Machshava:

Torah 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Oros HaTorah

Description

Discussing the last brachah (blessing) in Shmoneh Esreh - "Sim shalom" (Establish peace). Loving our Father for what He "does" for us is in the revealed part of Torah; loving Him for who He "is" can only be accomplished through sisrei (hidden / inner) Torah. Do I "know" Hashem, or am I merely impressed with all the things He can do? What about Hashem is it, exactly, that keeps me davening (praying)? What does it mean when we ask Hashem: "barcheinu avinu kulanu ke'echad (pour out your blessing upon us as one)? This can only happen "be'or paneichah" (through the light of Your countenance). Has anybody ever asked you: "When did you decided to become religious / chassidish / take on more mitzvos?" All we want is to be in the presence of the King.