05 Aug VAETCHANAN- MOSHE’S PRAYER – AND OUR PRAYERS

P a r a s h a t
Va’et’hanan begins
with Moshe’s
impassioned plea
to G-d that he be
allowed to enter the Land of Israel.
Speaking to Beneh Yisrael before
his passing, Moshe recalled how “I
beseeched G-d at that time, saying”
– how he begged for the privilege of
entering the land together with Beneh
Yisrael.
The Or Ha’haim Ha’kadosh (Rav Haim
Ben-Attar, 1696-1743) comments
that in this verse, with which Moshe
introduces his prayer, he alludes to us
four principles regarding prayer, the
ways to maximize its effectiveness
and help ensure that our prayers are
accepted.
The first principle is expressed in the
word “Va’et’hanan” – “I beseeched.”
This particular verb refers not simply
to prayer, but to prayer with humility
and submission, like a poor person
begging for charity. The Or Ha’haim

cites in this context the verse in the
Book of Mishleh (18:23), “Tahanunim
Yedaber Rash” – “A pauper speaks
words of supplication.” The word
“Va’e’thanan,” then, denotes prayer
recited like a pauper who humbly begs
for help, recognizing our complete
dependence on G-d for our needs.
Secondly, the Or Ha’haim continues,
Moshe says that he prayed to
“Hashem” – referring to G-d with the
Name of “Havaya,” which signifies
G-d’s attribute of compassion. While
praying, we must intend to appeal to
what the Or Ha’haim calls “Mekor
Ha’rahamim” – “the source of
compassion,” G-d’s attribute of mercy,
trusting in His infinite compassion, that
He is prepared to provide us with our
needs and grant our requests even if we
are undeserving.
Moshe then emphasizes that he uttered
this prayer “Ba’et Ha’hi” – “at that
time.” The Or Ha’haim explains that
although prayer is, of course, valuable
and beneficial at any time, certain

occasions are considered an
“Et Rason” (literally, “a time
of goodwill”), an especially
propitious time for having
our prayers answered. Moshe
Rabbenu, of course, knew
precisely which times were
an “Et Rason,” and so he
uttered his prayer then. The
Or Ha’haim cites the Sages’
interpretation that the phrase
“Ba’et Hahi” refers to the
time of Beneh Yisrael’s
successful battle against the
kingdoms of Sihon and Og,
which effectively began the process of
conquering Eretz Yisrael. As Hashem
had begun this process, Moshe perhaps
felt that this was an auspicious time
to pray for the privilege of seeing the
completion of this process across the
river, in the Land of Israel.
The final word in this verse – “L’emor”
(“saying”) – implies that Moshe chose
his words carefully when he prayed.
When one prays to G-d, he must ensure

to use the right words, to express
himself clearly, to articulate very
specifically what it is that he requests.
Proper and precise formulation of
one’s words is critical for the efficacy
of his prayer.
May we follow Moshe’s example of
prayer, praying in the right way, with
the right intentions, and at the right
times, so that we will be worthy of
having all our prayers answered in full,
Amen.