Praying on Purpose: Recent Episodes
Rabbi Larry Rothwachs
Short motivational messages and insights by Rabbi Larry Rothwachs. Brief Torah messages, delivered 3x a week, designed to inspire increased thought and enhanced awareness of the prayers that we recite, focusing on the “why,” the “how” and the “what” of daily prayer. This initiative is dedicated as zchus for a refuah sheleima for אילנה חנה בת גילה בריינלע
During times of war, each and every one of us must go to battle. Prayer is one of the many powerful weapons in our arsenal.
Learning to share our most powerful emotions with Hashem can greatly enhance our connection and moments of formal prayer.
Learning to share our most powerful emotions with Hashem can greatly enhance our connection and moments of formal prayer.
The custom of blowing the shofar throughout the month of Elul is designed to prepare us for the month of Tishrei, although not necessarily in the way we assume.
This is a time of year during which we seek divine assistance in many different areas. Perhaps more importantly though, we must remember to show up and claim the blessings that come our way.
Our Elul and Tishrei prayers include a special daily reminder that, in life, the only thing to fear is fear itself.
The month of Elul is a time period marked with distinction - and not merely because it precedes the month of Tishrei. Its special quality provides us with a unique focus for prayer.
The month of Elul invites us to demonstrate initiative in our quest to reconnect with Hashem - and prayer provides us with the perfect opportunities to do so.
The period of the three weeks offers us a unique opportunity to bridge the past with the present.
Looking up and reminding ourselves to whom we should always direct our hopes and prayers is the greatest segulah in the world.
The birchos hashachar, recited every morning, serve as 15 unique prompts, directing our minds and hearts to heightened awareness.
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?
Are moments of solitude to be considered a blessing or a curse? The answer may depend on how we choose to experience these opportunities.
By asking for divine assistance in our quest to discover the sweetness of Torah, we are reminded that the greatest pleasures in life are acquired through effort and toil.
Contrasting two very similar words in yesterday’s parsha provides us with yet a new perspective regarding the benefits of daily prayer.
The timing of the breaking of the luchos can remind us how important it is to be fully present and engaged when davening
The bracha that we recite before the study of Torah reveals the very essence of this most unique mitzvah.
On Purim we wear, and ultimately remove, our masks, reminding us of the great potential of divine discovery through prayer.
The brachos that we recite every morning before studying Torah serve to enrich and strengthen our relationship with the Giver and Teacher of Torah,
Our morning prayers are arranged in a manner that reflects the architectural structure of the Beis HaMikdash. This provides us with an incredible opportunity for insight and inspiration.
Prayer provides us with a unique opportunity to explore the different zones of the mishkan, thereby enhancing all of the relationships in our life.
Ideally, the body and soul are to support each other while navigating this world. Like many life challenges, at times that is easier said than done.
The final segment in our risk-benefit analysis regarding the use of a smartphone as a substitute for a siddur.
As the season of geulah officially commences, we are afforded a unique opportunity to reflect upon a foundational principle of prayer.
A soul consists of multiple tiers, each of which enables us to serve Hahsem with greater intent and purpose.
Given the distracting nature of a smartphone, to what extent, if at all, may a case be made favoring the use of such a device for davening?
In addition to the many obvious benefits of prayer, it can serve to effectively shatter one of life’s greatest myths.
Every day begins with a subtle, yet powerful, reminder that each and every person has a singular soul and a unique life’s mission.
Among the many useful apps that modern technology affords us are “siddur apps” which enable us to use our smartphones in place of a siddur. Is the use of technology in this manner to be endorsed and encouraged or shunned and discouraged?
As we observe Tu Bishvat, we are offered a special opportunity to reflect upon the eternal lesson behind this important day and what that can teach us about the function and benefits of daily prayer.
When you look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Do you see the real you? The bracha of asher yatzar helps clarify what our eyes fail to perceive.
Should one stand or sit while reciting the bracha of asher yatzar? While this may be an interesting point to debate, it can also prompt us to ask ourselves more pressing questions regarding the manner in which we recite this bracha.
Belief and faith are among Judaism’s most foundational principles. But the reasons why we should believe go well beyond what most of us assume.
