Pesukei d’Zimrah: Iyun Tefillah: Baruch Sh’amar

The 4th of Nisan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yaakov Tzvi Mecklenberg, author of HaKesav Vehakabala and Iyun Tefillah (1785-1865).  “Blessed are You, God, the King, Who is lauded with praises.” Hallel is the external action that functions in harmony with the praise, the internal action. This blessing describes what happens when our inner thoughts, praises, unify in harmony with the external speech; the opposite of the usual reveling of people who may speak in great joy even though it is not what they feel.

The word “Shevach,” implies a sense of inner peace; these praises are an expression of my entire being. Hallel is the only proper way to express such praises, this is why Hallel is associated with light; it is the illumination of the praises I experience with my entire being. (Iyun Tefillah)