TTfT 0032- Usually we approach G-d with enormous reverence and respect. On occasion, however, we are told that some great people approached G-d quite boldly. Examples include Chana, Moshe, and Eliyahu the prophet.

Brachos 32a- Today we discuss the topic of harsh prayers that were accepted. Specifically, we will discuss the prayers of Chana, Moshe, and Eliyahu.

Chana wanted a child desperately. She basically said it’s unfair. Her prayer is not a nice little request. Rather she insists that G-d give her a child.

Indeed, sometimes it is like G-d sets us in a situation, and expects us to argue that He should give us a lot more mercy than He is giving us. Similarly Moshe and Eliyahu express themselves most harshly.

Eliyahu says, “You turned their hearts backwards.” Although Eliyahu preached to the Jewish people telling them that they must not serve idols, when Eliyahu spoke to G-d he defended the people by saying, “You, G-d, have made the challenge too hard for them.” Acher, the Jewish king who was promoting idol worship, was very popular. So Eliyahu claimed hat the deteriorated situation which the Jewish people found themselves in, was really G-d’s fault.

Sometimes we think of Eliyahu as a zealous, passionate preacher. It is important to realize that when he spoke to the people he was passionate in trying to get them to rectify their ways. But when he talked to G-d he was an equally passionate defender of the people. Interestingly, Eliyahu was known for the belt of hide that he wore. Rashi tells us that the belt of hide was a reminder of the Akeida (binding of Yitzchak), to have G-d recall the merit of the founding fathers of the people.

Moshe also spoke harshly to G-d, blaming G-d for the spiritual lapse of the people. Moshe said, “You, G-d, gave too much gold to the Jewish people,” and that is why they fell into the downfall at the golden calf.

The Talmud provides a parable to Moshe’s argument that the people fell because they were provided with too much money. It is like a child who is bathed, anointed with oil and placed with money in front of a house of ill repute. What do you expect will happen?

The Talmud maintains that these arguments, as harsh as they are, were accepted by G-d. On a practical level, under normal circumstances, we are careful not to pray harshly. Normally we approach G-d with reverence, and realize that often, if He doesn’t grant our request, it is because it isn’t good for us. Nevertheless, these stories indicate that sometimes it is appropriate to pray a heartfelt prayer, even if it sounds a bit harsh. The main thing is that one is allowed to dialogue with G-d and develop and grow through the experiences of life.