Davening with a Minyan

On a beautiful late spring afternoon, two young Bochurim applied for the one remaining space in a Yeshiva.

They were very much alike, both refined Yerei Shomayim, had been better than average students, and both would do anything for anyone.

But there was a difference, despite all of their shared Ma’alos, one of those boys had a terrible temper.

He had plenty of friends, and besides that one flaw he was an amazing person… but he was lacking a very important element of self-control…

… The space was given to his friend.

Many amazing “parts” – but lacking in the “whole”.

***

At the start of creation everything was “Oir Poshut” – a simple light.

One infinite power.

Through concealment after concealment that light was divided into ten parts.

Still the same ultimate power, but now because of all these Tzimtzumim, one can begin to discern separate powers for each one.

One part has the power of Chochma, another Bina, a third Da’as, etc.

These parts are known as the Ten Sefiros

***

“Halt Kop” because I am going to keep this brief.

Everything in creation is both a whole of a part, and a part of a whole.

Any item you see around you is a “Whole” – it is its own entity. But also a “Part”.

Because each “whole” entity, is only a “part” of a larger entity.

For example, the table I am now sitting at is a whole, it is a “whole” table.

But it is only “part” of my office.

My “whole” office is only “part” of the building… which is only “part” of the “whole” street… which is only a “part” of the “whole” Golders Green… which is only a “part” of the “whole” London… which is only part of… etc.

Similarly in the ten Sefiros “parts” of creation. Though each part is a “whole” it is only a “part” of the קומה שלימה.

To explain,

Chochma – Knowledge, is a stand-alone entity. It has its specific role in this world, and is very talented at doing exactly what Chochma needs to do – to know stuff.

Don’t ask it to analyse and explain – it can’t. But it doesn’t need to, because it’s Chochma – it just as a keen knowledge as to the correctness (or incorrectness) of a matter.

Bina is also a stand-alone entity, deserving of its own respect. Because it has many benefits that Chochma itself doesn’t have. It can analyse and assess, explain and focus, and it can theoretically look with disdain at Chochma – this innate knowledge, without any rational understanding.

However, though they each have their own respected place, when they work together – when one can clarify to themselves exactly what it is that they want, or when rationally explain their innate knowledge – they both become a much more powerful force.

But only intellectually…

Add Da’as the intellectual can then change the action.

But the change in action is only in potential until we add the Middos to the equation.

It is only when we combine the ten individual parts of the “whole” that each “part” becomes perfect.  

Because now the Midos are not lacking anything. All the sub-parts of the whole are now in place and in sync.

This is no longer a person with only “some” qualities, rather this is a person with a full healthy personality.

***

The same is true with Neshomos.

Though every individual is a whole, we are also each a part of something bigger.

Each Neshoma a part of the whole of ten.

See, ten people together don’t just create a stronger “Koach”, they create an entirely new Koach – that of “Shleimus” – completion.

When a person is complete they can reach infinitely deeper.

How much deeper?

Well, when Davening Biyechidus we describe the “Hislahavus” of the Malochim when they say קדושה.

We describe it, as a depiction to ourselves, so that we understand the enormity of קבלת עול מלכות שמים and thereby inspire ourselves to connect more fully.

But despite our describing the event – we don’t actually achieve that which is revealed when saying Kedusha.

It is only when Ten Neshomos gather together, that they are powerful enough to recite Kedusha.

Because the deep level of Elokus that is revealed during Kedusha, can only be revealed to a “whole” – all ten parts.

***

So, having worked the last few weeks on the physical steps in preparation for Davening, conditioning our body to be able to feel the connection to Hashem, as well as putting ourselves in a location where it easier to reveal deeper dimensions of reality by Davening in a Shul.

We now move to the next step, of Davening with a Minyan

Joining the entirety (“whole”) of my “part”, to the more complete “whole” of Ten Neshomos together, gives us the Koach to acheive an immense depth of connection to Elokus, and reveal deep levels of השפעה גשמי ורוחני, breaking through the confines of צמצוצים.