How Can He Be So Insensitive? The Misunderstanding That Reveals the Power of Prayer | A Pre-Rosh Hashanah Sermon with Rabbi Yisroel Bernath

Daily Jewish Thought

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In this sermon, the story of Chanah from the Haftarah on Rosh Hashanah serves as a powerful lesson about the depth of human emotions and the nature of prayer. Chanah, who is childless, pours her heart out to G-d in silent prayer, but Eli, the High Priest, mistakenly perceives her as being drunk. This seemingly insensitive misjudgment turns into a profound revelation about the coexistence of pain and serenity, and the spiritual intimacy that comes from genuine prayer. By exploring Chanah’s response and comparing it with a story from the Holocaust, we learn the essence of pouring out our souls before G-d, no matter the circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

Prayer as Connection: Chanah teaches us that prayer is about pouring out our hearts directly to G-d, beyond formalities, in intimate conversation.

Misunderstood Devotion: Eli's assumption reminds us that the deepest expressions of faith can sometimes be misread, even by spiritual leaders.

The Coexistence of Emotions: Chanah’s ability to carry both profound grief and inner peace exemplifies the complexity of the human soul when connected to G-d.

Focus on the Positive: The story of Simon Wiesenthal and Rabbi Silver highlights the choice to see the devotion of those who sacrifice, rather than the flaws of the few.

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