Do You Pray?

Do you pray? That’s a question that will ensure that many will not read this post, and most certainly won’t respond.

Tefillah (generally translated, somewhat inaccurately, as prayer) is central to Judaism, but for some reason many Jews haven’t incorporated tefillah into their lives. I contend this is due to a lack of understanding about the fundamentals of tefillah.

Many think that prayer is reserved for when in distress, a time of need, when all other options have come up empty. When all else fails, we turn to G-d. But in truth, as Jews we are expected to pray daily - actually, three times daily.

So what is the purpose of this prayer?

The Hebrew word tefillah is better defined as an intimate connection and communication. The soul connects to it’s divine source and is able to appreciate it’s mission in this world - to give life to the body. And our body can reconnect to it’s mission in this world - to make this world a dwelling place for G-d.

Too often we get caught up in the rat-race of life; Tefillah is a time to develop our connection to the A-lmighty and realize our higher purpose in this world. Tefillah is the time to let G-d into our life.

When Reb Menachem Mendel from Kotzk (the Kotzker Rebbe) was a child, he was asked by his father's friend; "Menachem Mendel, where does G-d live?" The young child was quick with his response; "Wherever you let Him in!"