Monthly Archives: November 2010

Part 1: “Kavana” -”The Boy Who Prayed in the Forest” story (see “Materials”) -Discuss how different people connect differently (emotional, logical, etc.) -Clip from “Glee”; Why doesn’t G-d listen to our prayers? -Activity: Priorities; Do we know what’s really important … Continue reading →

Part 1: Spontaneous vs. Fixed -”Trademark of a Jew” article (see “Materials”) -Debate: pros and cons of spontaneous vs. fixed prayers -Fixed: Hallmark Card Theory, connection to past, consistancy, … -Spontaneous: more personal, updated with the times, whenever we feel … Continue reading →

Part 1: Video -Yharzeit of our Matriarch Rachel -Power of speech (esp. women) -Stories from Reb. Heller: Aunt and Uncle in grungy apartment, T.V. show “Queen for a Day”, Students visiting with Rabbi Our Obligation -Handout with Rambam and Ramban (see “Materials”) … Continue reading →

Part 1: Origins and History of Prayer -Quote gemara -3 forefathers highlighted time of prayer Avraham: Morning service – parallel to his life Yitzchak: Afternoon service – parallel to his life Yaakov: Evening service – parallel to his life -Pass … Continue reading →

Part 1: Purpose of Prayer -”Our mouth should not proceed our heart” -Compare to bow and arrow: bow is our emotion, focus, effort, depth; arrow is our prayer -Two root words of the word `”Tefilah”: to attach, bond; introspection -Expand … Continue reading →

Part 1: What is prayer?   -Open with poem (see “Materials”) -3 pillars of the world, “avoda” replaced with prayer -Survey handout; “Why pray” -Compile list of question about prayer Part 2: “Hodaa L’H-shem” article (see “Materials”) -Underline unfamiliar words -Share … Continue reading →