| "Which I took from the hand of the Emori with my sword and with my bow." (Bereishit 48:22) Onkelos translates: "with my prayer and with my supplication." Yaakov Avinu testified about himself that he merited to conquer the Land of Israel through the power of tefillah. Persistence in prayer is the true victory. Rebbe Nachman teaches in Likutey Moharan Torah 2 the profound secret of the power of prayer: every prayer is answered; every prayer accomplishes something. Even when the effect is not visible to our eyes—and sometimes, Heaven forbid, it may even appear to be the opposite—we must believe with complete faith that the prayer is working. Where did the prayer go? How does it operate? We do not know. But there is a tzaddik who knows, and he places each prayer exactly where it belongs. Our task is simply to ask, and ask again, and continue asking—to keep praying, strengthening our bond with the Creator of the world. And suddenly, the salvation appears. In the past two years we have witnessed unbelievable miracles and wonders. It was impossible to rely on natural strength alone. Sadly, we saw how individuals wearing sandals crossed borders and caused destruction and terror. Yet at the same time, we witnessed miracles so precise that even experts admit they cannot be explained by nature—100% accuracy beyond all natural expectation. Even the current upheaval in Iran is nothing short of miraculous. The power of tefillah and emunah has been visible to the naked eye. Threats surround us daily. Our response must be to pray, and to keep praying, and never stop praying. Yaakov Avinu showed us that this is the true and correct path. Shabbat Shalom |
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