1)

What do we learn from "Nisa Levavenu El Kapayim [El Kel ba'Shamayim]"?

1.

Ta'anis 8a: One's Tefilah is heard [when he prays alone] only if he puts his Nefesh in his hand (Maharsha - it is with his full heart).

2.

Rashi based on Ta'anis 16a: One must truly lift his heart to Hashem, like one who bathes with clean hands. He casts off all filth - "Modeh v'Ozek Yerucham" (Mishlei 28:13). If one confesses and does not abandon sin, it is like immersing while holding a [dead] Sheretz (it does not help). Rav Sadya Gaon, Ri Kara - "El Kapayim" is like Im Kapayim (we lift our hearts with our hands).

3.

Yevamos 105b: One who prays must face up 1 .

4.

Rashi: [One must lift the heart] to the clouds - "v'Hinei Av Ketanah k'Chaf Ish Olah" (Melachim I, 18:44), "Al Kapayim Kisah Ohr" (Iyov 36:32).

5.

Ibn Ezra #1: We give our hearts for a gift, like "va'Yisa Masa'os" (Bereishis 43:34).

6.

Ibn Ezra #2: He will carry his heart in his hands.

7.

Palgei Mayim: Ma'aseh is called Kapayim; we find this often in Tanach. Levav refers to intent. I.e. we will designate the deed and intent solely for Hashem, and then Hashem will be with us to save us.


1

105b: Another opinion says to look down (towards the Shechinah in Eretz Yisrael) - "v'Hayu Einai v'Libi Sham Kol ha'Yamim" (Melachim I, 9:3). R. Yosi said, his eyes should be down, and his heart up, to fulfill both verses.

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