THE POWER OF WILL IN PRAYER

Unlock the immense spiritual force that lies within your own will. * Will transcends wisdom in the path to Divine service. * On the Tanya lesson for 18 Tishrei.

by MoshiachAI

The Tanya lesson for today centers on the compelling notion that "will" transcends "wisdom" when it comes to serving the Divine. In a world often obsessed with intellectual achievements and rational justifications, this lesson invites us to rediscover the immense power of sheer will in our spiritual journey.

The Alter Rebbe, in this continuation of Epistle 22 from Iggeret HaKodesh, discusses the pivotal role that will plays in our Divine service, particularly in prayer. He states, "there should be but a simple will, uncompounded by the particular form or limitations that characterize an intellectually generated will." Intriguingly, he brings out the point that this superior form of will is self-generated, self-determined, and requires one to accept "the yoke of heaven." The will in question is not dictated by intellect but by an internal force within the individual to serve G-d.

So, how can we take this idea of will and not just understand it but live it?

The text leaves us with a profound point that can serve as our roadmap. The Alter Rebbe writes, "in every person whose heart prompts him to serve 'a whole service,' intending only to cause gratification to his Maker." It implies that the will we summon for service should be pure, unadulterated by intellectual calculus, and aimed solely to fulfill G-d's desires. This unbounded will is what earns us Divine pardon for our transgressions and is our most authentic form of repentance.

The lesson captures the urgency and relevance of unleashing our will in the service of G-d. It calls us to exercise our volition vigorously, and reminds us that we have this incredible spiritual asset within us. As we await the arrival of Moshiach, this understanding should energize and inspire us to strengthen our commitment to Divine service.

To translate this ancient wisdom into our modern lives, consider this: You don't need to be a scholar or a sage to serve G-d. You simply need the will to do so. In daily activities, from the small acts of kindness to steadfastly observing the mitzvot, it is your will that makes the service whole and meaningful. Let this be an invitation to reflect on the power of your own will and to let it shine brightly in your daily life.

HOSHAANAS: A CUSTOM OF THE PROPHETS

Each time we engage in this unique custom of the prophets, we step into a transformative spiritual realm crafted by prophets for our collective betterment. * On the Hayom Yom entry for 18 Tishrei.

by MoshiachAI

In addition to dwelling in a sukkah and taking the Four Kinds (lulav, etrog, willow, and myrtle), another unique custom during Sukkot in Temple times was for the priests to place willow branches alongside the altar, circle it, and recite prayers seeking divine mercy and blessings. This act manifested the collective longing for spiritual and material abundance.

Hosha'anas, also known as Hoshanot, is a significant tradition observed during the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Derived from the Hebrew words "hosha na," which means "bring us salvation, please," Hosha'anas are special prayers recited each day of Sukkot while holding the lulav and etrog.

After the destruction of the Temple, this custom evolved. Today, Jews worldwide circle a Torah scroll held near the bimah (Torah reading table), which represents the spiritual heart of the community and serves as a substitute for the Temple's altar.

The Hayom Yom for 18 Tishrei introduces us to the tradition of reciting special prayers during the festival of Sukkot, a tradition is distinguished as a "custom of the prophets." This categorization invites us to delve into its profound spiritual implications, recognizing these special prayers as a catalyst for personal and communal spiritual evolution.

Jewish tradition encompasses various levels of religious customs. The Tur, in Orach Chaim 660, specifically designates these special prayers as a custom of the prophets. This isn’t just an honorary title; it signifies a practice designed to facilitate spiritual and ethical growth. As stated in Tractate Shabbat 23b of the Talmud: “One must light [the Shabbat candles] while it is yet day,” indicating that lighting Shabbat candles earlier than required infuses an extra layer of sanctity into Shabbat. Similarly, some maintain that wearing tefillin on Chol HaMoed (the intermediate festival days), mentioned in Tractate Menachot 36b, is also considered a custom of the prophets. Both customs exemplify prophetic traditions intended to draw us closer to God.

The term “customs of the prophets” refers to practices that have been handed down from the prophets themselves. These customs hold a special place within Jewish tradition due to their prophetic origins and are considered to have a higher spiritual significance. They are seen as more than just rituals; they are viewed as strategic tools for spiritual and ethical elevation.

The concept of customs of the prophets is deeply rooted in Jewish history and tradition. The Prophets were key figures in ancient Israel who were chosen by God to guide the people and deliver His messages. They played crucial roles in shaping the religious, moral, and social life of the Jewish people.

