Not in a literal sense, of course, but in a way that might just change how you think about connecting with the Divine.
The Tikkunei Zohar, in section 89, dives deep into a verse from Psalms (68:14): "If you shall lie down between the se-phatayim" – which it translates as "lips." But these aren't just any lips. These are the "lips" of the qorbana, the offering, of the Holy One. And here's where it gets really interesting: the Shekhinah – that's the Divine Presence, often seen as the feminine aspect of God – is considered His qorbana!
Think about that for a second. The Divine Presence, the part of God that dwells among us, is an offering. What does that even mean?
The text goes on to explain that because of this, the sages established prayer in place of sacrifice. This idea is echoed in the Talmud (Berakhot 26a), which tells us that prayer serves as a substitute for the ancient Temple sacrifices. But the Tikkunei Zohar gives it a deeper, more mystical twist. Prayer isn't just a replacement; it's a way to elevate the Shekhinah.
The Tikkunei Zohar then quotes Leviticus (6:2), calling the Shekhinah the 'olah – the burnt offering. 'Olah literally means "that which ascends." Worthy is the one who elevates Her towards Him appropriately, the text says.
So, what does it mean to "elevate Her"?
The text draws on the Song of Songs (3:6): "Who is this (zot) rising (olah) from the desert?" It's a beautiful image, right? Something precious and divine rising out of a desolate place. The Tikkunei Zohar equates "this rising from the desert" with prayer. And not just any prayer, but specifically the prayer that comes from your mouth.
The text considers the mouth which utters prayer as Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai! That's where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave the Torah to the Jewish people. So, when you pray, you're not just speaking words; you're creating a sacred space, a place where the Divine can be revealed.
The passage continues, "...perfumed with myrrh..." Myrrh, in this context, represents Abraham, who established the morning service. (Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:8). So, the morning prayer, initiated by Abraham, is seen as a fragrant offering, ascending to the heavens.
What's the takeaway here? Prayer isn’t just a rote recitation of words. It's a powerful act of elevation. It’s about raising the Divine Presence, the Shekhinah, from the "desert" of our everyday lives and offering it back to the Holy One. It's about transforming our own mouths into Mount Sinai, a place where the Divine can be revealed.
Next time you pray, think about that. Think about the Shekhinah, the Divine Presence within you, and your power to elevate it, to offer it back to the Source. Maybe, just maybe, your prayers will feel a little less like words and a little more like a sacred sacrifice.