Chapter 4

4. The previous Rebbe’s discourse continues, explaining that a parallel exists in our service to G-d. The beginning of an individual’s service each day is the service of prayer. [The discourse explains that the Hebrew word for prayer] Tefillah means connection, 1 and through prayer, a person connects himself to G-d. The verse 2 “Separate yourself from the man whose soul is in his nostrils for what can he be accounted for?” [applies to someone who has not prayed]. Our Sages 3 commented, “do not read ‘bammeh’ for what, but ‘bammah’ a platform.” Before prayer, a person is like a platform 4 [i.e. just as a platform is a lofty and separate entity, such a person is proud and holds himself separate from others. Through prayer, a connection with G-dliness is established that eliminates these qualities.] The order of prayer is that first a general closeness (parallel to the external transmission of influence) is established, followed by an inner closeness as the person connects himself to G-dliness in a manner in which G-dliness is drawn down into all of his material affairs. (Although prayer marks the beginning of the day, one becomes able to connect it to all of his material affairs, making them vessels for G-dliness.) Similarly, the Baal Shem Tov 5 explains the prohibition against greeting someone before prayer 6 [the first thought of a person in the morning influences his behavior during the entire day] based on an explanation in the works of the AriZal 7 in reference to the obligation to honor one’s older brother. 8 There is more of the father’s spirit in the oldest brother than in any of the other sons; and all the other sons derive the spirit of the father through the oldest son. Therefore, because of the spirit of the father that is found in the older brother, [his siblings] are obligated to honor him as they are obligated to honor their father. In fact, in the Talmud this law is derived from the verse “Honor your father.” 9 [The Hebrew original reads כבד את אביך the word את is seemingly superfluous; however our Sages interpret it to refer to one’s elder brother.] Hence, the honor of the older brother is included in the honor of the father. Similarly, [explains the Baal Shem Tov] in regard to an individual’s thought, speech, and action; all of them branch off and are drawn down from his first statement in the service of G-d, made as soon as he rises from his sleep. (The same applies in regard to thought and deed.) In this manner, he draws holiness down into all of his thought, speech, and action throughout the entire day. Behold, because the inner closeness to G-d in prayer draws G-dliness, a potential for an even higher elevation is made possible as is well known in the interpretation 10 of the verse: “Many crops come through the strength of an ox.” 11 [Chassidus explains that this verse refers to the transformation of the animal soul.]