CLIMBING and STANDING

The words of Rav Abraham Isaac Kook זצ׳ל ring out to us today in a most meaningful way as he defines the פסוק from the Psalms

                   מי יעלה בהר ה׳ ומי יקום במקום קדשו

"Who shall climb G-D'S  mountain and who shall stand in His place"

   We use our legs to walk and climb. We use them as well to stand in one place.

  Climbing G-D'S  mountain suggests a spiritual ascent through intellectual enlightment and refinement of character. Torah study, in particular, is associated with spiritual growth as one gains knowledge and ethical insight. That is why Torah is referred to as דרך, a path, upon which one advances.

  As we progress, we realize that we walk and climb, our legs are apart and often in such a position we are constantly in motion. 

  It appears that Torah study is the way we climb mountains.  

   In addition to climbing these mountains of Torah we need an action  that will give us a sense of confidence and serenity.

   This action is Prayer which requires one to stand in an erect position.

    I sense, that is why Prayer is called Amidah, for to achieve the optimum affect with prayer we must stand erect. The function of Prayer is  to internalize our spiritual accomplishments and standing quietly and grounded gives us greater opportunity to concentrate and be introspective.

   In fact, when we are in this standing position we are like angelic beings. With our feet together we are creating the unity and harmony of being at one with our Spiritual state.

   This is the goal of a true Judaic way of life. We are to climb the mountain of Torah requiring much Hasmadah and effort, always climbing and moving to reach the next peak of the mountain.

  Prayer, on the other hand, indicates a more relaxed and natural position of standing in one angelic stance to internalize our feelings.

  Happiness is the achievement of climbing and standing on the mountain of G-D through the learning of Torah and standing in concentrated Prayer. Thereby, becoming enveloped in the magnificent world of Hashem.

   I invite everyone to Climb and Stand with me on this glorious mountain of Yiddishkeit.