Parashat Noah: How prayer becomes an ark that carries us through turbulent times - opinion

In Genesis 7:1, God instructs Noah to enter the teiva, the ark, along with his family and the creatures, symbolizing a refuge during the Flood. The Hebrew word "teiva" can also mean "a word," according to the 18th-century founder of Hassidic movement, the Baal Shem Tov. He interpreted "Bo el hateiva" as an instruction to enter the words of prayer, which forms the basis for his teachings on prayer in "Amud Hatefila" or "The Pillar of Prayer."

The ark becomes a starting point for a unique approach to prayer, emphasizing deep concentration, attachment to sacred letters, and awareness of Divine within them. According to him, the practitioner should immerse themselves in each word with their whole body and all their powers. Yoram Raanan's painting, created spontaneously, illustrates this concept.

It depicts a ship, formed from the curved hull of the ark, and a stringed instrument like a lute, emerging from the ship's vertical lines. Both the ship and the lute reside within the teiva, representing a spiritual space that can hold and carry us. The painting depicts various elements, such as golden birds and drifting clouds, blending different realms, symbolizing the interconnectedness of prayer and its transformative power.

In turbulent times, the ark and the words of prayer become a vessel that carries us, offering protection and a refuge. As the Jewish holidays conclude, the Baal Shem Tov's teaching provides a way to carry that experience into the new year, with the words of prayer as a source of strength and sustenance. Noah, after leaving the ark, had to rebuild life on dry land.

Similarly, Raanan's teiva, both ark and lute, signifies refuge during the Flood and a song for the journey ahead.