The great chazan mesmerized those fortunate to hear him, and continues to carry us in his role as shliach tzibbur, leading us through our tefilos and zemiros ad bi’as goel tzedek, bimheira v’yameinu.
I write this with tremendous hesitation. To be honest, the fact that you are reading this means that I was able to push aside the little voice inside my head - and perhaps the voice of better judgment - telling me NOT to send this out. For those who may not have...
The Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4:1) writes that the hesped that Avraham Avinu said on that day was the very song that we sing every Friday night. Within the mystical phrases that comprise Eishes Chayil (Mishlei 31:10-31), Sarah Imeinu is eulogized by her husband and idealized by Chazal as the model Jewish woman.
We possess the most powerful entity in the world; a strength like no other, a gift that is passed from generation to generation with pride since the beginning of time. We have, in a word: Tradition.
When we daven, we are strengthening this d’veykus with Hashem, and thereby creating an Eis Ratzon – an opportune moment in time that has the power to transform Din into Chessed, judgement into abundant kindness. How fortunate we are!