the book “At the Festive Table” by Rabbi Yaakov Doktor)
Was this helpful?
98% of readers found this article helpful (45 votes).
Please note: some articles on our site contain the holy Names of the Almighty. If you print these articles, they may not be thrown away or destroyed. Please handle printed copies with care and respect.
Tags: Tikkunim, Hanukkah, The Arizal’s Tikkun Before the Hanukkiah, Hanukkah and Or HaGanuz, Tikkun, "Vihi Noam", Tikkun for Hanukkah
