Timeless Torah

Prayer. How do we relate to this most important skill of inter-dimensional communication? Is it something only children do at bedtime? Perhaps formal prayer should be reserved for official services in synagogue? There are others who feel that authentic prayer (in contrast to formal prayer) only occurs in emergencies. But whatever the circumstance, the question that deserves a thoughtful response is: why do we pray? And why is prayer considered one of the fundamental pillars of Judaism? Lucky for us, this week’s Biblical reading provides a powerful answer.
Jacob had just received the news that his wicked and vengeful brother, Eisav, is on the warpath with 400 mercenaries. Rashi, the foremost commentator on the Torah, points out that upon hearing the news, Jacob ponders three choices: appease Eisav through gifts, prepare for battle, or pray.
Jacob chose to utilize all three options, but the order in which he chose to implement them is significant. First he gears up for battle by dividing his people, then he prays, and finally he sends gifts. It seems surprising that Jacob, one of the founding fathers of the Jewish People, who most definitely appreciated the power of prayer, would not immediately turn to G-d for help.
Several generations later, there is another familiar Biblical story where the Jewish People do turn to G-d first. This time the antagonist is not brother Eisav, but Pharaoh the Egyptian along with his entire army. While the Egyptians are in hot pursuit behind the Jews, the sea looms large as an impassible obstacle in front. What did our ancestors do? They prayed. And what did He answer? “Now is not the time for prayer. Instead you should address the Children of Israel that they should move on.” The Midrash relates that Nachshon Ben Aminadov therefore began to walk into the sea. He walked deeper and deeper, and just prior to being engulfed by the sea, it dramatically split.
And in this we find an important insight into what prayer is all about. G-d responds to us based on our choices. Belief in the power of prayer is also the belief in our responsibility to make the supreme effort. Prayers are meaningful and effective when preceded by serious action and intent. True it is G-d who created the crisis or situation in the first place, but the purpose of the conflict and subsequent choice is to realize our true potential. So, do we need His help? Of course! But to sit around and pray for everything in life, without any effort on our part, is to misread why the situation happened in the first place.
Prayer is also the confirmation of the Jewish concept of the Almighty as a personal G-d. Relating to Him should be a daily part of one’s life, and not just reserved for a special occasion or a pressing situation. Simply put, one doesn’t have to be in shul, and it doesn’t have to be in Hebrew.
Prayer is talking to G-d. Therefore it can be in English, Chinese, Spanish, or whatever language one feels most comfortable. G-d surely understands and wants to hear our prayers. So don’t make the mistake of going to synagogue and saying hello to friends, neighbors and the Rabbi, and forget to say hello to the Creator.
Yet G-d does not need our prayers. In fact, He doesn’t need anything. He has no needs; He can only give. So while He does not need our prayers, we do. For it is through prayer that we recognize our Creator and come close to Him. And, being close to G-d is the ultimate pleasure.
When we pray, we focus on the fact that G-d is our Father, Giver of all. We ask for whatever we aspire to in life; whatever we need. Nothing is too big, and nothing is too small. We are not bothering G-d, and we are not using up His attention.
But never forget the lesson of Jacob. We must also make efforts in our own lives and know that after we do whatever it is that we can, G-d is there, protecting us, sustaining us, and watching over us with love.