Pray
Birkat Hagomel, a Jewish Prayer of Gratitude
A prayer said after recovering from a serious illness or surviving a dangerous journey.
Prayer 101
The texts and practices of prayer, while broadly common to all Jewish communities, vary according to local customs, ethnic origins, and ideologies.
Text of Avinu Malkeinu
This series of petitions addressed to "Our Father, Our King," is recited on Yom Kippur and other fast days.
Why Music is Fundamental to Jewish Prayer
Jewish tradition teaches that music unlocks the door to divine connection.
When Prayer Fails Us
Tisha B'Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, is testament to the failure of prayer to avert national catastrophe.
How to Acquire the Right Mental State for Prayer
The pursuit of proper kavanah, the Hebrew term for directed attention, has long concerned Jewish thinkers.
Kol Nidrei: The Power of Words
Why does the holiest day of the Jewish year begin with a dry legal formula renouncing vows?
Elohai Neshama: Breathing the Soul Alive
The simple words of this traditional morning blessing draw us back to the dawn of our mythic creation.
Netilat Yadayim: Sanctifying Our Primary Moral Instrument
Jewish tradition calls for the washing of hands every morning, which serves as a reminder to use them for holy purposes.
Modeh Ani: Beginning the Day with Gratitude
Starting the day with gratefulness opens the heart to the blessing of wonder.
Shabbat Blessings for Friday Night
Lighting the candles, saying Kiddush and other Shabbat dinner rituals.
Unetaneh Tokef: Do We Control our Fate?
The High Holiday prayer that asks us to consider our mortality is an urgent call to examine our lives.
V’chol Ma’amimim: Speaking Order into Chaos
From the depths of uncertainty, this High Holiday prayer invites us to call out the steadfast faith we wish we felt.
By the Rivers of Babylon We Remember Zion
This famous psalm is read on the eve of Tisha B'Av and sets the tone for an emotionally challenging holiday.