Praying On Purpose

Every morning, we must tend to both our physical and spiritual needs.  All things being equal, one should precede the other.

Prayer and prophecy are two sides of the same coin. By taking a closer look at Moshe Rabbienu’s prophetic power, we can gain insight and direction as to how we can most effectively engage in prayer.

Upon awakening in the morning, our primary focus should be to ready ourselves for davening.  Today we begin a discussion of some of the activities we may and may not do before davening.  

The day after Shavuos is the perfect time to remind ourselves that daily prayer is one of the most essential ingredients for success in Torah study.

Birchas HaTorah is only recited once a day, regardless of how many times one actually engages in Torah study.  

The practice of reciting the birchas kohanim immediately following birchos hatorah reveal much about the ultimate objectives of Torah study.

Before engaging in the study of Torah each day, we recite brachos beforehand, as we would before partaking of other pleasures.

Taking revenge and bearing a personal grudge are prohibited by the Torah. The reason behind these prohibitions may serve to further incentivize us to engage in daily prayer. 

When Jews are the subject of negative media attention, what is our instinctual reaction?  Is it possible that we are often missing the point?

On the day of Yom HaZikaron, the citizens of Israel observe a moment of silence, remembering thousands of fallen soldiers and victims of terror. But is this practice, in fact, the proper Jewish response to tragedy?