Rabbi Addresses Whether Small Prayers Are Too Trivial for God
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Yoav Akrish discussed the common feeling of embarrassment when praying for small, personal matters, questioning if they are too trivial for God. This reflection came after a man asked for a blessing to pass his truck driver's license test. The rabbi connected this to the Torah's opening narrative, suggesting that all concerns, no matter how small, are worthy of prayer.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yoav Akrish addressed the question of whether small personal prayers are too trivial for God.
- A man asked the rabbi for a blessing to pass his truck driver's license test during a holiday service.
- The man questioned if asking God for such a thing was permissible or too insignificant.
- The rabbi noted that people often feel embarrassed to pray for minor issues.
- He connected this to the Torah's opening story of creation in a lesson.
- The discussion aimed to validate concerns that individuals might deem too small for prayer.
During a holiday prayer service, Rabbi Yoav Akrish was approached by a man who had just had the honor of opening the Holy Ark. After receiving a blessing, the man quietly asked the rabbi for a blessing to pass his truck driver's license test. He then innocently questioned whether it was permissible to ask God for such a thing, or if it was too insignificant.
The rabbi reflected on how people often feel embarrassed to pray for seemingly minor issues, such as a persistent headache, a bad mood, a stalled form, or a worry that others would overlook. This feeling is amplified after the High Holidays, when the return to routine and daily concerns can leave one feeling empty, despite the spiritual experiences of the preceding festivals.
In a lesson on the weekly Torah portion of Bereshit, Rabbi Akrish revisited Rashi's opening question about why the Torah begins with the story of creation. He connected this to the man with the truck driver's license and to everyone who feels their personal problems are too small to bring before God, suggesting that even these concerns are valid.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Only Kikar HaShabbat so far.