Basic Concepts of Judaism – Part 2

The three daily prayers reflect both our three forefathers and their attributes to which we aspire, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, each of whom instituted one prayer, and the three daily sacrifices that occurred during the time of the Temple in Israel (Talmud tractate Brachot 27 b).

The prayers strongly reflect the impact of the Exodus from Egypt that was the catalyst for the formation of the Jewish people as a nation, remembering the time of this "first redemption," and looking forward to the time of the parallel "second redemption," the redemption to come with the return of all Jews to Israel, and the building of the Third Temple.

So there is a formula, and you don't need to expend time or energy thinking what to say in your own words (although you are welcome to do so). What you have to do now is consider those words, consider their meaning. Consider the relationship between your own individual needs and perspective and that of the infinite universe. Consider how you could be a better you. Consider how your understanding of the universe, and the divine can help you on your path in life.

If you are bored in daily prayers, you aren't doing it right. Because while anyone can recite verses by rote, only you can commune with the universal, the infinite, the divine, in your own special way. And only for you will it have the meaning that arises out of that interaction. So we can thank the sages for providing the framework, and start about the hard work -- "the service of the heart" as our sages called it -- of making it our own.


Moshe Ben Daniel lives in Israel with his wife and children. His Jewish studies background spans from Jewish day school through Jewish studies in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, religious studies in Hamivtar Yeshiva in Israel, and continued daily study. He has been involved in the informal education of Judaism for Jewish youth of all backgrounds from all over the world for the Jewish Agency and for various non-profit educational organizations. Over the years he has participated in various intra- and interfaith dialogue and activities.
Today (while not writing for PATHEOS) he is a practicing architect in Jerusalem, Israel.

1/1/2000 5:00:00 AM
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