This prayer, while initially free of demonology or Neoplatonic ideas, nevertheless came to have a kabbalistic dimension. Harkening back to last week’s discussion of the three levels of ensoulment most have access to, some Kabbalists claim that the first two lines focus our ruach on the synagogue, the next focus our emotional nefesh, and the sense of awe focuses our neshamah. In this way, Mah Tovu serves to gear us up for the avodah before us. Studies have shown that when you dress for the task, hold yourself in the mold you are seeking and embody the role you are trying to fulfill you so. In this way, Mah Tovu can be seen as the ethereal garments we are layering ourself in as we approach G-d. Indeed, in some traditions, the worshipper recites the first line upon seeing the synagogue, the next line upon approaching the doorway, and the final lines upon entering.

For me, when I approach the synagogue, to date, I have quite a different reaction. First I think, “Should I have driven my car here? Could I have made better decisions this morning, or last night, to make it possible to me to walk here? Is electricity fire? Does that matter?” Next, is there anyone threatening around? Is the environment safe? Am I safe?” Third, how do I signal to others that I’m safe? Do I look Jewish enough? Should I take off my kova shtuch to show my kippah? Regrettably, I do not think of this prayer. Perhaps I should. There are still areas for improvement of course, but perhaps as we approach the synagogue we can think “How good are these tents?” While Franklin Foer makes a convincing case that “The Golden Age of American Jews Is Ending” in The Atlantic I can’t help but be reminded of the quote of Mark Twain, a notably semito-phile, who commented upon his own premature obituary, “The report of my death was greatly exaggerated.”

The leadership at Rodef Shalom has created an environment not just where Jews of all stripes feel accepted, but feel welcome. How good is it that we have survived hundreds of pograms, thousands of years of persecution, exile, hate, and fear and yet can still build dwellings, not just tents, where we can join together in community to participate in rituals, both ancient and new. While we are not used to bowing before anyone in this country, it does seem fair to at least offer a degree of deference to this institution which gathers us in year after countless year. Whether or not channeling spells work to concentrate divine energy, we have here a gathering of souls united, if nebulously, in towards a common goal: finding greater purpose in a chaotic world.

How good are your tents, Jacob: your dwelling places, Israel.
As for me, through Your abundant kindness I will enter Your House;
I will prostrate myself toward Your Holy Sanctuary in awe of You.
Adonoy, I love the Dwelling, Your House, and the place where Your glory resides.
I will prostrate myself, and bow, I will kneel before Adonoy, my Maker.
May my prayer to You Adonoy be at a favorable time;
G-d, in the abundance of Your kindness answer me with the truth of Your deliverance.

How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your habitations, O Israel!
By Your abundant grace, I enter Your house.
I worship before Your holy shrine with reverence.
O Lord, I love Your abode, the place where Your glory dwells.
I will worship and bow down;
I will bend the knee before the Lord my Maker.
I offer prayer to You, O Lord, at a time of grace.
O G-d, in Your abundant kindness, answer me with Your saving truth.

Ha-Siddur Ha-Shalem (1949)
Source: archive.org
Digitization: Sefaria
License: [missing]

How good are your tents, O Jacob, and your homes, O Israel!
Through the greatness of Your love I enter Your house.
In awe of You I worship before the ark of Your holiness.
G-d, as I loved the courts of Your temple, and the place where Your glory dwelt,
so I still worship and bend low, humble before the Eternal my Maker.
As for me, let my prayer come before You at the proper time.
Answer me G-d, in the greatness of Your love, for Your deliverance is sure.

Seder Ha-T’fillot, Forms of Prayer

HOW FAIR are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel.
I through Your abundant love, enter Your house; I bow down in awe at Your holy temple.
Adonai, I love Your temple abode, the dwelling-place of Your glory.
I will humbly bow down low before Adonai, my Maker.
As for me, may my prayer come to You, Adonai, at a favorable time.
O G-d, in Your abundant faithfulness, answer me with Your sure deliverance.

How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling palces, O Israel.
As for me, O G-d, abounding in grace, I enter your house to worship with awe in Your sacred place.
I love Your house, Eternal One, the dwelling place of Your glory;
humbly I worship You, humbly I seek blessing from G-d my Maker. 
To You, Eternal One, goes my prayer; may this be a time of your favor. 
In Your great love, O G-d, answer me with Your saving truth.

For more information and sources visit Sefaria.org: Netilat Yadayim and consider a donation there as well!