As discussed in my previous post, over the next couple of weeks, I am IY”H going to post different ways that we can each attempt to improve ourselves.

Let’s get started with working to improve our davening experience.

One way to do so is by focusing on one short portion of the davening each week. Choose a paragraph or even one line of the davening and read the English to make sure you understand it. Then perhaps see if you can find any commentaries on it in your siddur or from online sources. Finally, for the rest of the week, whenever you get to that portion of the davening, slow down and really concentrate on it.

Start with something short like Mizmor Lesoda or Baruch She-emar, certainly nothing longer than Ashrei or Aleinu. Pick a different tefillah each week. Soon you will have a much better davening experience and a new appreciation for it.