True Lies

Why has the prayers of the Men of Second Temple Time become "canon". Why can't prayers be added to reflect the time we are living in? I like some traditional prayers, but prefer to keep most of my prayers spontaneous to the moment and happenings right around me and in the world. Reply

Silence the Ego The Kabbalists instruct us that we need to switch off our ego in order to connect to G_d in Prayer. Silence or still your egoistic intentions for Him to receive your request. Reply

yes well... after reading this passage, I wonder if The Rebbe also, partook in mindful meditation... Reply

Asorbed in the infinite light We must be absorbed in the infinite light with his wisdom and knowledge, Not to be absorbed in the infinite light is not to be absorbed with One G-d. In other words, We are not pretending when we pray to be heard of our prayers, We are absorbing his light of G-d reflection truth.

Thank you Reply

Don't look at others; instead pray. The trick is: If you talk to Gd, you are considered religious; but if Gd talks to you, you are considered crazy. So we want a one-sided conversation? Hmm... Reply

Stillness in mind I think what was being said, that we stand in prayer maybe feeling imperfect. We may at times feel we are not up the point of spirituality that we wish and we self doubt. These feelings that we feel when we offer our pray is just as it should be a humbleness. A kind of humility of our egos as we try to be. This is how it should be a humble spirit and intern it will show throughout your physical body. Whether you are still or swaying back and forth. Reply

Customs I guess that feet together or swaying has different traditions amongst Jews. What's important is that we daven the Ahmeda. Whatever is the correct posture is a miniscule detail. G-d is listening. That's the only point worth concentrating on. Some Siddurs tell you when to bow, others don't. Similar deal. Depends on which Siddur you use. Even when it comes to the Haggadah, some are sold as the authentic Haggadah which means that other Haggadahs are not authentic. Who cares ? Just celebrate Purim in whatever tradition has been handed down in your family. If you don't have a tradition, visit your local rabbi and start one. Or , call three rabbis and pick the customs that you like from all three and go from there. Reply

Standing Still I believe that Rabbi Freeman was referring to the Jewish law that while praying the Amidah one is to stand with his feet together, without moving them. I don't think the swaying back or forth of the body is relevant... Reply

True! Very true! Thanks! Reply

Prayer There is a long line of Jews who pray and don't stand still -- not that they don't want to, just that they don't. I wouldn't worry about standing still. If you do, you do, and if not, not. Reply

stumped again If we are taught to stand still in prayer ( i wasn't taught any style ) why do so many sway back and forth ? Reply

Lofty Lofty is as lofty does. Reply