OU TORAH ONE+ONE Asher By Rabbi Jack Abramowitz
Many have the practice to recite, in the prayer following Shemoneh Esrei, a verse that starts and ends with the same letter as their name, or that contains their name, or both. This is considered a source of merit. In this series, we will briefly analyze these verses.
אֵלֶּה בָרֶכֶב וְאֵלֶּה בַסּוּסִים וַאֲנַחְנוּ בְּשֵׁם ה’ אֱלֹקינוּ נַזְכִּיר
Some trust in chariots and others in horses but we call upon the Name of Hashem our God – Psalms 20:8
This familiar verse, popular in prayer and song, is recited for the name Asher. The word “nazkir” (root ZKR), usually rendered “remember,” is translated here as “call upon.” Rashi explains that this word refers to prayer and sacrifices. He cites two examples: Leviticus 2:2 (אַזְכָּרָתָהּ – the “memorial part” of an offering) and Isaiah 66:3 (מַזְכִּיר לְבֹנָה – to make a memorial offering of frankincense). How do we remember/call upon God? Through prayer (and, when the Temple is standing, offerings).
Many have the practice to recite, in the prayer following Shemoneh Esrei, a verse that starts and ends with the same letter as their name, or that contains their name, or both. This is considered a source of merit. In this series, we will briefly analyze these verses.
אֵלֶּה בָרֶכֶב וְאֵלֶּה בַסּוּסִים וַאֲנַחְנוּ בְּשֵׁם ה’ אֱלֹקינוּ נַזְכִּיר
Some trust in chariots and others in horses but we call upon the Name of Hashem our God – Psalms 20:8
This familiar verse, popular in prayer and song, is recited for the name Asher. The word “nazkir” (root ZKR), usually rendered “remember,” is translated here as “call upon.” Rashi explains that this word refers to prayer and sacrifices. He cites two examples: Leviticus 2:2 (אַזְכָּרָתָהּ – the “memorial part” of an offering) and Isaiah 66:3 (מַזְכִּיר לְבֹנָה – to make a memorial offering of frankincense). How do we remember/call upon God? Through prayer (and, when the Temple is standing, offerings).
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