Boneh Yerushalayim

Rachak posted on an email that was written by a well-known shul-rabbi in Chicago. It is for a global effort in having proper intent when saying Boneh Yerushalayim in one's Tefilla. It was meant for Rosh Hodesh, but it's never too late. Any day (week, month, etc.) would be a good time to start this.

Here's the email:

A MESSAGE FROM RABBI ZEV M SHANDALOV IN CHICAGO...

We all receive emails every day asking us to take action on an issue; jokes to send around; requests to daven for someone and stocks in which to invest.

Although this IS an email asking for action...GLOBAL action...it is different in that it has the potential to bring about a significant change for Jews everywhere.

On Friday, July 8, 2005, Jews all over the world will celebrate the second day of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, being the FIRST day of this new month. It is a tragic fact that the month of Tammuz was the beginning of the end for the Bet HaMikdash in Yerushalayim, almost 2000 years ago. The walls of the city were breached and this ultimately led to the destruction of the Bet HaMikdash (Sheyibaneh Bimhera B'yamenu)

As we enter this month of Tammuz, there is a small, but significant act we can do that MAY help to bring about a change in the Heavenly Court. On that day, the First day of Tammuz, let everyone who reads this email resolve to say one particular Bracha with perfect "kavana," (intent).

The Bracha that I refer to is "Boneh Yerushalyim" in Shemona Esray. As you recite that paragraph (beginning with the words "V'lirushalayim Ircha B'rachamim Tashuv...") concentrate as strongly as possible and PICTURE the complete re-building of the Bet HaMikdash! Daven as hard as possible for this to occur.

IMAGINE! Imagine thousands of Jews all over the world concentrating on one day over one particular Bracha for the re-building of Yerushalyim! Imagine how that can show Hashem that we really are tired of this LONG Golus (exile). Imagine spending Tish'a B'Av in Yerushalyim THIS YEAR as involved in the greatest change ever to happen for the Jewish people in nearly 2000 years!

Is it a BIG dream? Of course it is. But if you do not think it is a REALISTIC dream....think again. Think of the power that ONE Tefilla potentially may have.

I urge you to forward this email to everyone on your email lists and ask THEM to do the same.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.


Rabbi Zev M Shandalov

I just want to add that another intent one should have when saying this blessing is that Mashiah Ben Yosef should not die at the hands of Aramilus Harasha.

May Yerushalayim be rebuilt speedily in our days. Amen.