Prayer and Religious Articles
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Origin of the Jewish Star
What is the origin of the Jewish Star? Answer: The hexagram (six-pointed star) has been used as an ornament, and possibly as a magical sign, in many cultures since ancient times. It was used by Jews as well, but was…
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Names of the Torah Portions
Who named the Torah Portions and when did this start? Answer: Hi! You’re asking an interesting and difficult question. I’m not sure that anyone named the portions. We don’t even really know where they came from; the Torah itself doesn’t…
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Praying With the Feet Together, Like Angels
I was told that when we bow before G_d we are to put our legs together as if having only one leg like the angels. Please explain to me the reason and source of this? Answer: The source that angels’…
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Trust, Prayer and Infertility
What is the fine line between having trust in G-d that all will work out well and not having ones hopes up too high in order not to have such a big disappointment? I’m particularly asking about coping with infertility…
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G-d Has Faith ..in Us!
What does the “faithful” mean in the phrase said before the Shema prayer – “El melekh ne’eman” – “Mighty, King, Faithful” ? The word “faithful” is also at the end of the first prayer Jews say when they rise –…
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Simple Method to Strengthen Trust in G-d
How do I keep my trust in G-d strong and not think it’s my efforts that are doing everything? Answer: Thanks for sending this important question. Here’s a simple but powerful suggestion: Say “Please help me make this an honor…
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Jewish Prayer and Freud’s Views on Women
When I was in graduate school a profesor of mine told me that there was a prayer in orthodox Jewish churh that ends – Thank God I was not born a woman or a dog. He was trying to explain…
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Modeh Ani When You’re Not Feeling Thankful
Is it correct to say the Modeh Ani (the prayer of thanks traditionally said immediately upon rising in the morning) every morning even if you don’t mean it? In other words, is it right to say it if you really…
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Jewish Approach to Faith Healing
Do healings take place on a regular basis within the Jewish faith today? There was a single rather obscure healing claim from the Catholic sector quite recently, sort of a second hand healing by someone who had died, and some…