Introduction to Pesukei d’Zimra (5) – Pausing in Anticipation (שוהים) Berachot 30b
We have seen two different approaches to the idea of pesukei d’zimra as preparation for the amida. First we reviewed R. Simlai’s ‘praise before petition.’ Then we saw the three ways in which we are meant to “rise to prayer” – solemnity, settled law and joy. We now turn to the third and concluding way in which pesukei d’zimra can be seen as helping to prepare for the amida.
Last time we analyzed the first half of the first Mishna of the fifth chapter of Berachot. We now turn to the second half of that very same Mishna which offers a different way to prepare for Prayer.
חֲסִידִים הָרִאשׁוֹנִים הָיוּ שׁוֹהִים שָׁעָה אַחַת וּמִתְפַּלְּלִים, כְּדֵי שֶׁיְּכַוְּנוּ אֶת לִבָּם לַמָּקוֹם.
The ancient pious one used to wait in anticipation for an hour and then pray in order to intend their hearts to the Omnipresent One.
These chasidim used to prepare for their recitation of the amida by meditating for an hour. Again, in its context, this Mishna is outlining how we are meant to prepare for the moment of standing before God in the amida. The gemara adds the following instruction, extending the requirement to after Prayer as well:
בבלי ברכות ל״ב ע״ב
וְאָמַר רַבִּי יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בֶּן לֵוִי הַמִּתְפַּלֵּל צָרִיךְ לִשְׁהוֹת שָׁעָה אַחַת אַחַר תְּפִלָּתוֹ
Bavli Berachot 32b
Yehoshua b. Levi said, “One who prays must meditate for an hour after their Prayer.”