Lilui Nishmas the 11 Kedoshim who perished in the Pittsburgh Massacre “ And Isaac went forth to pray (lasuach) in the field towards evening, and he lifted his eyes and saw, and behold, camels were approaching .” (Genesis 24:63) The Gemara in Berachos (26b) derives from this pasuk that Yitzchak instituted the Teffilah of Mincha. Upon analysis, several questions can be asked on this passuk. 1) What is the meaning of the word lasuach? The Rashbam understands that the word lasuach comes from the word siach which means to plant. Lasuach basadeh: He (Yitzchak) planted trees and looked after his workers. Rashi says that it is similar to the word sicha, which means speech. Why didn't the Torah use an ordinary word to describe prayer? It seems that Mincha has somewhat of a different quality to it than other Teffilos and in some way is more closely identified with planting and speaking. What is the inner nature of Teffilas Mincha? 2) What is the significance of the fact that the first Mincha ever davened took place in a field? 3) The Torah tells us that this particular Mincha took place towards evening. Is the Torah simply telling us the time that Mincha is meant to be davened or is their perhaps a deeper message the Torah is trying to convey? 4) The Torah tells that Yitzchak lifted his eyes and saw camels approaching. It does not say that Yitzchak saw Rivka approaching. Why does the Torah feel the need to highlight camels in the midst of informing us about the institution of Mincha an
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