My Hero

Enhancing the prayer experience When we learn to do "mindfulness" meditation, our ability to concentrate and focus on what we choose increases. Therefore the entire prayer experience is far more meaningful, because we are truly present with the words. Increasing our fluency with Hebrew is also helpful, and until then, the Metsudah Siddur enables prayer in Hebrew with the English translation close enough to absorb. Reply

I am seriously interested in all those who write that talking to God with prayer is so great, and, that God is listening. Really? It's all individual I'd say. If you hear God, fine. what does he sound like? The old joke comes to mind. The old man prays at the Kotel for 80 years. A friend asks what it is like. The old man replies, "ahzay ve men ret tsu di vant", like talking to the wall, a familiar yiddish expression. Reply

23 Elul Tonight begins the 15th Yartzheit of all the Jewish Souls that were lost on 9/11/2001, including my brother Andrew. Jews around the world should remember and say kaddish for all these brave souls who died as a group. Many will not have someone to say kaddish for them, and thus it is up to the rest of us to ensure their Neshama's are elevated on this day.
My brother Andrew was one of my heroes. He lived his life giving to others and was always an inspiration to me, even though he was 4 years younger. As he told me often, He was "on top of the world" every morning when he entered his office in the WTC. I know he was a comfort to others on that day. Please join me in honoring all the heroes that perished on 9/11 Reply

Find selichot exhilarating, a wonderful and emotional lead-in to Rosh Hashannah. Reply

Where are the prayers in english I never really know which prayers we will recite until I get to Shul. By that time, I don't have the ability to read the English version. Chabad would do a great services to us Bal Tushuvahs, if they could post on-line Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur prayers in English. Reply

From praying in Latin in the Catholic church very many years ago, I can agree with the Rabbi: learn what the words mean! That's easy with the internet. Then in G-od's Presence, relish a slow English language reading ahead of time, see how the ideas can apply to real life today, and go prepared to synagogue to praise and thank G-d during Rosh Hashanah. A beautiful feast of humility amazement, and gratitude. kj Reply

To / for non religious people To / For non religious people the very reason why they are non religious IS because the notion of Prayer is what scared the off in the first instance. Chabad did a good job at opening up yiddishkite to non orthodox (if your pardon the Greek expression) but seems, of late to have dropped the ball. What do I mean. It has become anglicized! How, Its become like it predecessor. Stayed - Like using world like 'Prayer', without an explanation of what prayer really is. By explaining it as 'self judgment'.... (as opposed to the mistaken notion that HKBH 'needs' our prayers), a form of internalization of the Awesomeness of the Creator of Heaven and Earth (if that can be done in the literal meaning of the word. Chabad would do well to give depth and meaning to the concept of Tefillah (rather than make Judaism sound like just another 'religion') Reply

I love the idea of talking with G-D in prayer. Knowing that He is listening to me it is exciting and watching Him answer my request. It is so awesome to me that He love me and desire a relationship with me as part of His creation. Prayer is the way to learn Him and see how he think and feel about things. I have a love relationship with Him. How could I possibly miss spending time with Him. Reply

Excuse a gentile for piping in. I was in a great need for a member of my family. A very respected Jewish friend emphasized the power of prayer. Now I am already a believer in the holiness of Rebe and sent him a Letter. And in my tradition also prayed with my wife. Our prayers were answered! I sent a thank you to Rebbe in appreciation. Not to sound crass but that answered prayer strengthened my commitment to appeal to prayer in the future. Reply

Not to be a spoilsport, but after 50 yrs of going to shul on and off for R.S. and Y.K., I decided to give it a long pause. I somehow am tired of listening to God's wrath, punishment for so many transgressions by strangulation, stoning, burning, drowning or whatever else. I used to walk out of shul not feeling uplifted of cleansed, but totally depressed. no more. The most uplifting part of Y.K. is the feast before the fast. My shul serves the most delicious honey cake in the world. Reply

prayer in English there is no reason not to pray in English Reply

Where is Moschiach? The Jewish people are in sorry shape no cute Rosh Hashana stories are going to get everyone off their individual ego trips. Jews of the world recognize that their is only Hashem and only Hakodesh Barechu can clean up the mess the worlds in. By partnering with the G-D we can hasten Moschiach's arrival. Reply

Encourage personal relationship with g-d. Prayers are not just what is written but our personal communication with praise and thanksgiving. Prayers should be for all the people of the world especially the less fortunate Reply

B"H
Regular participation in small minyanim develops a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Reply

Great works of classical music are appreciated by millions of people. Many in the audience cannot read music and are not necessarily schooled in the composition and structure of the music. It matters not.
Because they listen, feel and at times are brought to tears by the sheer beauty of the sounds.
Opera too is an example where people may not understand Italian, German or whatever language in which it is sung. It matters not.
Because they listen, feel and at times are brought to tears by the sheer beauty of the sounds.
So it is with prayer.
But first you must listen. Reply

To pray to G_d each day is a joy! The Psalms are beautiful. Use them as they lift the soul. But speak to G-d from your heart and soul. Thank and praise Him and He will answer you back both in your heart and soul. G-d bless you all and may His Spirit be your companion. Reply

Prayer and Meaning Repeating the same Hebrew words you don't understand over and over is boring. But reading the English is even more so because most prayers repeat a few simple themes (such as "G-d is Great," "Forgive Me," etc.) and the prayers never change so there's nothing new. At least the parsha and commentaries have a message that is profound and stimulating. And change each week. Reply

I'm never bored with prayers on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - I love them - they're so inspiring. I almost don't even notice the fast on Yom Kippur, because we pray almost all day, and I'm totally wrapped up in the prayers. I always like praying, but Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are special. Reply

Sad but true. I am guilty of the same. Unfortunately, in many congregations today (I belong to two Orthodox synagogues), Rosh Ha'Shanah is treated as Yom Kippur Katan. When I was growing up, my parents (Holocaust survivors) treated Rosh Ha'Shanah as a joyous holiday, happy to be alive to celebrate standing before the Creator and pour out their hearts with beautiful prayers. In a timely manner. The Rosh Ha'Shanah Service was much shorter, time-wise, and no prayers were skipped. There was actually time for a holiday lunch before the Mincha Service. Nowadays, the minimum Rosh Ha'Shanah Service in most Orthodox synagogues is six hours, in some even longer than that. And you wonder why there is boredom? Reply