Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Highest Praise: Pesachim 117a

Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said: The book of Psalms was recited using ten words of praise... and Hallelu-yah is greater than the rest, for it simultaneously includes praise and G-d's name.

Where Does the Divine Dwell? Pesachim 117a

The Divine Presence does not dwell in the midst of laziness, nor sadness, nor sillness, nor a lack of seriousness, nor in the midst of things that are a waste of time. The Divine Presence only dwells in the the midst of words of joy in divine service... Rav Yehuda said in the name of Rav - 'The Divine Presence also dwells in words of Jewish Law.' Rav Nachman said, 'Also in good dreams.'