Category Archives: Prayer

“When does a child become worthy of the World to Come?… Rabbi Meir says, From the time that he first says Amen.” ~ Talmud Sanhedrin 110b as quoted by R’ Aryeh Kaplan zt”l

“The reason why one must be especially careful during the afternoon service (mincha) is because the very first prayer in the world was offered at this time.  Adam was created in the afternoon, just before the Sabbath, and it was … Continue reading →

[Something to think about when we say Hallel tomorrow morning] “When the Imrei Emes succeeded his father (the Sfas Emes) as Gerrer Rebbe, a group of older Chasidim asked him, ‘Your father promised us that if we would recite the … Continue reading →

The people of Israel say, “We are poor.  We have no sacrifices to bring as an offering.” God replies, “I need only words, as it is written, ‘Take with you words’ (Hosea 14:2).  This refers to words of Torah.” The … Continue reading →

Rav Yonason Eibschitz explains why we say ‘Hashem sefosai tiftach – G-d open my lips’ right before shemona esrei.  He explains that when man stands before the Master of the Universe, one’s vocal cords should freeze in paralysis, out of … Continue reading →

Rabbi Yose said “He who responds Amen is greater than he who blesses.” Rabbi Nehorai remarked “By heaven this is true.  The common soldiers begin the battle, and the heroes then come and win it.” ~ Talmud Berachos 53b

“It is written, “Cast your burden upon God, and He will sustain you” (Psalms 55:23) If a human being has a patron and goes to him once, he is received.  The second time he is also received, but the third … Continue reading →