Rabash. What Is, “A Drunken Man Must Not Pray, in the Work?. 21 (1989) (17.01.2003) [2026-04-20] #lesson

This Kabbalah lecture by Rav, delivered on January 17, 2003, explores the spiritual meaning behind the saying 'a drunken man must not pray in the work.' The speaker interprets this not as a literal prohibition, but as a profound metaphor for spiritual readiness and integrity. The core idea is that when a person is spiritually 'drunk'—overwhelmed by ego, desire, or uncorrected intentions—their prayers and actions are not genuine service but a form of 'worship' that distorts the true purpose of spiritual work. The lecture delves into the structure of the soul, particularly the roles of the Cohen (priest), Levi (Levite), and Israel, representing different spiritual forces: Hasadim (mercy), Hohma (wisdom), and the middle line of balance. It emphasizes that true spiritual work must be done with pure intention, free from ego, and that the highest form of service is gratitude and giving without expectation. The speaker stresses that one must not pray or act when in a state of inner imbalance, as such actions are spiritually invalid. The lesson concludes with a call to align one's inner state with the spiritual system through awareness, correction, and connection with others in a group, as only through this can one access the true light of the Creator.