Prayer

Listen to a selection of prayers, Grace after Meals, Shabbat hymns, and more

A four part lecture series that explores the historical development of prayer, the value of private and congregational prayer, the special function of ‘kavana’ and the unique roles of men and women in prayer.

The story of the great prophetess Chana is read as part of the Rosh Hashanah services. Many of the laws of prayer are derived from Chana’s conduct. But moreover, Chana also reveals the inner essence of prayer.

An insight on the Kaddish and the Shema and its Blessings. What to contemplate when reciting the Shema, and what the angels do when they recite the Shema.

If G-d knows what we need, why do we need to pray?

Discover the two dimensions of prayer as we explore which prayer is the first of the day: the morning or evening prayer?

What is Kaddish? Why do we say Kaddish and the connection between the living and the dead.

Learn how to answer the Kaddish with greater understanding of its meaning.

What is the deeper meaning of the shema prayer? Does it mean that there is just one G-d, or just One anything?

What is prayer meant to achieve? What is the structure and meaning of the “amidah” prayer, the focal point of prayer?

Finding meaning in Prayer and its unique High Holiday theme

Somewhere along the way we seem to have lost the art of meditative prayer. Chassidic philosophy offers a comprehensive approach to rekindling the meditative experience within prayer. Rabbi Shishler offers a glimpse into the spiritual journey called prayer.

In order to give one’s words wings with which they may fly, we endeavor to infuse them with meditative intentions. Learning to inspire prayer with meditation greatly enhances the experience and imbues it with enhanced meaning and reach. This series offers guided meditations appropriate to everyday prayer.

This series of classes present the deeper meanings for the different sections of prayer that serve as steps of the spiritual ladder of prayer as explained in Kabbalah and Chassidut.

This class explains in detail the purpose of prayer and why there are variations in the nusach – prayer text – from Sefard to Ashkenaz.

This class details the special significance and unique quality of each of the three daily prayers; Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon) and Maariv (evening).

This class provides an in-depth understanding of the verse shema yisroel; the fundamental declaration of faith in G-d’s unity.

This class goes through the Shabbat prayers and presents profound insights into their meaning.

This class goes through the Shabbat prayers and presents profound insights into their meaning.

The special significance in receiving an aliyah, the honor of being called up to recite the blessing over the Torah.

The mitzvah of saying hallel on the festivals; when, how and why it is recited, and its meaning.

The customs of birchat kohanim, the priestly blessings, and their special quality and significance.

This kabbalistic explanation to the prayer of kiddush levanah in which we bless the new moon at the beginning of each month.

The different categories of blessings, their significance and their deeper meaning.

The spiritual understanding of birchat hamazon, the blessing recited after a meal of bread.

From the story of the prophetess Chanah, we learn the proper way to approach G‑d and express our needs. (A text-based discussion of the first chapter of Samuel I.)

The Talmud praises those who recite Psalms 145 – also known as the prayer of Ashrei – each day. This series provides thoughtful insights into the deeper meaning of the verses of this prayer.

In this series, Goldie Plotkin explores the meaning of the prayers step by step, and their personal relevance in our day-to-day life.

A comprehensive course exploring why we pray, the history of prayer, the structure of the prayer book, and the meaning of the basic prayers.

We spend much time each day reciting the words of the siddur. Join us to enhance your prayers and become more proficient in understanding and mastering the prayer liturgy. This comprehensive series on Tefillah explores the special meaning embedded in the text of our prayers—elucidating, step by step, the words, structure, and progression of the siddur.

An overview of the roots, purpose and practice of Jewish prayer.

“And you shall love G-d your L-rd with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might”. This class explains these three loves and how to attain them, in both our relationship with G-d and with our life’s partner.