Prayer

"G‑d, I am sorry," Yussie began. "I want to go inside to pray, but I haven't eaten anything for a day and a half, and I am afraid I will pass out and embarrass myself. So, please, G‑d, would you mind hearing Yussie's forgiveness prayer out here?"

Another violent blow landed on my other cheek. “You are still praying?” the Blockelteste asked. Her face was crimson, contorted from fury, her eyes bloodshot. A sudden Jewish pride arose within me, like a pillar of smoke rising from a chimney . . .

The best time to watch birds is in the morning. In fact, the more closely you adhere to the optimal schedule of Jewish devotion, the more certain you are to miss the most beautiful aspect of watching the birds, and that is... listening to them.

Listen to a selection of prayers, Grace after Meals, Shabbat hymns, and more

Have you ever wondered why the teenager who who was the town terror suddenly settled down to become the favorite uncle, or most upstanding member of the community? Can it be more than just time and maturation at work?

These days, I don't believe that I am bothering G-d when I approach Him any time of day or night for my requests or needs. No big stuff or small stuff differentiation.

He told my friend, "That's okay. Just put on your tefillin and explain to Him you are having difficulties connecting during prayer. Express your frustration. Tell Him just what you told me."

Instead of feeling upset that I must approach the King every day for my every need, I can realize instead that I am truly blessed that He lets me into His chambers every day and patiently listens to my requests.

"The problem began," at this point Esther's voice is lowered into almost a whisper, "when my wonderful daughter met a man whom she planned to marry—and he wasn't Jewish..."