The human body is an exceptionally sophisticated entity, consisting of profound systems and awesome structures. A careful review of asher yatzar reveals what is unquestionably its most extraordinary feature.
Does the traditional model of communal prayer preclude us from achieving meaningful moments of solitude with God? Not necessarily…
Ultimately, every genuine prayer is accepted and makes its mark. At times though, many years may pass before those results appear evident to us.
Thoughtful recitation of the bracha of asher yatzar provides us with frequent opportunities to reflect upon the greatest wonder in all of creation.
Davening the amidah properly requires achieving the right balance so that we – and only we – can hear the words that we are reciting.
Emotions can be deliberately channeled to assist us in our efforts to enhance our prayers and strengthen our attachment to Hashem.
The opening of every blessing concludes with a description of God being King of “Ha-Olam.” This profound word conveys messages of insight, hope, and faith.
Moshe’s initial encounter with the Divine Presence can serve as a practical guide as we seek to enhance our prayer experience.
A "healthy" and well-balanced prayer contains two essential ingredients. But even when one of these ingredients is missing, it retains a degree of potency.
While relating to the concept of malchut is indeed challenging, we can learn to attune our ears to hear the gentle and soft voice of the King.
The fast of Asara B’Tevet contains an essential life lesson, which can inform and inspire us every time we pray.
Although God transcends time and space, His Presence is concentrated near one who is ill. Understanding this phenomenon can enlighten and empower each one of us, every time we pray.
Of all the opening words in a bracha, one would think that the word "king" would be the easiest to relate to. The reality however would seem to be quite different.
Every time we daven, we position our bodies and direct our focus toward the place where the Temple once stood. Upon reflection, this practice can enhance and inspire every prayer.
What had once been two very different forms of worship have now become one. Prayer, the way we experience it today, has evolved into a fusion of two biblical models.
On Chanukah, we express our gratitude and appreciation - not only for the miracles and the victories but also for the battles and the struggles.
When performing the mitzvah of Ner Chanukah, every effort is made to broadcast a message to others. Yet, when circumstances obstruct our efforts, we are reminded to find satisfaction in our accomplishments.
Prayer, the way we experience it today, represents an integration of two unique models. Part 2 of our exploration of the evolution of prayer.
The omission of any reference to the miracle of the oil in the prayer of Al HaNissim can serve to enlighten our davening on Chanukah, and beyond.
The experience of meaningful prayer is achieved within a space that reflects tension and ambiguity. Upon deeper reflection, we come to appreciate that very space as one of peace and clarity.
As we reflect upon the earliest examples of recorded prayer, we stumble upon what appears to be the great paradox of Jewish prayer.
The fourth word of every blessing contains (at least) three separate messages, each essential and profound. In this message, we attempt to break it down, revealing this word's simplicity and relatability.
Prayer is designed to be a dynamic and immersive experience. The ancient tradition to "shuckle" while davening can serve to assist us in achieving that goal.
Yaakov Avinu serves as the inspiration for tefillas Maariv, as he learned to discover and connect with Hashem even, if not especially, during the darkest times of his life.
Proper recitation of the Name of Hashem requires both focus and attention. More importantly, however, it can only be achieved though personal reflection and genuine honesty.
As we have seen, despite its relatively short length, tefillas Mincha contains tremendous potential. Perhaps the very name of this prayer provides us with further insight into its unique potency.
Today we continue to explore the proper focus that one should have when reciting the Name of Hashem and, in the process of doing so, discover new perspectives which enable us to anchor our lives in faith.
When entering a shul, one should not stand too close to the doorway. Today we explore three interpretations of this halacha, each of which can serve to enhance our prayer experience.
Of the three daily prayers, our Rabbis urge us to be particularly mindful in our performance of Tefillas Mincha. Today we explore what makes the afternoon prayer the most consequential of all.
To properly comprehend the most important word in all of our liturgy we must be focused, attentive, and, most importantly, patient.
One would think that the best way to prepare for davening is by temporarily disconnecting from others, thereby readying oneself for an encounter with God. In reality, however, we are directed to do just the opposite.
The morning prayers, inspired by Avraham Avinu, provide us with a unique opportunity to connect with God, and with ourselves, at the start of every day.
