Morning Blessings: Tallelei Orot: Entering the Synagogue

The 28th of Nissan is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Yissochor Dov (ben Shaul) Rubin, author of Tallelei Oros (1962-2008). After learning at Yeshiva L’tze’irim Ruzhin in Bnei Brak, he joined the Ponevezh Yeshiva and later continued his studies in the Kollel Avreichim of Yeshivas Ponevezh. He was hired as a maggid shiur in Yeshiva Karlin Stolin L’tze’irim and later as mashgiach in Yeshivas Beis Chilkiya. In 1988, he began writing his divrei Torah on the parsha which was printed weekly in Yated Neeman. Thus began the seeds for his sefer, Tallelei Oros on the Parsha. Thereafter came volumes on Sukkos, Pesach, Purim, Tisha B’av, and the Yomim Noraim. In the last few years, Rav Yissochor Dov invested much effort in publishing the Tallelei Oros on tefilla-prayer. He produced five volumes. In addition the these seforim, Rav Yissochor Dov also published Sefer Oros HaGra, as well as the popular version of Sefer Nefesh Hachaim with his elucidations, footnotes, and references. He also (anonymously)printed two volumes of Sefas Emes al Hatefilla.

As a person approaches the synagogue he should pick up the pace of his steps, as the verse says, “And they House of God we would walk in company,” meaning walk in a rush. The person should check his shoes to be sure that they are clean. This is what Solomon taught in his great wisdom, “Guard your foot when you go to the House of God.”

When he enters the synagogue, he should say, “As for me, through Your abundant kindness I will enter Your House; I will prostrate myself toward Your Holy Sanctuary in awe of You (Psalms 5:8).” He should immediately sit in his place, covered himself with his Tallit and sit silently for a few moments and ponder in his heart before Whom he stands. Who is listening to his words, at that point he will dress himself in trembling in fear and then be truly ready to pray. (Sha’ar HaYirah – Rabbeinu Yonah)