Thursday Kislev 5 5704
Torah Lessons (5703)	Chumash: Vayeitsei, Chamishi with Rashi. Tehillim: 29-34. Tanya: Here we speak (p. 607)...within those worlds. (p. 607).

"A ladder was standing on the ground." [1].

Prayer is the ladder that connects souls and G-dhood. And although it stands "...on the ground," the start of Davening being no more than acknowledgement, yet "it's top [2] reaches the Heavens" [3] - a state of total Bitul, self-nullification. But one reaches this level through the prior attainment of comprehension and understanding [4] inherent in P'sukei D'zimra, [5] in the B'rachot of Sh'ma and in Sh'ma proper.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Bereishit 28:12, Yaakov's dream.

2. (Back to text) I.e. the "peak" of Davening, which is the silent devotional Amida (or Shemona Essrei).

3. (Back to text) This is the concluding phrase of the verse "A ladder etc...".

4. (Back to text) Of G-dliness.

5. (Back to text) "Verses of praise," second section of Shacharit. Siddur pp. 30-42.