Ratzon

145: Atta Chonen V: Chochma as the Basis of all Good

The 13 blessings that comprise the core of the Shemone Esrei may be thought of as two columns or iterations of six, unified ultimately by the thirteenth bracha of Shema Koleinu. Abu-Darham shows us how the text of the prayer leads us through a process of expanding our awareness of our needs to include other individuals, and even the community and nation as a whole — an expanding sense of self, helping us toward the aim of fully being dedicated to the service and will of God, i.e., where His will (the ultimately expanded sense of self) is what we feel as our own will.

This leads us towards all that is Tov, good —  becoming fully expressed in our potential, in our creation as human beings.

Session 104: Intro to Shmone Esrei Part I — עומדים ברומו של עולם Standing on Top of the World

How do you know you're at the peak? The view from the top is wider and broader than the view down below...

Shmone Esrei is the peak of Tefilla; it is an opportunity to gather every facet of yourself and elevate it to nearness with God and His Benevolence. But how? What is the essence of Tefilla, of Bakasha? What does it feel like to stand at the peak of the world?