The Alter Rebbe stated in the previous chapter that since prayer is an expression of teshuvah ila’ah, the higher level of return, it must be preceded by the humility and contrition of teshuvah tata’ah, the lower level of return. This is attained by spiritual stocktaking and by arousing Divine compassion upon one’s soul, in keeping […]

The Alter Rebbe stated in the previous chapter that since prayer is an expression of teshuvah ila’ah, the higher level of return, it must be preceded by the humility and contrition of teshuvah tata’ah, the lower level of return. This is attained by spiritual stocktaking and by arousing Divine compassion upon one’s soul, in keeping […]

בלי שום ספק וספק ספיקא בעולם [The worshiper offers supplications such as the above] without the faintest vestige of doubt. וכמו שאנו מברכין בכל תפלת שמונה עשרה: תיכף שמבקשים סלח לנו כו’, ברוך אתה ה’ חנון המרבה לסלוח For this reason, in every Shemoneh Esreh, the moment we plead, “Pardon us ……,” [we conclude,] “Blessed […]

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Now if mere mortals are also expected to forgive instantly, what kind of praise is it that we offer the Infinite One in Shemoneh Esreh (the Amidah) by ascribing a like attribute to Him? This is the question that the Alter Rebbe now anticipates: ומה שמשבחים ומברכים את ה’: חנון המרבה לסלוח, המרבה דייקא As […]

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

Audio only version. Same content, but in a smaller file size.

ומה שכתוב: וחטאתי נגדי תמיד As to the verse that says,20 “My sin is always before me,” אין המכוון להיות תמיד עצב נבזה, חס ושלום this does not imply that one ought to be constantly melancholy and humiliated, G‑d forbid, דהא כתיב בתריה: תשמיעני ששון ושמחה וגו’ for later verses declare, 21 “Let me hear […]

The Alter Rebbe explained in the previous chapter that although a penitent should always remember his past sins, his recollection should not lead to a state of ongoing depression or shame; such an attitude would cripple the cardinal principle of serving G‑d with joy. Rather, he should recall his past misdeeds “from afar” — only […]