Re: Black Hats

Bernard Laufer (seeker1@gte.net)
Wed, 1 Oct 1997 15:29:46 -0400

lgurkov@juno.com (LAIZER GURKOV)wrote:
>I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Laufer's two main points. First of all,
>that the dichotomy that Mr. Laufer describes is indeed dangerous. Secondly
>that one's actions speak louder than words.
>I also agree with Mr. Laufer's assertion that my original point does indeed
>require elucidation. What I meant to say was that although it is true that
>being in G-d's presence at all times, one must always act properly,
>nevertheless, during prayer we must act even better. This is similar (or
>identical?) to the difference between being in the king's presence and
>addressing the king.
>We are always in the King's presence and we must conduct ourselves
>accordingly. However during prayer we are not only in the King's presence
>but addressing the King, and the King Himself is listening to our words, so
>certainly we must behave in a manner befitting the situation.

I like Mr. Gurkov's use of the king analogy in trying to defend his point that
"during prayer we must act even better." However, it may be shown by using
another variation of the king analogy that outside of prayer we must act even
better. This is comparable to performing before the king, and addressing the
king.

While we perform before the King, we are under great pressure to execute
our actions successfully. Before the performance and after the performance
when we bow down to the King, and briefly address Him, we may approach Him
on a more personal level.

Dov Laufer