Tefilah - Prayer
The order of the prayers is based on the systems of ascension of the worlds, as
explained in the Kabbalah. The purpose of this ascension of the worlds is to
provoke a union between the masculine and feminine configurations, that they
might bestow positive energies as a result of this harmony. At this level of
comprehension, we understand that our prayers have a direct influence on the
superior worlds, and on their guidance.
Beginning with the first act of the morning of Netilat Yadayim (washing of the
hands three times in alternation), until the end of the Tefilah, there is a
constant elevation and adhesion of the worlds of 'Asiah (action), Yetsirah
(formation) and Beriah (creation) to the fourth highest world of Atsilut
(emanation). This is done by the Hekhalot (portals); they are the different
levels of ascension of the prayers before reaching the world of Atsilut during
the ‘Amidah. Their principal function is to allow the adhesion and attachment of
these worlds in a precise order.
During the prayers, when one knows this system of ascension of the Hekhalot, he
concentrates on the words or the names, by which is hinted the precise action of
the Hekhal (portal) that makes this ascension. See fig. 28
To get from one world to the next, a secret name called MaV (42), which is
hinted at during the Kadish, makes this ascension possible. This secret name of
42 letters is made with the four letters of the name י-ה-ו-ה, the Miluy
(spelling) of each one of the four letters for a total of ten letters, and the
Miluy of each one of these ten letters for a total of twenty eight. This name is
hinted when we answer Yehe Sheme ….. until - Be’alma. The Kadish makes possible
the ascent of each world to the next higher world and the descent afterwards
from the world of Atsilut to ‘Asiah.
The goal of all the prayers is to help prepare the different masculine and
feminine configurations for their Zivug (union). It is only once they are united
that our “Avodah” (work - duty) is done, and because of this higher harmony we
can now receive from above.
There can be abundance only when the masculine and the feminine are in full
harmony. Each day, according to the actions of man, the prayers during the week,
Shabbat or Holidays, and depending on time, various configurations allow
different Zivugim (unions), and therefore outflows of abundance of variable
intensities.
Each new day is of a new emanation that governs it. For each day, there are new
configurations of different aspects of the masculine configuration Z’A and his
feminine Nukva.
A full day is divided in two: day and night; and each half is again divided in
two (dawn and day, dusk and night). For each part, there is a prayer, for the
two parts of day - Sha'hrit and Min'ha, and for the two parts of nights - 'Arvit
and Tikun 'Hatsot.
Generally, the Zivugim - unions of the configurations are:
· Sha'hrit - configurations Ya'acov and Ra'hel
· Min'ha – configurations Israel and Leah
· 'Arvit – configurations Ya'acov and Leah (from the chest up)
· Tikun 'Hatsot – configurations Ya'acov and Leah (from the chest down)
· The union of configurations Israel and Ra'hel is realized during the prayer of
Musaf on Shabbat and on other special occasions.
When one understands the systems and actions of the prayers, he realizes the
importance of our rituals, because man by praying, acts directly on these
incredible forces.
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