“…and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul…” (Devarim 11:13)

Rashi – “Serving Hashem with all your heart” – this refers to davening

One of the most basic aspects of being a religious Jew is to pray – and to do so with kavana. As we approach the Yomim Noraim, many people begin working on increasing their kavana in the prayers. For most, the pinnacle of the Yomim Noraim service is description of the avoda of the kohen gadol in the Kodesh Hakadoshim. Although this is not technically a prayer but a piyyut, it nevertheless inspires us, bringing us into the frame of mind that the day demands.

The piyyut describes the kohen gadol’s service in detail. Afterwards, we repeat the prayer that he said upon leaving the Kodesh Hakadoshim. In that prayer, he asks Hashem to give the Jewish people sustenance without mishap, and to bless the land with plenty of rain. Yet one line requires explanation: The request that Hashem not listen to the prayers of travelers on the roads. Why would such a prayer be necessary?

The simple explanation is practical. In earlier times, travel was difficult since the roads were often dirt and turned into thick mud when it rained. A traveler could get stuck and even find themselves in danger, and therefore might pray for the rain to hold off.

The great sages of klal Yisrael ask: Why should the prayers of a few travelers outweigh the needs of the majority? And as for the travelers themselves, the lack of rain would ultimately be detrimental to them since they also need rain in their fields?!

Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (1910-1995) offers a deeper insight. People go to great lengths to receive a brocho from a great Rabbi, yet rarely consider the value of a brocho from an ordinary Jew. However, when it comes to a curse, people are careful to avoid even the negative words of a regular Jew. Reb Shlomo Zalman asks, “If a person’s words have power, why should there be a difference between using that power positively or negatively?” He explains that anything a person expresses with a full heart is successful. A curse is usually uttered with strong emotion—anger or hurt. A blessing, however, is usually offered with less intensity.

This idea applies to prayer as well. The Shlah Hakodesh (Rabbi Isaiah (Yeshayahu) ben Avraham HaLevi Horowitz 1555-1628) teaches that prayer does not need to take the form of formal words. Even a krechtz – a moan or sigh – is a form of prayer, another way of speaking to Hashem. Based on this, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (1910-2012) explains that even a traveler who is generally happy about the rain, may still let out a groan when he has to take his galoshes, umbrella, or other gear needed for a wet journey. That small groan, from the heart, may be enough for Hashem to diminish the rain at that moment.

The traveler doesn’t really want the rain to stop, however his expression comes from the bottom of his heart. This sincerity gives it the status of “Bechol levavchem,” enabling it to effect change in the world.

May we merit that even our krechtzes be directed toward things that are beneficial for all of klal Yisrael.