Praying On Purpose

During times of war, each and every one of us must go to battle.  Prayer is one of the many powerful weapons in our arsenal.

Learning to share our most powerful emotions with Hashem can greatly enhance our connection and moments of formal prayer.

The custom of blowing the shofar throughout the month of Elul is designed to prepare us for the month of Tishrei , although not necessarily in the way we assume. 

This is a time of year during which we seek divine assistance in many different areas.  Perhaps more importantly though, we must remember to show up and claim the blessings that come our way.

Our Elul and Tishrei prayers include a special daily reminder that, in life, the only thing to fear is fear itself.

The month of Elul is a time period marked with distinction - and not merely because it precedes the month of Tishrei. Its special quality provides us with a unique focus for prayer.

The month of Elul invites us to demonstrate initiative in our quest to reconnect with Hashem - and prayer provides us with the perfect opportunities to do so.  

The period of the three weeks offers us a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present. 

Looking up and reminding ourselves to whom we should always direct our hopes and prayers is the greatest segulah in the world.

The birchos hashachar, recited every morning, serve as 15 unique prompts, directing our minds and hearts to heightened awareness. 

Every morning, we must tend to both our physical and spiritual needs.  All things being equal, one should precede the other.

Prayer and prophecy are two sides of the same coin. By taking a closer look at Moshe Rabbienu ’s prophetic power, we can gain insight and direction as to how we can most effectively engage in prayer.

Upon awakening in the morning, our primary focus should be to ready ourselves for davening.  Today we begin a discussion of some of the activities we may and may not do before davening.  

The day after Shavuos is the perfect time to remind ourselves that daily prayer is one of the most essential ingredients for success in Torah study.

Birchas HaTorah is only recited once a day, regardless of how many times one actually engages in Torah study.  

The practice of reciting the birchas kohanim immediately following birchos hatorah reveal much about the ultimate objectives of Torah study.

Before engaging in the study of Torah each day, we recite brachos beforehand, as we would before partaking of other pleasures.

Taking revenge and bearing a personal grudge are prohibited by the Torah. The reason behind these prohibitions may serve to further incentivize us to engage in daily prayer. 

When Jews are the subject of negative media attention, what is our instinctual reaction?  Is it possible that we are often missing the point?

On the day of Yom HaZikaron , the citizens of Israel observe a moment of silence, remembering thousands of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. But is this practice, in fact, the proper Jewish response to tragedy?      

Are moments of solitude to be considered a blessing or a curse? The answer may depend on how we choose to experience these opportunities.  

The most important part of davening begins long before davening does.

By asking for divine assistance in our quest to discover the sweetness of Torah, we are reminded that the greatest pleasures in life are acquired through effort and toil.

Contrasting two very similar words in yesterday’s parsha provides us with yet a new perspective regarding the benefits of daily prayer.

The timing of the breaking of the luchos can remind us how important it is to be fully present and engaged when davening