There is a well-known story about an early Gerrer chossid who went to the Chiddushei HaRim (Rav Yitzchak Meir Alter zt’l, the first Gerrer Rebbe, 1799-1866) with a heavy problem. His business had been failing for a while, and now he was far behind on a number of bills, and facing the threat of debtor’s prison. The next day happened to be Rosh Chodesh, and the Chiddushei HaRim advised the chossid that when he said Hallel the next day, he should say “Ana Hashem” with extra kavanah.
After the Rebbe walked away, the man and his friend got into a heated argument about what exactly the advice was: One chossid insisted the Rebbe meant “Ana Hashem hoshia na – Please, Hashem, save!” because the man needed to be saved from prison. The other was sure it was “Ana Hashem hatzlicha na – Please, Hashem, provide success!” because the fundamental problem was that he needed more success in his business.
As they were debating, the Chiddushei HaRim’s grandson, Yehudah Aryeh Leib – the future Sefas Emes – passed by. The boy interrupted. “Neither of you understand. The Rebbe meant that if you want your tefillos to be well-received, you should properly concentrate when you say “Ana Hashem ki ani avdecha – Please Hashem, because I am Your servant!”
On August 31st 1968, legendary singer & songwriter R’ Shlomo Carlebach z’l arrived in Eretz Yisroel and recorded his first concert of the year in Yerushalayim. Tickets to this performance at Heichal Shlomo were sold out weeks in advance. On the evening of the concert, thousands of fans lined the streets outside the auditorium awaiting the possibility of purchasing tickets at the door. Unfortunately, many had to be turned away due to lack of space. Police took their positions around the auditorium to maintain order, as dignitaries and their families from all over the country began entering the building.
Those present at the concert that evening saw Shlomo Carlebach at his best. He sang many new compositions which were enhanced by his great joy and emotion of being in Eretz Yisroel once again. The two-volume album would be titled I heard the Wall Singing and it is where the original recording of today’s song, Ono Hashem, can be found.
In the purest expression of faith and devotion, Dovid HaMelech provides us with our primary purpose in this world – to be able to proclaim with pride that we are servants of the One above. May we not only be zoche to earn the title of Eved Hashem, but may He answer all of our tefillos simply because of our deep desire to become one.
A gutten Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan to one and all!
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