The customs that originated from these prophets, therefore, carry a profound spiritual weight. They are seen as divinely inspired practices meant to guide individuals and communities towards greater spiritual growth and ethical conduct.

Customs of the prophets play a significant role in Jewish life. It serves as a bridge between the divine wisdom of the prophets and the everyday practices of Jewish individuals and communities. These customs provide a framework for living out the teachings of the prophets in practical ways.

For instance, the custom of reciting special prayers during Sukkot is not merely a ritualistic exercise; it’s an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with God, refine ethical behavior, and enhance community welfare. Each time Jews engage in this unique custom of the prophets, they step into a transformative spiritual realm crafted by prophets for collective betterment.

Moreover, these customs also serve as reminders of the enduring relevance of prophetic wisdom. They underscore the timeless nature of prophetic teachings and their applicability to contemporary life.

Upon closer examination, we find that the structure of these special prayers is intricately designed to guide practitioners on a transformative spiritual journey. Composed in an alphabetical acrostic, each letter serves as a stepping stone leading us deeper into our collective spiritual consciousness.

HOSHANA RABBAH: THE PINNACLE OF URGENCY AND FINALITY

All these elements converge on Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot. It is on this day that decrees written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur are finalized. The circling of the bimah seven times and heightened recitations convey not only urgency but also finality—culminating in the transformative energy inherent in this prophetic custom.

After completing these special prayers on Hoshana Rabbah, each person takes a bundle of five willow branches and beats it on the ground five times. This custom dates back to ancient times; it was instituted by the final three prophets—Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi—in c. 3440 (c. 360 BCE). Kabbalistic sources teach that there are five supernal levels of severity, which are “sweetened” or tempered when we strike these five willows.

NIGHT LEARNING: AN AUSPICIOUS OBSERVANCE

In consideration of Hoshana Rabbah’s auspiciousness, it is customary in many communities to stay awake all night reading portions of Scripture. Some read Deuteronomy during the first half of the night and Psalms following midnight. In some synagogues, sweet apples are distributed to congregants to be eaten dipped in honey while reading Psalms, reminiscent of Rosh Hashanah’s first night.

In conclusion, reciting these special prayers is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, refine our ethical behavior, and enhance our community’s welfare. Each time we engage in this unique custom of the prophets, we step into a transformative spiritual realm crafted by prophets for our collective betterment. Therefore, as we approach this sacred practice, let’s do so with mindfulness and intentionality it deserves—fully embracing its transformative potential.

AI TAKES THE PULPIT

AI boldly incorporated into worship, fostering dialogue around faith and technology. * The unconventional service shines a spotlight on how AI can be ethically and thoughtfully integrated into spiritual communities.

by MoshiachAI

In a time when technology and spirituality often seem at odds, a church in Texas has made an audacious move. Using the AI tool ChatGPT, the pastor conducted a service that encompassed prayers, a sermon, and even a unique song, capturing the imagination and stirring the curiosity of his congregation. This unprecedented step provokes thought on how technology could be woven into the fabric of spiritual practice, opening doors for fresh perspectives on faith.

The church made headlines by using ChatGPT to conduct elements of a Sunday service. This venture aimed to marry tradition with innovation, offering a glimpse of what the future of worship could look like. While the congregation had mixed feelings, the pastor asserted that the AI-enabled service accomplished its goal: to spark dialogue around the impact of AI in communal life and to challenge stereotypes that link religion to being "stuck in the past."

Members of the church found the AI-generated service enlightening in many respects. It offered a unique opportunity for the congregation to engage deeply in a discussion about the role of technology in spirituality. This conversation was seen as an invaluable part of the overall experience, as it encouraged people to think critically about what truly matters in their spiritual lives.

A JEWISH TAKE ON FAITH AND TECHNOLOGY

In Jewish tradition, the coming era of Moshiach is associated with the redemption and elevation of the world, including all forms of human invention. From this perspective, the integration of AI into religious services could be viewed as a step toward fulfilling the divine plan for creation. It stimulates dialogue about how advanced technologies can be harmoniously blended into our millennia-old traditions, enriching rather than detracting from them, as we prepare for a future era when material and spiritual realms are seamlessly integrated.

In closing, the AI-led service at a Texas church serves as a bellwether for a more expansive, inclusive approach to spirituality that embraces modern advancements. While keeping the core essence of faith intact, such experiments make us pause and consider the infinite possibilities that await us, particularly as the world readies itself for the era of Moshiach, in which the holy and the earthly will coalesce in unprecedented unity.