Meaning in Mitzvot by Rabbi Asher Meir Each week we will discuss one familiar halakhic practice and try to show its beauty and meaning. The columns are based on the commentary "Meaning in Mitzvot" on the Kitzur Shulchan Arukh. You can subscribe by visiting Yeshivat Har Etzion's "Virtual Beit Midrash", www.vbm-torah.org. TACHANUN When Pharaoh begs Moshe to pray for the end of the hail, Moshe replies: "When I leave the city I will spread my hands to HaShem" in prayer (Shemot 9:29). Rashi explains that Moshe didn't want to pray within the city, as it was filled with idols. An obvious concern is that praying in the presence of an idol could give the impression that we are praying to it, God forbid. The concern to demonstrate that our worship is directed to the One God alone motivates several customs of tachanun. During the nefilat apayim (prostration) of tachanun, we cover our faces and lean to one side, to distance ourselves as far as possible from the posture of prostration on a bare floor - which was characteristic of idol worship (SA and Rema OC 131:8). And we don't bow down in this way except in the presence of a sefer Torah, further emphasizing that our worship is directed towards HaShem, Who gave us the Torah (Rema OC 131:2). Ed. note: Just for your information... The widespread practice in Jerusalem is to do Nefilat Apayim even without a Torah present. This custom is mentioned in Sefer Eretz Yisrael by Rabbi Y.M. Tukachinsky z"l. This in no way challenges Rabbi Meir's point - the sanctity of Jerusalem makes the same emphasis as does the presence of a Sefer Torah. - PC During tachanun we do not only emphasize that there is only one God, we also demonstrate that He is One, unified. HaShem's providence manifests itself in many ways; relating to one aspect at the expense of others would detract from our apprehension of His unity. For instance, when leaning to one side, the custom is to lean on the left arm. This symbolizes subduing midat hadin, God's strict judgment. Even though mercy (symbolized by the right) and judgment (symbolized by the left) are both necessary, this gesture is warranted because the world is generally in an unbalanced state of excessive judgment. There are other halakhot with a similar theme. For instance, tying the left arm with the straps of the tefillin also symbolizes restraining the attribute of judgment. But we avoid the opposite extreme as well. When we are wearing tefillin, then we don't lean on the left side. We don't want to overdo the symbolism of "restraining judgment". Such an obsession with judgment gives it too much importance, losing sight of the balancing aspect of God's mercy. For the same reason, we don't bow in tachanun at night - which itself symbolizes judgment compared to the daytime which shows us the light of mercy (Based on Drake Moshe OC 131:4). The manner of bowing carries a similar message of balance. On the one hand, it is important to bow down. During the Amida prayer we stand before God, Who "straightens the bent"; when we finish the prayer and depart from His presence, we figuratively collapse, showing that our vitality is completely dependent on Him (Zohar Bamidbar, III:120b). An erect posture is appropriate for service, as we demonstrate our readiness to carry out God's will; a prostrate position is appropriate for supplication, as we demonstrate our helplessness and need for salvation. However, complete prostration is not customary. This posture can sometimes be considered too demanding, as if God were somehow obligated to answer our prayers (SA OC 131:8). When Choni HaMeagel asserted that he wouldn't leave his little circle until HaShem sent rain, he was implying that the merit of his prayer and gesture was really sufficient to convince HaShem. Shimon ben Shetach pointed out that such a gesture would be considered impudent in anyone else (Mishna Taanit ch.3). Rabbi Asher Meir is in the process of writing a monumental companion to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch which beautifully presents the meanings in our mitzvot and halacha. Rabbi Meir - who has given a series on Business Halacha at the Center, as well as three sessions of Meaning in Mitzvot - the Shiur. He will, IY"H, be continuing the series on a regular basis. See back page for details. We have many other tapes of Center lectures for sale, as well as OU Torah Dimension sets and others Torah tapes. Call the Center for further information. [The Vaeira Homepage]
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