Praying On Purpose

A "healthy" and well-balanced prayer contains two essential ingredients.  But even when one of these ingredients is missing, it retains a degree of potency.  

While relating to the concept of malchut is indeed challenging, we can learn to attune our ears to hear the gentle and soft voice of the King.

The fast of Asara B’Tevet contains an essential life lesson, which can inform and inspire us every time we pray.

Although God transcends time and space, His Presence is concentrated near one who is ill.  Understanding this phenomenon can enlighten and empower each one of us, every time we pray.

Of all the opening words in a bracha, one would think that the word "king" would be the easiest to relate to.  The reality however would seem to be quite different.  

Every time we daven, we position our bodies and direct our focus toward the place where the Temple once stood.  Upon reflection, this practice can enhance and inspire every prayer.

What had once been two very different forms of worship have now become one.  Prayer, the way we experience it today, has evolved into a fusion of two biblical models.

On Chanukah, we express our gratitude and appreciation - not only for the miracles and the victories but also for the battles and the struggles.

When performing the mitzvah of Ner Chanukah, every effort is made to broadcast a message to others.  Yet, when circumstances obstruct our efforts, we are reminded to find satisfaction in our accomplishments.  

Prayer, the way we experience it today,  represents an integration of two unique models. Part 2 of our exploration of the evolution of prayer.

The omission of any reference to the miracle of the oil in the prayer of Al HaNissim can serve to enlighten our davening on Chanukah, and beyond. 

The experience of meaningful prayer is achieved within a space that reflects tension and ambiguity.  Upon deeper reflection, we come to appreciate that very space as one of peace and clarity. 

As we reflect upon the earliest examples of recorded prayer, we stumble upon what appears to be the great paradox of Jewish prayer. 

The fourth word of every blessing contains (at least) three separate messages, each essential and profound.  In this message, we attempt to break it down, revealing this word's simplicity and relatability.    

Prayer is designed to be a dynamic and immersive experience.  The ancient tradition to "shuckle" while davening can serve to assist us in achieving that goal.  

Yaakov Avinu serves as the inspiration for tefillas Maariv, as he learned to discover and connect with Hashem even, if not especially, during the darkest times of his life.

Proper recitation of the Name of Hashem requires both focus and attention.  More importantly, however, it can only be achieved through personal reflection and genuine honesty.  

When selecting a proper location to daven, not all places are created equal.  

As we have seen, despite its relatively short length, tefillas Mincha contains tremendous potential.  Perhaps the very name of this prayer provides us with further insight into its unique potency. 

Today we continue to explore the proper focus that one should have when reciting the Name of Hashem and, in the process of doing so, discover new perspectives which enable us to anchor our lives in faith.

When entering a shul, one should not stand too close to the doorway.  Today we explore three interpretations of this halacha, each of which can serve to enhance our prayer experience.  

Of the three daily prayers, our Rabbis urge us to be particularly mindful in our performance of Tefillas Mincha.  Today we explore what makes the afternoon prayer the most consequential of all.

To properly comprehend the most important word in all of our liturgy we must be focused, attentive, and, most importantly, patient.  

One would think that the best way to prepare for davening is by temporarily disconnecting from others, thereby readying oneself for an encounter with God.  In reality, however, we are directed to do just the opposite.  

The morning prayers, inspired by Avraham Avinu, provide us with a unique opportunity to connect with God, and with ourselves, at the start of every day.