Each morning, we merit to recite Birchos HaTorah, setting up our infrastructure for the new day, a day of being engaged in Torah and mitzvos. Aside from the expression of gratitude for the gift of Torah, in these brachos we ask for ourselves, our children and grandchildren – those that are already with us and those who are destined to be born – that we should all merit to learn Torah lishmah, and to have a connection to the Nosein HaTorah.
These brachos conclude in the present tense – “Hamelamed Torah l’amo Yisrael,” “Nosein haTorah.” From the day of Kabbalas HaTorah to this very day, HaKadosh Baruch Hu gives us the Torah each day anew, and we just have to be willing to accept it.
We should make these brachos aloud, in front of someone who will complete them by answering amen. Would it enter our mind that specifically Birchos HaTorah, which symbolize the ma’amad Har Sinai and the giving of the Torah from generation to generation, should be said in a manner that is not complete? Is it possible that someone who toils in Torah should be lax about this brachah and not say it with shleimus?
Moreover: The obligation to answer amen is learned by Chazal from the passuk that commands us about Birchos HaTorah (Devarim 32:3): “Ki Shem Hashem ekra havu godel l’Elokeinu,” and it is explained that Moshe Rabbeinu said to Am Yisrael: “Ki Shem Hashem ekra” – in Birchas HaTorah, then you should “havu godel” - by answering amen. (See Brachos 21a, and Rashi there ad loc. Ki)
So if we have an obligation to complete every brachah with amen, how much more so is that the case with Birchos HaTorah!
We all aspire, teach and pray for the merit to see good generations. If we are strict to give respect to the Birchos HaTorah, to say them with shleimus – meaning aloud, with kavanah, bechavrusa- then our request of “Venihiyeh anachnu vetze’etzaeinu vetze’etza’ei tze’etzaeinu... kulanu yodei Shemecha velomdei Torasecha lishmah,” will not be rejected.
Remember – צטוו נסיני מז א – the acronym of these words is amen!
Good Shabbos
Yaakov Dov Marmurstein
Kol Emunim
A word from the founder and Nasi of Bney Emunim
