Prayer

Parashat Vayechi: Change begins with you

Anyone who truly wants change must begin with himself – to be better, more generous, more understanding, and more open to differing views.

Jacob crossed his hands when blessing Ephraim and Manasseh
A mosaic of King David (illustartive)

Parashat Vayechi: King David's lesson in leadership

Israel to allow daytime Jewish prayer at Joseph’s Tomb for first time in 25 years

Israel to allow daylight pilgrimage at Joseph’s tomb for first time in 25 years

One of the purposes of creation is that we establish a channel of relationship with the infinite divine, even when it defies rational understanding

Parashat Vayera: Abraham vs Social Darwinism 


IDF reservists learn Talmud, maintain spiritual practice amid Gaza war

Most recently, a group of IDF reservists finished the Talmudic tractate of Berachot by splitting it up into sections and each learning a small part. 

 IDF soldier shown with a Jewish spiritual book in his pocket.

This day of communal Kaddish, enacted after the Holocaust, is just right for this moment

This prayer put in the mouth of the mourner begs God to speed the day when God is, in fact, great and holy.

 A MEMORIAL candle is lit for a deceased loved one.

Jewish a cappella group mix tradition with modern twist on Hallel prayer

The video beautifully weaves together the essence of Hanukkah - a festival of light and hope - with a musical tapestry that transcends boundaries.

 Rabotai Jewish A Capella film the video of their Hallel medley

Israel-Hamas war: A Hassidic rebbe's prayer for soldiers

The text that was recited was not the well-known version of the prayer for IDF soldiers; it predates that prayer, and is meant to underscore that battles are won with prayers, not armed fighting.

 MENACHEM MENDEL HAGER, Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz, prays at the Rav Shimon Bar Yochai gravesite in Meron, May 24.

IDF soldiers establish new synagogue in Gaza Strip

The soldiers converted one of the buildings into a space for them to pray, and added benches and a table to place their prayer books.

 IDF soldiers establish new synagogue in the heart of the Gaza Strip

Tzohar launches prayer card initiative to pray for hostages

"The painful reality of this incredible tragedy is that we have almost grown numb" to the plight of the hostages, a representative of the organization said.

 Prayer cards from Tzohar

Torah scrolls to be written at Western Wall, dedicated Gaza hostages, fallen soldiers

Special prayers will also be held in the complex for the swift return of hostages and the health and safety of those suffering and serving the nation.

Simchat Torah at the Kotel (Western Wall), Jerusalem, October 2018.

US Congressmen call for weekend of prayer for people of Israel

The resolution outlines the "unprovoked, premeditated, and barbaric attack carried out by the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas."

 Rep. Doug Lamborn at the Israeli Allies Foundation, Jerusalem Post event on November 14 on Capitol Hill

Thousands of Chabad emissaries gathered for a joint prayer for the abducted Israelis

Thousands of rabbis from Jewish communities worldwide united for a joint prayer in response to the challenging circumstances in Israel and the Jewish world.


'The Musaf Prayer': The message of Shabbat prayer - review

What is the message of Musaf? A wonderful new sefer by Rabbi Elchanan Adler, shlita, titled The Musaf Prayer – Background and Commentary, provides the answer.

Hasidic Jewish men gather for a morning prayer outside of a synagogue, closed due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City, New York