Prayer and Blessings
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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…
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G-d Wants You to Ask Him
When will I have children? Answer: Thank you for contacting us. I’m struck by the simplicity and innocence of your question. The true One to ask this question of, especially in the absence of prophecy, is G-d, our Father in…
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Beginning Prayer with Mah Tovu
Why do we begin the prayers with “Mah Tovu”? Answer: “Mah Tovu” is said in praise of the synagogue (“ohalecha”, “mishkenosecha”, “beisecha”,…). In principle, it should be said when entering a synagogue; but the phrase “eis ratzon” applies to prayer…
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Prayer and Fraudulent Rabbis
I’ve been encouraged to speak to a Rabbi who charges $299 for a talisman necklace. Can I not get help without having to pay money and do some weird magical prayer service? Please – I need an honest answer. Answer:…
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Asking Others to Pray for You
If prayer is a personal thing between you and G-d, is it appropriate to ask others to pray for us and why is it appropriate? Answer: It certainly is appropriate because they too have their own personal relationship with G-d.…
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Rekindling a Connection with G-d
I wish I had a better connection to G-d and to my own Judaism. I feel like I’m just going through the motions, I’m just doing things because I have to. Logically I understand the beauty of it all, and…
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The Shema Prayer
I am writing a paper about the Shema prayer and its importance and meaning. Can you please give me some examples of how the commands of the Shema are lived out in Jewish life? Answer: The Shema prayer has three…