And of all clouds [Var. which are greater and lesser Rome] that are covering prayers, it is this that is written: (Lam. 3:44) You have covered Yourself in cloud, that no prayer should pass – they the clouds pass away, and the eyes shine, which are the First and Second Temples, through which prayers ascend.
For when Israel are made filthy, by the defilements of other nations, then the soul, which is the Shekhinah, says: (Song. 1:6) Do not look upon me for I am blackened – and prayer falls. It is this that is written: (Amos 5:2) She has fallen, she shall not rise again, the virgin of Israel.