In Parashat Massei, the Torah lists the 42 stages of the desert. This is no mere geographical list, but a true spiritual cartography tracing the passage of the Hebrew people from the state of slave to that of free person.

These 42 stages correspond to the 42 letters of the divine Name, revealed through the Kabbalistic poem Ana BeKoah. This powerful text acts as a key of passage: from weekday to Shabbat, from waking to sleep, from exile to Redemption.

The 42-letter Name is formed from the initials of the seven verses of Ana BeKoah. Each verse yields a group of six letters — seven groups of six, forty-two letters in all.

This sacred Name is recited every Friday night after Lekha Dodi, at the moment of welcoming Shabbat. But its use does not stop there.

It is also said every morning, to move from sleep to prayer; every evening before sleep, within the Kriyat Shema al Hamita; and before a journey, to receive protection and shorten the way.

From the 17th of Tamuz to the 30th of the month, we count 13 days. From Rosh Chodesh Av to the 9th of Av, we count 9 days. Total: 22 days.

But the 9th of Av is not counted in the mourning, for according to tradition the Mashiach is born on that day — Tachanun is not said. So we retain 21 days. And if we add the 21 nights, we recover the 42 stages.