Torah

In the last segment, we discussed how in the four words of v’yipakeid v’yizacheir zichroneinu u’fikdoneinu we are, in effect, asking Hashem to help us achieve our purpose in life to our fullest potential. We ask that Hashem judge us and make any necessary adjustments to our tafkid (role) that are needed.

The tefilah of Yaaleh V’Yavo is added to our Shemoneh Esrei and our Birkas HaMazon on Rosh Chodesh and on yamim tovim. Before we begin looking at the words, it is essential to try to understand the theme of this beautiful tefilah.

In the last segment, we learned that, in Yaaleh V’Yavo, we ask Hashem to elevate our tefilos, to “remember” us, our Avos, Mashiach, Yerushalayim, and the Jewish People, and to take action (the meaning of “remember”) to establish the Beis HaMikdash in Tzion and bring us all back to Yerushalayim. In the second half of Yaaleh V’Yavo, we ask Hashem for all we need in order to serve Him.

HaRav Avigdor Miller and HaRav Shlomo Wolbe both point out that the Siddur is one of the oldest sources of Written and Oral Torah. Most of what we say was formulated by the 120 Men of the Great Assembly (Anshei K’neses HaG’dolah), which was comprised of the last of the Prophets and the earliest of the Tana’im. Most of P’sukei D’Zimrah is from T’hilim, compiled by David HaMelech. Therefore, it is Torah study of the highest order. HaRav Avigdor Miller (Praise, My Soul!) writes:

Last week, we reviewed the global theme of the brachah of “R’tzei.” It is a brachah in which we ask that we – ourselves, our tefilos, and our service to Hashem – be “pleasing” to Him and that we merit to see the return of His Sh’chinah in the rebuilt Beis HaMikdash in our days with our own eyes.

Avinu Malkeinu, hachazireinu bit’shuvah sh’leimah l’fanecha.

Our Father, our King, return us to You in perfect repentance.