What Beeping? - 26 Elul, 5770

My wife, bless her heart, is so patient with me. Every great once in a while she will ask me to do something and because I love her so much of course I say, “Sure.” She had turned on the water in the back and asked if when I heard the timer beeper go off I would shut off the water.

I was sitting at our breakfast table preparing some wood for engraving. Being very careful, I was transferring the designs to the wood. The next thing I knew Carrie was coming in asking, “How long has that been beeping?” Beeping? What beeping? I guess I was pretty involved.

So, I’ve got to ask, “What happens during those times in prayer?” How in the world can I do the Kriat Shema and wander off to somewhere? Did I just forget where I was and before Whom I was sitting?

I could take a lesson from Aaron, who cleaned the Menorah every day. It is said that he cleaned it meticulously each time, as if it was the first time.

And so it is. Each day we come before our Creator for the first time that day. Each days blessings, recitations, prayers are anew for that day. With a heart of praise and adoration I should come before my G-d Who has allowed me into His presence. What an awesome place.

May my heart be filled with longing to utter each and every word as if it was the first time. As it is said, “May they find favor, the expressions of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart before You, O L-RD, my Rock and my Redeemer”