Siddur on the Hill - The Vilna Shul

Evening Service
Ma’ariv
מעריב
What does it mean to be called to worship? All serious activity requires preparation. The prayers
and blessings that precede Barekhu help the individual focus on prayer. With the Barekhu,
communal prayer begins. The prayer is a call to worship, which can only be recited when a
minyan (10 people) is present. By leading the Barekhu, the leader asks if the Community is ready
for prayer. The Community responds in the affirmative. The concept of the Barekhu can be
traced to Nehemia 9:5: “Then the Levites…said: ‘Stand up and bless [barekhu] the Lord, your
God, from everlasting to everlasting, and let them say, ‘Blessed be Thy glorious Name, that is
exalting above all blesssings and praise.’” Rabbi Akiba suggests that the formula be “Praise the
Lord,” while Rabbi Ishmael, whose view was accepted, stated that it should be “Praise the Lord,
Who is praised.” The Talmud states that a person should never exclude himself from the
Community. Thus, it was felt that it would be preferable for the leader to say “Let us praise”
rather than “Praise.” It was finally decided that it would be satisfactory for the leader to say
“Barekhu” if then repeating the communal response so as to be included within the group’s
declaration.
Here I am, waiting, Watching, Listening. Attending to what is within and without. The whispered breath of God fills
me with wonder and wisdom, and I bend, embraced by the One who is all. For a moment, I no longer breath. I am
breathed. For an instant, I know truth of who I am—God’s breath, a fleeting exhalation of All into This. How
wondrous this moment when breath breathes and knows itself Divine!
- Rabbi Rami Shapiro
— 20 —