Articles with the tag: prayer

Abraham’s Clone (25:19)

In past generations many of the miracles associated with the Messianic redemption were undoubtedly viewed as implausible myths. But now modern science has turned legend into reality. Even the Biblical prophecy of the Resurrection of the Dead, once considered the ultimate ‘fairy-tale’ is now seriously discussed in respected medical journals.

True, today’s technology doesn’t yet allow for the type of breakthroughs where dinosaurs are brought back to life as dramatized in movies like Jurassic Park. However, similar medical miracles (remember Dolly the sheep), utilizing the process of cloning, are on the horizon. Thus when the Sages spoke of the miniscule luz spinal-bone being the source to rebuild all Jews who once lived, they were simply intimating how G-d might employ…

Continue reading Abraham’s Clone (25:19)

Search, Converse, Encounter

The image of Isaac, “Out into the field towards evening to meditate,” is highly appropriate for the introspective, quiet Patriarch. Biblical Isaac often appears withdrawn, inward, even passive. In his marriage, Rivkah is more often the active partner. Thus meditating in a field quite fits Isaac’s character.
The Talmud however, more concerned with halachah than psychology, draws its own inference from the verse. Isaac’s recorded ‘meditation’ refers to a prayer, while ‘towards evening’ means afternoon. Thus Mincha was born.
But as to the exact origin of our daily prayers, the Sages differ. “Rabbi Yose said, ‘The prayers were instituted by the Patriarchs.’ Rabbi Yehoshua said, ‘The prayers were instituted to replace the daily sacrifices’... in accordance with Rabbi Yose…Abraham instituted…

Continue reading Search, Converse, Encounter

Abraham's Prayers Helped Abraham

G-d’s mind was made up. He was all set to destroy Sodom. In fact, He had already ‘descended’ (a Biblical metaphor for Heavenly investigation), heard the city’s outcry, and passed judgment. Nonetheless, G-d thought to Himself that He would not hide from Abraham that the neighborhood, so to speak, was about to become an undesirable slum.

At first glance, one would imagine that Abraham, upon hearing that Divine Justice was about to be served, would rise to his feet and sing Hallelujah!  But that is not what transpired. Abraham quickly adopted the role of merciful advocate, begging for a stay of execution. After all, Abraham asks of G-d, there must be some righteous folks in the vicinity of Sodom who…

Continue reading Abraham’s Prayers Helped Abraham

Prayer: a Divine Dialogue

Prayer is one of the most difficult of Jewish rituals to master. I don’t mean the technical details of when to stand, when to bow, what blessings are said or omitted on a particular day. Those are specific laws that one can easily learn and become proficient in.

However, the real meaning of prayer, i.e., the realization that one cannot accomplish everything on his own but one needs a little help from Above, that is an art not easily acquired This requires more than mere knowledge, it has to be coupled with the feeling that one has been granted a private audience with the Almighty.

We all know how difficult that can be. Thus many people may be sitting in…

Continue reading Prayer: a Divine Dialogue