In a recent issue, we quoted HaRav Chaim Kanievskys psak (Orchos Yosher, page 100) that the study of the laws of Tefillah takes precedence over the study of all other topics--for we daven three times daily (over 1,000 times a year). If we know the halachos of Tefillah, we have consistently acted properly, but if we do not, it amounts to a huge mistake.

One of the seemingly great paradoxes in Hilchos Tefillah is how one should view himself both prior to and during Shemone Esrei.

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 95:2) writes that prior to beginning Shemone Esrei, one should picture himself as if he is actually standing in the Beis HaMikdash. The Mishne Berurah (Orach Chayim 94, seif katan 3), based on the Gemara in Berachos (30A) amplifies this concept by adding that one should feel as if he is actually standing in the Kodesh Kodoshim itself. Of course, with all of the current replicas, facsimiles, photo plates, schematics and drawings, this has become much easier for us to visualize.

The paradox? The Shulchan Aruch is also posek that we are to place ourselves in two other places before commencing Shemone Esrei:

In Orach Chayim 98:1, the Mechaber rules that just as when one is about to stand in front of an earthly king, he would clarify and crystallize his thoughts, certainly should he do so when he imagines himself as standing in front of the King of Kings-Who knows all thoughts. The picture here is of one being alone in the Throne Room before, not just any earthly King, but the King of Kings, who knows what you should be thinking.

So, at this point, we should view ourselves both as in the Holy of Holies and in audience with the ultimate King. Perhaps we can reconcile this by surmising that the Kodesh Kodoshim is the equivalent of the inner recesses of the palace, even though this may not be how we would ordinarily picture it.

However, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 98:3) then writes that our in Tefillah we should beg Hashem for mercy--just as a poor person begs at the door.

How can we imagine ourselves in the Holy of Holies, and/or standing in the magnificent palace of the King, directly in front of not only the King, but the King of Kings, and be begging at the door simultaneously? Could a pauper asking for a dollar find himself in the Kings palace, much less a palace that even the Kohen Gadol only fearfully entered on Yom Kippur?

It appears that there are three separate and distinct thoughts that we should bring to mind before the 1,000-plus Shemone Esreis we recite each year (approximately 20,000 brochos annually):

1. The Place: Wherever we are, we are in the Kodesh Kodoshim(!), for we are davening--and our tefillos perforce travel--through the most sacred place on Earth-the Kodesh Kodoshim-to reach the Heavens (Brachos 30A).

2. Hashems Greatness: We are in audience with the Worlds Creator and the Worlds Supervisor--Who knows all thoughts, hears all pleas and can grant all requests.

3. Our Humility: Truth be told, we can do nothing on our own. Everything, literally **every**thing, is Hashems gift to us. We must knock on the door and plead for **every**thing. Hashem, as the Baal HaBayis, knows how to best respond to a persons sincere requests.

Thus, the Shulchan Aruch teaches us exactly how to focus on, and appreciate, the great meeting we are about to experience. The actual experience will be measured by the quality of our focus and appreciation of this precious time.

Practical Suggestion: LHavdil, at a stop sign, we are taught to Stop, Look and Listen. As you prepare to begin Shemone Esrei, spend three moments--to appreciate the Place, to understand in front of Whom you are standing, and to reflect upon who you are--and try to draw it all into the private audience, known as your Shemone Esrei.

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