As I was reading this week’s Torah portion Parshas Va'etchanan which begins with the verse “I entreated the Lord at that time, saying”, I started to wonder what prayer is. In this week’s Torah portion the word used is “Chanun” entreat. Also know as a request. One of the other terms for prayer is “Teffilah” which means connection.
Prayer means different things to different people. For some it is a request from G-d to do a certain thing. I want to be successful, I want my friend to get better, I want to find a spouse etc.
For others it is a time to reflect, a time to reconnect. A time to find a connection between who I am and who I want to be. Do I want to be G-dly? Can I express G-dliness in my daily action?
Perhaps it's a time when I can ask G-d to guide me to fulfill my purpose in the world, to live in the way that G-d wants. (This will be the subject of future classes.)
What does prayer mean to you?
When Chabad of Harford County opens its doors would you like there to be prayer services?
Email your answer to [email protected]
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
Carl A Brotman wrote...