The Gemara on amud aleph mentions the concept of Ta’un Linah, which is that certain sacrifices such as a the Korban Pesach require staying overnight in Yerushalayim.  What does this represent?

Be’er Mayyim Chayyim (Bereishis 32:14) discusses this phenomenon. He notes that Yaakov Avinu stayed overnight after his prayer and draws a parallel to the similar obligation by sacrifices.

I think this tells us something important about prayer. It is not just about asking for things but also an attainment of a spiritual state that is to be held and contemplated for maximum benefit. The Gemara (Berachos 32b) tells us that the early generation of pious men would mediate one hour before prayer, and one hour after prayer. The time after a spiritual attainment is as critical as the attainment. It’s where one can “actualize their gains” and find a way to bring it along with him or her into daily life.

It’s sad and dissonant to watch people rush out of Shul. It’s especially odd to watch some people go for the “Trifecta” of mumbling Kaddish while winding their tefilin, and getting ready to leave. I suppose the Berditchever Rebbe would say, “Look how amazing Jews are, even while rushing out to work, they still try to daven.” But folks, I’m no Berditchever and you aren’t a chassid, so perhaps we should just sit quietly for a moment before we rush off to work.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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