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A short adaptation of excerpts from the maamar “Mayim Rabim” of Parshas Noach, 4th of Cheshvan, 5725 (1964). A version of sections of this maamar edited by the Rebbe in sicha form appears in Likkutei Sichos Vol. 5, p. 288

“Many waters cannot extinguish the love, nor can rivers wash it away” (Shir HaShirim 8:7).

The Alter Rebbe explains in Torah Ohr on our parsha that “many waters” refers to all the distractions of earning a livelihood and thoughts about worldly matters. Yet despite these challenges, they “cannot extinguish the love”—referring to the innate, hidden love that exists naturally within every Jewish neshama. On the contrary, through these very “many waters,” an even greater elevation in divine service is achieved. This is why they are called “mei Noach” (the waters of Noach)—”Noach” meaning comfort and satisfaction—because through them, additional spiritual growth is accomplished.

…The way to achieve this is through “come into the ark” (Bereishis 6:18). This means “entering into the words (teivos) of davening” since davening awakens love.

The Mistake of the  Business People

The Alter Rebbe continues in Torah Ohr:

“This is the mistake of business people who think they cannot daven as can the yoshvei ohalim, those who sit in the tents of study. On the contrary, it is the opposite—they can daven even more, because the advantage of light emerges specifically from darkness.”

This idea also appears in Iggeres HaKodesh, where it states that on Shabbos and holidays, when even business people have free time, they are obligated to engage in davening with even greater strength and intensity.

Clearly, for Shabbos davening to be meaningful, there must also be davening b’arichus during the weekdays—for “only one who toiled on Friday will eat on Shabbos.” Therefore, even during the week, business people must engage in the avodas haitefilla. While they may not have as much time,  the emphasis is on intention and focus—quality over quantity in time, though some extension of time is still necessary even on weekdays.

The Mistake of the Yoshvei Ohalim

An additional lesson emerges here: Only business people might mistakenly think they cannot daven as extensively as Torah scholars—but yoshvei ohalim themselves have no basis for such an error.

… The Alter Rebbe’s words in Iggeres HaKodesh specify that davening should last “approximately an hour and a half at minimum.” If it were possible to achieve this in less time, the Alter Rebbe would not have demanded—especially not with such emphasis—specifically an extended duration.

“Go Argue With the Alter Rebbe…”

Those who think they can accomplish the same with less time are mistaken. When time is reduced, depth of concentration is also diminished. The truth is that the contemplation required for proper davening demands extended time.

[In the unedited transcript, it is recorded that the Rebbe said the following:

“And those who think that since they haven’t been davening b’arichus (at length) for a while and no one protests, this proves the validity of their approach—the matter was already clarified long ago by the Alter Rebbe in Torah Ohr, that there’s no room for this mistake, and this is a matter between him and the Alter Rebbe. If he has reasons for his conduct—let him argue it out with the Alter Rebbe, whether his claim is truly a valid answer or merely an excuse. If he’s someone capable of ‘arguing’ like this—instead of using that ability to avoid davening, it’s better to use it for deeper understanding in Chassidus…”]

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Beis Moshiach magazine can be obtained in stores around Crown Heights. To purchase a subscription, please go to: bmoshiach.org

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