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Category: Prayer
Why Do Jews Pray 3 Times a Day?
Our tradition mandates we pray three times a day, but why? There are 2 theories. But, we might ask: What does it mean to pray?
Alex Friedman
October 21, 2024
Afternoon Prayers (Mincha)
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
How Hearing the Torah Reading Can Change Your Life
So the next time you hear the Torah being read, I invite you to: listen deeply, engage with the text, and let it transform you.
Jacob Rapport
September 25, 2024
Morning Service (Shacharit)
Prayer
Caring For Creation Prayer
A short prayer, inspired by and quoting the Prophet Isaiah, connecting us to nature, the environment, and all of creation.
Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin
,
Rabbi Avram Israel Reisner
September 23, 2024
Climate and Environment
High Holidays
Reflections on Death (1973)
Heschel writes in 1973 in "Reflections on Death": Life here and now is the task. Every moment can be an achievement.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
September 22, 2024
CJ Journal - 1945-1959
Confronting Death
Introduction to the Kaddish: For Those who Died in the Israeli War (1957)
Written by S.Y. Agnon in the Conservative Judaism Journal for those who died in the War of 1948, these words are especially fitting today.
Shmuel Yosef Agnon
September 20, 2024
CJ Journal - 1945-1959
Conservative Judaism Journal
Redirecting My Heart to God: My Powerful Sh’ma Intention
Through using this personal kavannah, a spiritual intention, the recitation of the Sh'ma is transformed, and so am I.
Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein
August 30, 2024
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
Every Day
Why Conservative Judaism Changed Sacrifices in the Prayer Book
Explore why Conservative Judaism changed the language of the sacrifices in the prayer book. It shows more about the Movement.
Rabbi Jeremy Markiz
July 23, 2024
Conservative Judaism
Every Day
Listener of Prayer
"Listener of Prayer" is an important phrase in many of our blessings and prayers. Learn more about why that is.
Rabbi Alex Hamilton
July 3, 2024
Amidah
Every Day
What blessing do I recite over an eclipse?
A solar eclipse is certainly a unique natural event that causes us to ponder our place in the universe. What blessing do I recite?
Exploring Judaism
April 4, 2024
Blessings
CJLS
How Mourning Changes You
Pulling on a conversation between Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper about mourning, learn about how mourning can change you.
David Harrison
February 19, 2024
Death and Dying
Lifecycles
What Are Zmanim and Why Are They Important?
Learning what Zmanim are and why they are important can bring a new meaning to ritual practices and the routine of our days.
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
February 6, 2024
Afternoon Prayers (Mincha)
Amidah
Why I Love Tefillin
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman writes "Why I Love Tefillin" and explores how all people can wear tefillin, based on her own experience.
Rabbi Lauren Tuchman
February 6, 2024
Accessories for Prayer
Every Day
Tallit on the Bimah: Optional or Required?
This CJLS teshuva explores where and when a tallit should be worn on the bimah. This also addresses women wearing tallitot.
Reena Bromberg Gaber
January 3, 2024
Accessories for Prayer
CJLS
Psalms for this Time of Crisis in Israel
Seven psalms as a liturgical response to our individual and collective emotions, including grief, fear, rage, desperation, and others.
Rabbinical Assembly
October 19, 2023
Hebrew Bible
Israel
Prayer for Israel
Rabbis Nicole Guzik and Erez Sherman offer a prayer for Israel. This was first offered at a vigil on October 8th, 2023.
Rabbi Nicole Guzik
,
Rabbi Erez Sherman
October 13, 2023
Israel
Living
Prayer for Kidnapped Israelis
A prayer for kidnapped Israelis by Hamas and are being held in Gaza.
Exploring Judaism
October 13, 2023
Israel
Living
Prayer for Simchat Torah War
Prayer for Simchat Torah War by The Rabbinical Assembly of Israel and Masorti Israel.
Rabbinical Assembly of Israel
,
Masorti Israel
October 13, 2023
Israel
Living
Prayer for the Welfare and Return of Israel’s Captured and Missing
Prayer for the Welfare and Return of Israel's Captured and Missing by the Rabbinical Assembly of Israel and Masorti Israel
Rabbinical Assembly of Israel
,
Masorti Israel
October 13, 2023
Israel
Living
What Do People Think About While Praying?
While Judaism tells us various ways to pray, we are not told what to think: Here are three different takes on the subject.
Rabbi Alex Braver
September 7, 2023
Every Day
Personal Prayer
Deja Jew, or, Asking the Question Yet Again: Why Be Jewish?
Dig deeper into Jewish identity, memory, spirituality, and wisdom, exploring more into the question: "Why Be Jewish?"
Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson
August 13, 2023
Daily Living
Embodied Prayer
What do I do if I can’t go to minyan when saying kaddish?
Saying Kaddish for a loved one is a cherished and prized custom, but it is not the only way to remember and honor the lives ...
Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone
May 19, 2023
Death and Dying
Every Day
The Times of Day for Prayer
A Talmudic Midrash obligates prayer three times a day, instituted in honor of our three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 17, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
Prayers and Practices of the Weekday Amidah
The Amidah is considered the central part of daily Jewish prayer, with minor variations in the text based on time of day, year and season.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Afternoon Prayers (Mincha)
Amidah
The Interplay of Routine and Intention: Keva and Kavanah
Our prayers are almost always a mixture of both keva (oft-recited text) and kavanah (deeper layers of meaning).
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
What Prompts Change in Our Liturgy?
Changes in liturgy are born out of changes in the theological and historical life of a people, both the individual and the community.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Liturgy
Enhancing Prayer With Body Movement
Movement acts as part of prayer, orchestrated in traditional Jewish settings, thus putting us in touch with the ebb and flow of the liturgy.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
Jewish Prayer Leaders
An individual, Rabbi, Cantor, or volunteer, skilled in singing and well-versed in Torah learning and liturgy, is appointed to lead prayers.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
Creating a Sacred Physical Space
Halakhah demands that we invoke God’s name in prayer only in settings that are worthy of the sacred enterprise of prayer.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
Why Prayer Matters
Tefillah is more than the sum of its parts and encompasses far more than the obligation to recite certain specific daily prayers.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 16, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
The Language of Prayer
Jews are permitted to pray in any language and thus making our liturgy a link to Jews all around the world.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
The Value of Using Set Prayers
By the use of set prayers, are we ipso facto guaranteeing that some will be obliged to recite words they do not find true or ...
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
Connecting with God Through Prayer
We hear from God through our participation in liturgical prayer, and also through the study of religious texts.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Every Day
Prayer
What is the Shema?
The Shema is the declaration of God’s uniqueness and unity that the Torah commands us to recite twice daily.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
Every Day
Overview of the Evening Service
The Evening Service, called Ma’ariv (also called Arvit or spelled Maariv), is slightly longer than the Afternoon Service.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Evening Service (Ma'ariv)
Every Day
Overview of the Afternoon Service
The Afternoon Service, called Minḥah (or Mincha), is much shorter than the Morning Service and has no unique components.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Afternoon Prayers (Mincha)
Every Day
Overview of the Morning Service
Every day of the year, the Morning Service follows some variation of the order of the same Sharcharit prayers.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 15, 2023
Every Day
Morning Service (Shacharit)
The First Prayers in the Morning Service
The prayers at the very beginning of the morning service help us to start our day with intention and gratitude.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 11, 2023
Every Day
Morning Service (Shacharit)
What is a Kippah?
There is a wide range of specific customs related to the issue of covering the head, including what to cover it with.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 11, 2023
Accessories for Prayer
Every Day
What is a Tallit?
The tassels of the Tallit, called tzitzit (or tzitzis) in Hebrew, are explicitly intended to serve as a reminder of God’s commandments.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
May 11, 2023
Accessories for Prayer
Every Day
When Using Tribal Distinctions, How Might Women Be Called Up for Aliyot?
While writing a teshuvah on changing our language for aliyot to kohenet from bat kohen, Rabbi David J Fine, PhD, reflects on egalitarianism.
Rabbi David J Fine, PhD
April 30, 2023
Blessings
CJLS
Prayers of the Matriarchs of Agency, Choice, and Action
Despite the odds, when things feel out of your control, when you feel abandoned – do not despair and do not simply pray – ACT.
Jacquelyn S. G. Pruet
February 15, 2023
Liturgy
Personal Prayer
What do I do if my Tefillin are no Longer Black?
There were places where the tefillin were no longer black, but nearly see-through. What they needed was a good thick coat of paint.
Rabbi Cantor Hillary Chorny
February 7, 2023
Accessories for Prayer
Every Day
Encountering the Shema: 7 Questions
Rabbi Mordecai Miller reflects on the Shema with 7 questions: Throughout my life, I’ve tried to understand what this sentence really means.
Rabbi Mordecai Miller
January 25, 2023
Every Day
Liturgy
Tefillin: A Reminder of What is Holy
Rabbi Julie Schwarzwald on wearing Tefillin: As I go about my work and my mundane routine, I am regularly reminded of what is holy.
Rabbi Julie Schwarzwald
January 25, 2023
Accessories for Prayer
Every Day
Tefillin: What, How, Who?
Tefillin, ritual black boxes used for prayer, are a powerful and physical way of connecting to God. Here's how to do it.
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
,
The Observant Life (Book)
January 25, 2023
Accessories for Prayer
Blessings
Blessings and Bodies: Praying Without the Book
Jewish spirituality doesn’t live in a book. Our bodies can guide our awareness and blessing. What could this practice look like in your life?
