Al Tefen El Rishenu and Divine Punishment
Parsha Pages | May 07, 2025
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אל תפן אל רשענו ואל תסתר פניך ממנו (תפילת עננו)
What is the connection between these two phrases?
We find in Torah two types of punishments. One type G-d places His “face” to the person that sinned, like, “I place My Face to that person and I will cut him off from his people” (VaYikra 20, 3). The second type is where G-d’s Face is hidden like “I will hide My Face”.
Therefore, in this prayer, we request that we do not receive either type of punishment. One request is not to turn to our bad deeds (corresponds with direct punishment). The second is do not hide Your Face from us (corresponds with removal of G-d’s Providence).
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