Tremble and Sin Not and Pray Even Upon Your Bed

Pesikta DeRav Kahana 24:4

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Tremble and sin not; speak in your heart upon your bed, and be still" (Psalms 4:5). Rabbi Yaakov bar Avina and the Rabbis. Rabbi Yaakov bar Avina said: enrage your evil inclination so that it not lead you to sin. And the Rabbis said: provoke your evil inclination to anger so that you not come to sin. It was taught in the name of Rabbi Eleazar: "The hope of Israel" (Jeremiah 17:13). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Israel: I told you that you should pray in the synagogue that is in your city; and if you cannot, pray in your field; and if you cannot, pray within your house; and if you cannot, pray upon your bed; and if you cannot, meditate in your heart -- "speak in your heart upon your bed, and be still" (Psalms 4:5). Rabbi Yudan said: be still from that transgression which is in your hand. Therefore Hosea warns Israel and says to them, "Return, O Israel" (Hosea 14:2).

Themes

PrayerRepentanceYetzer Hara

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