BET
The Hebrew letter Bet connects
the path from Chesed to Chokmah. The letter Bet stands for Beit or Bahyeet,
a house. Bet also stands for Bracha, a blessing. The Torah begins with the
letter Bet (bereshit, in the beginning ...), and the Zohar tells us that
the universe was created through the letter Bet so that it would be filled
with blessings. Additonally, we learn in the Talmud that since the destruction
of the Temple, prayer has replaced sacrifce. Thus, think of your body as
a Bet HaMikdash Miat, a miniature Temple, and let your prayers be your offering
to the Holy One. In the Talmud we also read that the pious ones used to
spend an hour in preparation before beginning their prayers. Likewise, take
adequate time to prepare your inner Temple before beginning your prayers.
See invisible walls separating your holy activities from the outside world,
and experience greater levels of purity as you move within. Finally, when
you arrive at that place in your heart which is your holy of holies, then
from that place offer up your prayer.
Exercise:
Build your inner Temple! See yourself as a miniature
Temple offering prayer to God. Know that there are places within you that
should remain undefiled, and let no impurity enter into your heart of hearts.
By establishing a realm of holiness within, you may connect more deeply
to the Holy One.