Prayer Video

Prayer is a time to focus inward towards our essential connection with G-d.

Why do some traditional Jews sway while they pray or study?

May a Jewish convert of non-Jewish ancestry truthfully refer to G-d as “the G-d of our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?” Maimonides unequivocally ruled affirmatively, arguing that Abraham is truly the spiritual father of all Jews, and allowing converts to feel themselves fully a part of the Jewish collective.

One of the worlds oldest prayer books, housed in an Oxford library, provides new insight into the history of Jewish prayer.

The world, our Sages tell us, stands on three pillars—Torah, Avodah (Prayer) and Acts of Kindness. This class will explore the inner dimension and effect of these 'pillars', both on the individual and the world at large. (Based on the maamor Podoh B'sholom 5716)

In our daily prayers we repeatedly quote the praises and songs that the angels offer the Almighty on High. These visions of the celestial beings have been transmitted to us by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel. This class will explain the meaning of these songs and why in our prayers, we - mere mortals of flesh and blood - invoke the compositions of the angels. (Based on the Purim maamor of 5714 / 1954)

According to Jewish law, one must wash each morning before prayers just like the priests would wash before performing their service in the Holy Temple. What is the difference between washing for holiness and washing for purity? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 31, p. 184.)

How Reuven, Shimon, Levi and Yehudah represent four different phases we experience as we go through the order of the morning prayers: 1) Reuven—the first paragraph of Shema, 2) Shimon—the second paragraph of Shema, 3) Levi—the blessings after Shema, and 4) Yehudah—the Amidah prayer. (Based on the discourse "Yehuda Achecha Yoducha 5738.")

How Reuven, Shimon, Levi and Yehudah represent four different phases we experience as we go through the order of the morning prayers: 1) Reuven—the first paragraph of Shema, 2) Shimon—the second paragraph of Shema, 3) Levi—the blessings after Shema, and 4) Yehudah—the Amidah prayer. (Based on the discourse "Yehuda Achecha Yoducha 5738.")

The priests would wash before performing their service in the Holy Temple. This is the basis for our washing before prayer. We study two applications of this law, one in Maimonides and one in the rulings of R' Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

Rabbi Shimon would say: Be meticulous with the reading of the Shma and with prayer. When you pray, do not make your prayers routine, but [an entreaty of] mercy and a supplication before the Almighty… And do not be wicked in your own eyes. (Ethics of Our Fathers ch.2:13)

Chabad's brand of contemplative prayer should not be thought of merely as a solitary spiritual exercise, but rather as an activity that can transform society and change the world.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 21 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 22 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 23 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 24 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 25 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 35 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 36 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

Study the daily lesson of Sefer HaMitzvos for day 37 with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, where he teaches the mitzvah in-depth with added insight and detail.

The class discusses the issue of whether it’s appropriate to skip prayers in order to daven with a minyan.

Even though Moses’ fervent prayer seems to not have been granted, he teaches us to never give up on our prayers being answered.

Exploring the history of prayer, the structure of the siddur, and the morning blessings.

What does your mind have in common with a bunch of pretty flowers? Both can become too cluttered...

The power of praying together as a community, the prohibition against tattoos, and the custom of visiting and praying at a cemetery.

Why are men and women separated by a mechitzah in the synagogue? Why aren’t women counted for a minyan? Do women wear tallis and tefillin?

In the Holy Temple, a Korban Olah, a Burnt sacrifice, was offered up twice daily, in the morning and at dusk. Our Sages teach that while we are in exile, “the prayers were established in place of the daily offerings.” ‘Korban,’ offering, shares the same Hebrew root as ‘Kiruv,’ closeness. The purpose of an offering is, that through it, we become closer to G-d. True closeness to G-d can be achieved when our prayers, like the Burnt Offering, are in order to connect with G-d, not for personal gain.

Vacationing at sea, a successful Jewish businessman was diligent to recite his daily prayers and inquired of the captain which direction was eastward. The captain asked, “Why your sudden interest in the boat’s navigation?” The businessman explained that our prayers ascend through Jerusalem, and a Jew faces there three times a day to beseech G-d.

Determining the order of the three daily prayers provides understanding into the very nature of prayer.

We explore the two paradoxical components of prayer, and how they’re alluded to in the precise wording of the Rambam

In this class we examine the deeper meaning and messages behind the various prayers describing the Temple service, as well as the many prayers expressing our praise and gratitude to G-d, which lead up to the Shema prayer.

Many fundamental beliefs of Judaism can be found in this prayer. Learn how to internalize its message to improve your relationship with G-d.

Having climbed the rungs of the prayer ladder, we have reached its peak with the Amidah prayer. We are now at a point of total humility in the presence of something far greater than ourselves.

An exploration of the concluding prayers following the Amidah, helping us bring the inspiration from prayer into all areas of our lives. The prayers of Confession and Supplication, Ashrei and Uva L’tziyon, the Song of the Day, Ein Keilokeinu and Aleinu.

An introductory course to the prayerbook, the power of prayer and everything else you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about feminine Jewish prayer.

Just as eating a nutritious breakfast at the start of our day is important for our well-being, similarly the Modeh Ani prayer helps jump-start our spiritual day.

There is a big castle that is surrounded by thorn bushes that we need to chop down in order to clear our path to get inside. The verses of praise, ‘pesukei d'zimra’, are those prayers that help us "chop down" and clear away all those external barriers that distract us, in order to give us access to the castle of our inner selves and souls.

The Shema prayer has always been a central prayer for Jews in times of difficulty and times of wonder, connecting us to G-d as well as other Jews. Find out about the history, evolution and meaning of this prayer and why it is such a powerful prayer for us.