Rabbi Susan Leider
January 5, 2023
Blessings
Daily Living
The Mystery of “Eyn Keloheinu”
What is the mystery of Eyn Keloheinu? How do we unravel the contradiction that seems to be present within this prayer?
Rabbi Mordecai Miller
January 4, 2023
Liturgy
Prayer
Asher Yatsar: My Favorite Blessing
Our bodies are wonderful and wondrous. Asher Yatsar helps us recognize our physical selves and offers a moment of gratitude to The Creator.
Rabbi Uri Allen
November 30, 2022
Blessings
Daily Living
Unpacking the Phrase: Barukh HaShem
What does “Barukh HaShem" really mean? What is the origin of this phrase? If we don’t believe in God, how do we relate to the ...
Rabbi Susan Leider
November 16, 2022
Blessings
Daily Living
Dress to Impress Yourself…Into the Book of Life
Sara Beth Berman teaches us: Everything you need to know about clothing the body that holds your precious soul for the High Holidays.
Sara Beth Berman (she/her)
September 19, 2022
Clothing
High Holidays
What are Selichot?
Selichot are special prayers recited in anticipation of the High Holidays introducing us to the themes of the upcoming holidays.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 21, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul
The ritual preparations for the High Holidays begin a full month in advance with the onset of the month of Elul.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Alan Lucas
August 19, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
Seliḥot: What do we recite?
Seliḥot, a series of penitential prayers, are recited in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Repentance. Here's what to recite.
Rabbi Miles B. Cohen
,
Leslie Rubin
August 16, 2022
Elul
High Holidays
How to call Non-Binary Jews to the Torah
Being called to Torah is a moment of sacred encounter. Here's how to call Non-Binary Jews to the Torah based on the CJLS Teshuvah in ...
Rabbi Deborah Silver
August 1, 2022
CJLS
Halakhah
Luaḥ for Tish’ah Be’av 5782/2022
Luaḥ information for the observance of erev Tish’ah Be’av and the following day generously provided by Rabbi Miles Cohen.
Rabbi Miles B. Cohen
,
Leslie Rubin
July 28, 2022
Luaḥ (Luach)
Tisha B’Av
Prayer Expresses Petition, Praise, Anger, and History
Prayer is not just a recitation of words. But rather, prayer is an expression of a great many modes and experiences in Judaism.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
June 29, 2022
Every Day
Prayer
T’fillah/Prayer: A Mitzvah to Take a “Time Out”
T'fillah, Jewish prayer, is rooted in self-judgment, reflection, and connecting to something greater than ourselves.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
June 29, 2022
Prayer
Understanding Prayer
What is Tahanun?
Tahanun is the name for a series of penitential prayers that follow the Amidah during the Morning and Afternoon Services.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed
June 29, 2022
Liturgy
Prayer
Shabbat Morning Services: What to Expect
We thank God, spend time in community, sing heartily, read holy texts, and revel in rest. What can I expect at a Shabbat morning service?
Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein
June 16, 2022
Prayer
Prayer in Synagogue
Questions of Revelation: A Poem
Rabbi Suzanne Brody shares her poem that embraces a variety of midrashim about what happened at Sinai when we received the Torah.
Rabbi Suzanne Brody
May 20, 2022
Personal Prayer
Prayer
The Shabbat Afternoon Service
The Minhah Service on Saturday Shabbat afternoon contains a number of significant additions to the weekday Afternoon Service.
The Observant Life (Book)
,
Rabbi Michael Katz
May 16, 2022
Prayer
Prayer in Synagogue
Revelation: A Poem
Yakira Keshet offers a poem to commemorate Shavuot, her journey to Judaism, and the presence of our souls at Mount Sinai.
Yakira Keshet
May 12, 2022
Conversion
LGBTQ+
Friday Night Services at Synagogue: An Explainer
Friday night services on Shabbat include both Kabbalat Shabbat, a joyous recitation of psalms, and a Shabbat Maariv, the evening service.
Rabbi Michael Katz
,
The Observant Life (Book)
April 20, 2022
Erev Shabbat
Prayer
The Sunflower on Our Seder Table
The Sunflower on Our Seder Table by Rabbi Ilana Garber on behalf of the people in Ukraine in 2022.
Rabbi Ilana C. Garber
April 6, 2022
Passover
Passover Prayer
All Who Are Hungry: A Prayer for Action, A Prayer for Ukraine
All Who Are Hungry: A Prayer for Action, A Prayer for Ukraine by Rabbi Mark Greenspan on behalf of the people in Ukraine in 2022.
Rabbi Mark Greenspan
April 6, 2022
Passover
Passover Prayer
Dedication for First Cup of Wine
Dedication for the First Cup of Wine at the Passover Seder by Rabbi Martin S. Cohen on behalf of the people in Ukraine in 2022.
Rabbi Martin S. Cohen
April 5, 2022
Passover
Passover Prayer