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Expecting Blessing

Hallel Rosh Chodesh Av Paragraph Three:

By: Machberes Avodas Hashem

Showered With Blessings

 

Why do we sing that we are about to begin a new stage in our existence? Why do we declare our commitment to always sing as the Servants of God? Why do we sing of our eternal hope that we will leave this exile just as we left Egypt?

We sing this Hallel on Rosh Chodesh Av because we are confident that just as God blessed Adam with the ability to master the world, God will bless us as we enter His creation ready to master the world, for that is our intention in exile. Just as He blessed Noah after the destruction of the Flood, God will bless us as we step out into a post destruction world. Just as He blessed Abraham who began his relationship with God as an exile, "Go for yourself from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father’s house, and I will bless you," so too, God will bless us as we begin our exile:

"God remembered us and will bless- Bless the House of Israel -Bless the House of Aaron- Bless those who are in awe of God, the insignificant with the great.

God will enhance you- you and your children.

You are blessed to God Who made the heavens and the earth.

The heavens are God's, while the earth has been given to people.

The dead do not praise the Creator of Worlds, nor do those who go down to their doom. But we- we praise the Creator of Worlds- From now and forever-

Hallelukah!"

 

Hallel Rosh Chodesh Av Paragraph Four: One Day We Will Look Back

 

Looking Back

 

What is our vision for what we will do when we leave this exile? We will look back and realize, just as did King David, that all our struggles in exile served to make us independent and stronger.

We declare what we will do with that independence on the day we will look back on our long exile. The destruction was not only ours, but God's as well; His Holy City, His Beit Hamikdash, the Glory of His Name. Our vision of our first prayer in Jerusalem redeemed, which has become part of our daily prayer even in the darkest moments and places of exile, promises to restore His Name as well:

"What can I respond to God for all the good He has given to make me independent? I will lift up the cup of salvation and I will call out in God's Name.

I will fulfill my promises to God in front of all His nation. Death to His pious ones is precious in God's eyes. Please God, allow me to be Your servant.

I am Your worker, the son of Your maidservant, You unlocked my chains.

I will bring an offering of thanks to You, and I will call out in the Name of God. I will fulfill my promises to God in front of all His nation.

In the courtyards of God's House, in the center of Jerusalem.

Hallelukah!"

 


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