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Jewish Prayer

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Psalm 118 is typically recited on joyful occasions, but its cry to God from “the depths” makes it also a prayer for moments of crisis. In Hebrew, the word for depths is meitzar, which is also the word for narrowness. The antidote to the pain of constriction, the prayer offers, is the expansive presence of God.

 

 
Tears
 

The Gate of Tears
The Talmud teaches that the gates of heaven are never closed to our tears. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation of Psalm 100 offers guidance on how to approach God when your tears are flowing.

 
Hannah's example

Hannah's Example
The biblical source for personal silent prayer is the story of Hannah, who called out to God from the anguish of infertility. Her prayers were answered and she gave birth to the prophet Samuel.

 
Say a Prayer

Psalm as Praise
Jewish liturgy makes extensive use of the psalms in the joyous service known as Hallel, which literally means “praise.” The service is recited on most Jewish holidays and at the beginning of each new month.

Prayer has been the foundation of Jewish ritual and practice for thousands of years, but you may still wonder how and why to say the prayers in the canon. At My Jewish Learning, we invite you to explore the deeper side of prayer. Each week we'll share a unique exploration of a particular Jewish prayer, plus offer background materials and more to enhance your understanding. In the meantime, you can explore all of MJL's prayer resources here.

 
 
 
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