Praise G-d vs. Call His Name - Discussions on Prayer, Lesson 11

Autoplay Next

Praise G-d vs. Call His Name: Discussions on Prayer, Lesson 11

In this lesson we learn verse by verse the profound meaning embedded in this first prayer of praise, known as Hodu. We also uncover some deeper mystical messages contained in these verses.

Related Text:	Hodu
Podcast:	Subscribe to Shmuel Kaplan - Discussions on Prayer Podcasts Audio Video RSS Apple RSS
Switch to Video

By Shmuel Kaplan

Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan is a noted Torah scholar and lecturer. He is the director of Chabad-Lubavitch of the Maryland Region, a board member of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch, the international educational arm of Chabad-Lubavitch, and of the Jewish Learning Institute. Rabbi Kaplan serves as the spiritual leader of The Shul at the Lubavitch Center in Baltimore, Md., and has hosted radio and television shows for more than 35 years, including hosting the acclaimed weekly radio show, "Awake, Alive, and Jewish," and co-hosting the weekly cable program, "Diana, Mike, and the Rabbi."

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

6 Comments

Leah Jerusalem June 13, 2024

Shalom Rav,
My name is Leah Adel Bas Sora Zisel Krinsky and I want to thank you for this series! I offer my full name since I have unfortunately not been well hence my ability to binge watch your series. My illness has brought me much closer to Hashem and Bz"H has helped me to grow. I daven mostly in English outside the brachos and bits here and there I learned in Hebrew school in Delaware. For me its because I am trying to strengthen my relationship with Hashem. Many people including my Rav also states the importance of davening in Hebrew although how can I strenghten my relationship if I only know a little Hebrew and don't understand what it is I am saying and it would definely take me all day to daven shachris if I were to try in Hebrew. Thanks again for being a part of my journey and bringing comfort to an ill woman! Reply

Rabbi Shmuel Kaplan Maryland June 17, 2024

in response to Leah :

Dear Leah Adel,
I will certainly include in my prayer for a refuah Shayma u'krova. May you be able to share good news soon.

The words of Tefillah are the holy words of Tanach - G-d's words. As such, it behooves to use these holy words in our dialouge with Him. However, our sages have tought that prayer can indeed be said in any language and G-d responds just as well. In prayer the most important thing is Kavanat HaLev - the intent of the heart and that I'm sure you have.

I would therefore suggest that you begin by saying the Shmonei Esrie (silend Amidah) in Hebrew, perhaps starting with the first three blessings and then over time adding more of the brachot.

May Hashem respond to all your heartfelt prayers, Reply

Barbara Washington August 22, 2017

Thank you so much for this course. It has helped me everyday and especially on Shabbat in saying and understanding my prayers. Reply

Hilario Herrera Deployed March 29, 2016

I want to say G-d Bless you. I have recently started a spiritual journey with G-d. Listening to your classes have been wonderful and thank you. Reply

Anonymous February 1, 2015

I am not exactly sure what to make of this comment but I assume it is a compliment; so, thank you.
Rsk Reply

Anonymous Passaic January 27, 2015

Watching this video, this is what came to mind. The rabbi praises Hashem. I praise the rabbi. Praiseworthy are those who sit in your house. They will yet praise you. Praiseworthy is the people for whom this is so. Praiseworthy is the people, for whom Hashem is their G-d. Reply

Praise G-d vs. Call His Name: Discussions on Prayer, Lesson 11

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion