Prayer

Prayer in Judaism

• Prayer is a central aspect of Judaism, serving as a way of communicating with G-d, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and making requests.
• The primary Jewish prayer book is the Siddur, which contains prayers for daily services, the Sabbath, and holidays.
• Rabbi Simeon ben Gamaliel teaches that the world endures because of three things: Torah study, worship, and acts of kindness. This highlights the importance of prayer in Judaism.

The Central Prayers

• The Shema is considered the central prayer in Jewish prayer services. Recited twice daily, it affirms the oneness of G-d and the commandment of loving G-d with all one’s being.
• The Amidah is the core of every Jewish worship service. It consists of 19 blessings and is silent, quiet, and contemplative.

The Practice of Prayer

• Jews typically worship in a synagogue under the leadership of a Rabbi.
• Prayer services happen three times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Ma’ariv).
• During prayers, Jewish men wear Tallit (prayer shawl) and Tefillin (leather boxes with Scripture verses).
• On Sabbath and festivals, the Torah is read during services in the synagogue.

Jewish Prayer at Home

• Judaism encourages prayer not only in communal worship but also in the home setting.
• A mezuzah is attached to the doors of the home. It’s a small container that holds a parchment with specific Hebrew verses from the Torah.
• Blessings, or brachot, are also said before and after meals, marking the sanctity of everyday activities.

Remember, prayer exists to create a personal connection between a person and G-d, emphasizing a relationship that is both communal and individual.