When I first heard this sung at a kumzitz, I couldn't relate to the message
B
’sheim Hashem Elokei Yisrael, miyemini Michael, mismoli Gavriel, milefanai Uriel, umei’achorai Refael. V’al roshi Shechinas Kel.
In the name of Hashem, the G-d of Yisrael, on my right is [the angel] Michael, on my left is [the angel] Gavriel, in front of me is [the angel] Uriel, behind me is [the angel] Refael, and above me is the Presence of Hashem. Source: Bedtime Shema.
When I first heard this sung at a kumzitz, I couldn’t relate to the message. My eyes shifted from one intensely crinkled face to the next, perplexed as to what they felt while singing about… angels? Stories about angels don’t inspire me; they are so far removed from everyday experience.
I’m moved instead by tales of growth, of vulnerability and resilience, of bitachon that came before the miraculous salvation. That was until one particular camp counselor shared with us the following explanation (which I’ve now discovered is based on Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch’s commentary on the siddur).
Create a free account to keep reading.
