Hosafa-Addendum 3
Our maamar discusses the idea that during the morning prayer is a time of Divine Favor, that enables the person to truly connect to the idea of Hashem’s greatness and come to a love and fear for Hashem. We brought in the commentary (towards the end of the maamar) what the Rebbe Rashab said in Kuntres HaTefila. He said that because of the time of Divine Favor during the morning prayer, therefore it is very important to think Chassidus at the time of prayer, meaning, before starting the prayers, and for men this means while wearing Talis and/or Tefillin.
In connection with this concept, we will bring a translation from a letter of the Frierdiker Rebbe. (Igros Kodesh of the Frierdiker Rebbe, vol. 3 p. 293 (also in Sefer Hamaamrim Kuntreisim vol. 3, p. 45.)) It explains eight things that Hisbonenus-thinking Chassidus at the time of davening (prayer) accomplishes:
“In the winter of 5673 I went to visit my father the Rebbe (Rashab), who was then in Menton, France...
Among the holy sichas (talks) that were said, there was a special sicha regarding the greatness of thinking Chassidus specifically before davening and while wearing the Talis and Tefillin. The explanation of this went on for a few days, meaning, that for a few days he spoke about this during the strolls we would take.
He counted many great things that are accomplished (by thinking Chassidus before davening while wearing the Talis and Tefillin):
- It refines the body, and makes the mind and heart able to receive the revelation of Hashem’s Divine Presence.
- It drives out the animal soul.
- It cleanses the natural soul.
- It subjugates the intellect soul (to Hashem).
- It illuminates the (entire physical) world. This was his expression: “When a Jew thinks Chassidus while wearing the Talis and Tefillin before davening, the world becomes brighter.”
- It draws forth the revelation of Hashem’s Light in all the (spiritual) worlds, from the highest level to the lowest level.
- It causes the revelation of the (five levels of his soul, known as) nefesh, ruach, neshama, chaya, yechida. (Meaning that it reveals all the levels of the person’s soul, even the deepest levels, until the essence of the soul.)
- It changes the essential nature of the person’s natural character traits.
All of these (benefits) apply to any person of the Chassidic community who applies himself to the service of the heart (of davening) in an orderly fashion, through the proper preparation that takes place before davening. In regards to Tzadikim, all these also apply, but obviously in a much loftier fashion.
The Rebbe Rashab explained at length the greatness of the (service of) the Tzadikim, and ended off by saying: “And through this (contemplation of Chassidus by davening) one can come to feel a G-dly delight.”
