Malachei Rachamim is a song that encapsulates the powerful emotions of Elul and the Yomim Noraim. From the very first notes, the song sweeps the listener into a place of vulnerability, where we stand before Hashem, fully aware of our shortcomings yet filled with hope for His compassion. The music rises and falls, swelling into an emotional plea, moving from fear to hope, from uncertainty to trust in Hashem’s kindness.
Dovid HaMelech teaches us that in addition to the actions we need to take, we must understand what it’s all about – what it all comes down to, and what is life’s ultimate goal. ואני קרבת אלוקים לי טוב – “But as for me, the nearness of Hashem is my good” (Tehillim 73:28). These words highlight a profound message: true goodness in life is found not in material success or worldly achievements but in drawing near to Hashem.
The key to returning to Hashem is feeling His love, and that if we were only to experience some of Hashem’s love, we would surely find our way back to Him. For this reason, I felt particularly inspired to feature a song that portrays within its words the warmth and comfort that Hashem’s love provides.
A broken heart allows us to be vulnerable. It allows us to see clearly that there is nothing more important than our relationship with the Borei Olam. It enables us to reach up to Him from a place of humility, to admit our dependence on Him and to readily accept His Kingship. It is for these reasons and more that a broken heart is extremely dear and precious to Hashem.
There is something so powerful about hearing the sweet, pure voices of children earnestly calling out, expressing out loud what is sometimes left only in our hearts and minds alone. We know now that it is imperative that we join in and do the same.
Moshe Rabbeinu is telling us that, today – as we find ourselves standing before Hashem, about to experience the ultimate encounter with the Melech Malchei Hamlachim during the Yomim Noraim – we must know there is no Yid beyond redemption – that there is no such thing as being “hopelessly lost.” What incredible chizzuk! No matter how far one may have fallen, no matter how far one may have strayed, Hashem will be there to take him back home.
The Navi Yeshaya is telling us that very soon, yachid v’rabim – every one of us, together – will find our way back to Hashem’s Torah. Very soon, the time will come when we will ALL return to Hashem.
“Mi shetarach b’Erev Shabbos yochal b’Shabbos – One who toils on Erev Shabbos will eat on Shabbos” (Avodah Zara 3a). Erev Shabbos: a special time of the week. Elul: a special month of the year. Combined, they enable us to open the door to our Beloved – to welcome in the Divine. The connection is closer than you think.
In one sentence, Dovid HaMelech shares with us the secret to success, and with it a message of hope to each and every one of us. Achas Shoalti, I have asked Hashem for only one thing – I have but one request. When all is said and done, no matter what distractions I am forced to do battle with today – underneath it all, I am in this fight for one reason, and one reason only.
We sometimes convince ourselves that Hashem is too busy running the world to listen to us, with our trivial requests and inadequate praise and thanks… He’s got bigger things to worry about these days, right? Actually, we couldn’t be more wrong. We are Hashem’s children and we must know without a doubt that we are being heard – and not only that – but are being answered as well!