Pray Continually

Topic: Prayer, Meditation, & Contemplation

Do not pray for a thing that you lack, for your prayer will not be accepted. Rather when you wish to pray, pray for the heaviness that is in the Head of the world. For the want of the thing that you lack is [a want] in the indwelling Glory. For man is a part of God, and the want that is in the part is in the whole, and the whole suffers the same want as the part. Therefore let your prayer be directed to the want of the whole. Pray continually for God’s glory that it may be redeemed from its exile.

Israel Baal Shem Tov

Israel ben Eliezer, more commonly known as the Baal Shem Tov or Besht, was born around 1700 and is celebrated as a seminal figure in Jewish mysticism. Rising from humble beginnings, his charismatic teachings reshaped the spiritual landscape of Eastern Europe, laying the foundation for Hasidic Judaism. His life's work revolved around promoting spirituality through joyous religious observance and fervor, countering the more scholarly approach prevalent during his time. He employed stories, parables, and a deep understanding of the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, to bring about a spiritual renaissance.

Baal Shem Tov's teachings emphasized a personal relationship with God, the inherent holiness in all aspects of life, and the idea that the divine can be found in the simplest of things. He famously said that everything in the world, even a leaf falling from a tree, is part of a divine plan. The Besht's mystical approach resonated with the Jewish masses, who may have found traditional Talmudic studies inaccessible. His legacy was the birth of Hasidism, a movement characterized by its emphasis on mysticism, spirituality, and joyous service to God.

The influence of the Baal Shem Tov has not only permeated centuries but has also touched contemporary luminaries. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, frequently drew upon Hasidic teachings in his work, indicating a clear influence from the Besht. Additionally, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, an internationally regarded scholar and educator, wrote extensively on the Talmud and Kabbalah while highlighting the essence of the Baal Shem Tov's teachings in his spiritual approach. Thus, the teachings of Israel ben Eliezer continue to inspire and guide many in their spiritual journey.

(1698-1760) Judaism

Wilson, Andrew, editor. World Scripture II. Universal Peace Federation, 2011, p. 309 [Israel Baal Shem Tov].

Israel Baal Shem Tov

Theme: Prayer

Short Commentary About This Israel Baal Shem Tov Passage

The passage from Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidic Judaism, encourages us to approach prayer with a perspective of universal connectedness. Rather than praying for our personal wants, we should focus on addressing a larger, cosmic deficiency represented by the “exile” of God’s glory. This advice is based on the concept that humanity is a part of the Divine, and our individual lacks reflect a broader deficiency in the Divine Presence. Baal Shem Tov thus invites us to engage in prayer not only as a personal spiritual exercise, but also as a participation in the cosmic process of restoring divine balance and harmony.

Long Commentary About This Israel Baal Shem Tov Passage

In this passage, the revered Baal Shem Tov, founder of Hasidic Judaism, shares an illuminating perspective on the nature of prayer and spiritual connectedness. The fundamental idea is that instead of focusing our prayers on our individual wants or lacks, we should pray for the alleviation of a greater universal lack or heaviness, which exists within the “Head of the world” — a metaphorical reference to God. The notion here is one of profound interconnection, suggesting that as parts of the Divine, the deficiencies we experience individually reflect a broader deficiency in the Divine Presence itself. In the language of Hasidic spirituality, this is represented as the Divine Glory or Shechinah being in exile.

The Baal Shem Tov further presents the image of humanity and God as a holistic entity, a single organism, if you will, with our deficiencies mirroring those in the divine. This idea is rooted in the belief that we, as human beings, are not separate from God but intrinsic parts of the Divine. When we suffer or experience want, it’s not just a personal or individual condition but a reflection of a larger cosmic imbalance. Our struggles are tied to the greater divine struggle; thus, our prayers should focus on rectifying this universal deficiency, symbolized by the “exile” of God’s glory.

In essence, Baal Shem Tov is urging us to shift our focus in prayer from the individualistic to the universal. We are encouraged to see beyond our personal wants and pray for the broader restoration of divine balance and harmony. The passage serves as an eloquent reminder that our spiritual journey is intrinsically intertwined with the spiritual wellness of the universe. Through continual prayer for the redemption of God’s glory, we do not just seek to better our own circumstances, but we actively participate in the cosmic process of spiritual restoration, healing, and wholeness. This ultimately forms a more compassionate, inclusive and holistic approach to prayer.

Additional Israel Baal Shem Tov Quotes

“A man who makes efforts to cleave to God has no time to think of unimportant matters; when he constantly serves the Creator he has no time to be vain.”

—Israel Baal Shem Tov [World Scripture II. Universal Peace Federation, 2011] p. 825.

Resources

The Baal Shem Tov: a Mystic, Healer and Radical Jew (1698-1760), Rachael Kohn Posted 12 Sep 2010

Pray Continually

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