On the surface, addressing the King of Kings as "you" would seem highly inappropriate. Yet, we do precisely that and thereby demonstrate the extraordinary relationship with have with our Father in heaven.
Standing with one's feet together during davening is a fascinating tradition. Exploring the origin of this custom enables us to discover new insights and perspectives on prayer.
Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, the founding fathers of daily prayer, introduced three unique templates of tefillah, which serve to enlighten and guide us to this very day.
Perhaps more than anything else, connecting with God is the most challenging aspect of prayer. One word repeatedly prompts us to remain mindful and focused that we are conversing with another.
Perhaps more than anything else, connecting with God is the most challenging aspect of prayer. One word repeatedly prompts us to remain mindful and focused that we are conversing with another.
Every time we stand in prayer, we approach God by taking three steps forward. This fascinating custom teaches us much about the focus and goals of prayer.
In an effort to make prayer "feel more meaningful" and "seem more relevant," we risk reducing our understanding of prayer rather than enhancing it. As we try to develop a comprehensive perspective on prayer we must remember that there are limits to our understanding.
At least 100 times a day, we recite a declaration in which we appear to be bestowing a blessing upon God. Today we take a closer look in an effort to discover the true message disguised in every blessing.
Knowing one’s place - where I am and where I am heading – is an essential component of a healthy prayer experience. Today we return for a closer look at the institution of מקום קבוע.
As we have seen, prayer is not simply transactional, nor designed merely as a means to assist us in getting what we want. That being said, from the moment of creation, the need for prayer was embedded into the natural order of the universe.
As the rainy season in Israel officially commences, we are again offered the special opportunity to reflect 3x daily on the deeper meaning of God's strength and power. And, in the process, we can renew our own commitment to exercise greater self-control.
We shake the lulav in Hallel at two points which appear to be opposing poles. Upon reflection however, we discover that these poles are much closer than they appear.
With proper focus, spending time in the sukkah provides us with a unique opportunity to experience more heartfelt and meaningful prayers all throughout the year.
The day after Yom Kippur may seem like a relatively unremarkable point on the calendar but, in reality, it is a day that contains its own unique focus and agenda. In this episode, we explore what the day after Yom Kippur can teach us about every time we pray.
From a place of peril and uncertainty, Yonah displays calm and expresses appreciation. A quick "dive" into Yonah's eternal lessons on tefillah.
We typically pray for the things we want and for what we think we need. At times, however, we ask Hashem to consider the prayers that still reside deep beneath the surface.
The heartfelt prayers of one woman, more than any other, provide us with practical guidance as to how we should pray on Rosh Hashana. Today we explore one aspect of the eternal legacy of Chana.
It is often assumed that one’s personal level of righteousness and piety will ultimately determine how close he is to God. The truth however is that that closeness to God is within reach to anyone at any time.
As we recite the viduy, confessing our sins before God, we engage in a most curious ritual, beating our hearts, rather than our heads. Today we take a moment to explore why…
Many are under the impression that the recitation of selichos is certain to inspire an abundance of divine compassion and mercy. Is it possible though that such an assumption is simply too good to be true?
Personal requests are just that – personal. Yet, our prayers include numerous prompts that serve to remind us that even personal wants and desires should not be entirely for our own sake.
So many aspects of life are constantly in flux. Very few things in life remain the same. One particular component of prayer can serve to connect us to a world that is constant, enduring, and never-changing.
Prayer is less about getting what we want than learning what to want. So much of what we know about davening reminds us to redefine success and failure as they relate to prayer.
The experience of Torah study can never truly be a “new discovery.” Even when studying a text for the very first time, one knows in his heart that he has been here before.
Meaningful prayer requires the bridging of two worlds, one very distant from the other. Some additional reflections on how to reach a place of transcendence while living in our own (relatively mundane) world.
All too often, we view prayer as a transactional experience - we pray as means to "get" what we "need." While there may be some merit to this perspective, it is essential that we consider prayer from a different vantage point.
What is the primary goal of one's learning to turn to God for assistance? Discover a beautiful clue embedded in the very end of our Elul prayers.
The process of prayer can be extraordinarily challenging. Today's conversation explores one insight into why that may be...