Simply perceiving G-dhood caused the people to move, a movement showing
vitality, life.
If you only knew, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn said, the
power of verses of
Tehillim (Psalms) and their effect in the highest Heavens, you would recite them
constantly. Know that the chapters of Tehillim shatter all barriers, they ascend
higher and still higher with no interference; they prostrate themselves in
supplication before the Master of all worlds, and they effect and accomplish
with kindness and compassion.
Footnote: (1) Sh'mot
(Exodus) 20:15.
"Declare
God's greatness with me, and we will exalt His Name together." [Ps 34:4]
Why the repetition? Is there a difference between the two halves of the verse,
between 'declaring God's greatness' and 'exalting His Name'?
The primary function of speech is as a tool for communication. When I publicly
declare God's greatness, I communicate to others my inner awe of God. This
declaration starts "with me". I openly
express these sentiments in order to awaken others to join me in sensing God's
greatness.
The second half of the verse, on the hand, depicts a totally different
situation. No one is initiating, no one is influencing, no one is responding.
"We will exalt His Name together". Together we acknowledge the
sanctity of God's Name. Concurrently we sense the sublime kindness in His rule.
This second level requires no outward expression - just the contemplations of a
pure heart, and the inner feelings of the soul. Speech is used to inform
those who do not know. But we all share
the potential to direct ourselves towards the future era, when there will be no
need to teach others, when inner awareness of the exquisite truth will fill the
world.
The Sages derived from this verse an interesting insight into the familiar
response of 'Amen'. "This teaches that 'Amen' should not be said more
loudly than the original blessing." [Brachot 45] What
is wrong with loud 'Amen's?
We first need to determine: what is 'Amen'?
Answering 'Amen' indicates agreement with what was said. It means that our inner
understanding is at one with what we have heard. 'Amen' is not a form of public
articulation. It is a response from
the soul: these expressed sentiments resonate with our own inner perceptions.
If 'Amen' is said more loudly than the original blessing, this would indicate
that the 'Amen' is coming to add the listener's own emotions to those already
expressed in the blessing. While this is not a negative aspect - our physical
nature causes us to be influenced and moved by external speech and actions -
this is only a means to awaken true inner enlightenment. A true 'Amen' is not a
loud outburst of emotion, but rather a quiet reflection of agreement and inner
awareness.
The blessing calls out, "Declare God's greatness with me!" It is a
public cry to awaken inner awareness in others.
We respond with 'Amen' - "We will exalt His Name together". We exalt
God's Name, with inner recognition, above and beyond all language. The word
'Amen' itself is an abbreviation ("Ayl Melech
Ne'eman"), indicating that this response should be concise in words - and
extensive in thought.
