The following is from Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt”l, compiled on the Parsha of Ki Seitzei:
when you’re davening before Hashem
“Elkanah’s Purpose
“Everyone knows there was a man named Elkanah, the father of Shmuel
Hanavi. Elkanah used to go three times a year to Shilo where the Mishkan was.
And it explains there what his purpose was. Why did he go to Shilo? He went to bring
offerings? Yes, he did that; absolutely you have to bring offerings when you go to
the Sanctuary. He also had to speak to the sons of Eli. It’s important to consult with
the Sages and therefore three times a year he went up to the central place of the
Sages and he spoke to them and he got advice from them.
“But one of the most important purposes, the Navi says, was lehishtachavos
laHashem, to bow down to Hashem. You hear that? That’s how important it is. He
traveled to Shilo to bow down to Hashem, lehishtachavos.
“Now listen to the word hishtachavos. In Hebrew you’ll understand it better
from the word shach. Shach means low, and hishtachaveh is called reflexive hispael;
it’s a form of grammar, “to make yourself low.”
“In lashon kodesh you don’t say bow – you say “to make yourself low to Hashem.”
“[…] That’s one of the most important functions in our prayers that most people
ignore and overlook. You’re standing the amidah, you’re beginning saying shemoneh
esrei, so you give a peremptory bow. The bow, you think, that’s not important. It’s
just an introduction; the words you’re about to say, “Boruch atah Hashem” that’s
what’s important.
“No, you’re missing the whole point. The most important thing is the bowing
down! The bowing down and acknowledging that there’s somebody higher than
you, that’s the most important part. So don’t be in a hurry. While you’re bowing,
take your time and get the full benefit of that. It’s a law in the Gemara. You must
bow down at the beginning of shemoneh esrei because that’s the first lesson.
“Gaavah is the beginning of all sin, and therefore the first thing is to uproot that arrogance.”
[…]
And therefore the wise person learns to make use of all the opportunities that
Hashem plans for him. … And even when the sailing is smooth he never forgets
his obligation to lower himself in front of Hashem. He always bows before Hashem
and he’s always thinking, “As great as I am, as tremendous my capabilities and
potential are – actually just because of Gadlus Ha’Adam – that’s why
I’m always lowering myself in front of You.”
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