Why Pray?

"Some of the basic presuppositions of Judaism cannot be completely justified in terms of human reason. It's conception of the nature of man as having been created in the likeness of God, it's conception of God and history, of the election of Israel, of prayer and even of morality, defy some of the realizations to which we have honestly arrived at the end of our analysis and scrutiny. Reverence, love and prayer, faith, go beyond the acts of shallow reasoning."

                                                                          Abraham Joshua Heschel

            Prayer is born when words bubble up from the soul to express one's deepest longings and needs. It begins with a meditation, a wish, and a desire to awaken the possibility of different pathways that may lead to more desirable ends. The mind must be quieted, the heart must be heard, and the longing creates the conversation that a human can establish with the "Divine goodness."

Why pray?

Does it do any good?

Isn't it just like positive thoughts and wishes?

Why are we asked to pray in Hebrew?

Why are we asked to pray together every week on Shabbat in a prayer service?

Why can't it all be in English?

What if I don't believe in God? Then who am I praying to?

Am I supposed to believe that God needs our prayers?

What is the difference between a prayer and a blessing?

What if I don't understand the prayers, even when they are in English?

            These questions and many more have been the subject of passionate discussions dating back to the year 200 CE. It is my hope in the coming year to shed light on how this ancient tradition was formed and codified the prayers we see in our prayer books. Each week, I will send a famous quote, historical reference, creative writing or personal insight about one of the prayers you see in the Prayer book (Siddur). My greatest desire is that you will never be bored at a prayer service again; and that you will be motivated to contemplate the wisdom and the benefits of regularly practiced prayer. If you can, recognize that our Sages carefully chose and codified Jewish prayer for us!!!!!, the Jews of our generation, in order to awaken a deeper knowledge hidden within us. May we use these ancient keys to unlock the messages that dwell inside every prayer.