The Purpose of the Mitzvot part 8

As we have seen, the Kabbalah regards all of the Torah, indeed, all of creation, as combinations of energies, which can be expressed as letters, which ultimately are Names of G-d. Often these combinations are derived from a verse; often prayers are composed with these combinations in mind. An example would be the forty-two letter Name. It consists of seven groups of six letters, each representing an upward movement of energy, particular to a specific day of the week. Already in Talmudic times, a rabbi who was also a Kabbalist composed a poem, which begins with the words "Ana B'Koach", whose initial letters are this sacred name. it is found in every traditional prayer book. It is located at points where an upward-reaching energy is called for. Most worshipers are unaware that this is anything but a supplication. For the mystic, this is a virtual rudder for elevating prayers. Another very central Name is that of 72 combinations. it consists of three verses in the Torah, right before the Splitting of the Sea. These verses are seen as containing the Names of Divine power of salvation from Evil. The letters are combined and put into a sequence by the Zohar. These Names are utilized for many purposes, especially for meditation. There are also Names and combinations of Names associated with the fulfillment of each mitzvah. This holds a very central place in the writings of the ARI. There are Kabbalistic prayer books with a few words of the traditional prayers on each page, the rest being Holy Names to meditate upon while praying. Similarly, these prayer books contain the appropriate meditations and Names not only relating to our observances, but also for everyday activities. Thus, all of our life is an encounter with G-d. Every action a connection, as well as to restore unity and harmony in the Microcosm, as well as the Macrocosm. I will illustrate with a story. A silver kiddush cup was damaged by a toddler who thought it would be fun to throw. I took it to a repair shop in Jerusalem. The craftsman said it would be ready the next day, and would only cost 10 Sheqels. I came back the next day, holding out my ten Sheqels. the man said "not so fast". I thought "Oh, no! He is now going to raise the price!". Instead, he handed me a card. On it was a mystical prayer, containing the meditations for the mitzvah of paying a workman on time. He said that I could only have my cup after I said that prayer! Can you imagine a world in which every act is a mitzvah, every act, a meditation, every act a connection with G-d?