Ashkenazi-Sefardi Pronunciation- I've noticed that Ashkenazi synagogues pronounce some words differently than Sefardi synagogues. What is the halachic status of these two variants? Do Ashkenazim who speak "Israeli" on a daily basis act consistently if they use a different pronunciation only for… More »
Eating Shabbat Morning Before Prayers- In our community Shabbat morning services only begin at 9:00 and the lunchtime meal does not begin till well after 12:00. Can I eat before morning prayers if I make kiddush first? More »
Finite Praise of God?- I am so grateful to God for all He has done for me. I try to verbally acknowledge this several times a day. But sometimes I feel that my words are inadequate. Any suggestions? More »
How to Pray Well- How does a person pray well? I understand the Hebrew of the prayers pretty well, but I can’t really get myself excited about saying them. Are there any good ideas for helping a person pray with emotion? I’m especially bothered… More »
Meaningful High Holiday Services?- I know we don't confess to rabbis, but I have a confession! Even if I can read some of the prayers on Rosh Hashanah, I still don't understand what I'm saying. Honestly I'd rather take a quiet, reflective walk in… More »
Personal Prayers on Shabbat- I’ve heard that we are not allowed to pray on Shabbat except for the standard prayers in the siddur (prayer-book). Is this so, and why? I am recovering from an addiction, and an important part of the program is to… More »
Prayer at Graves of Righteous- I often receive emails from different organizations offering that a rabbi will pray for me at this or that great rabbi’s grave. Does it really make a difference where one prays? Isn't praying to a dead rabbi for salvation practically… More »
Prayer Book- I've been having a strong desire to pray every day. I've been basically making up my own prayers. But I figure I should probably see what the traditional Jewish prayer book has to offer. (After all, it has served us… More »
Prayer in Any Language- Is there a wrong way to pray if I don't know the Hebrew text? Do I just pray with whatever is in my heart? I consider myself a spiritual person. However, I tried praying a lot from a prayer book… More »
Prayer of an Atheist- I enjoy being Jewish, but I have trouble connecting with God. I just don't see Him in my life, and I am suspecting that He does not exist. I don't really have a question for the rabbi, just wanted to… More »
Prayer: Why Not Leave it up to God?- I’ve been told that it’s a good idea to add our personal requests to our prayers and not just recite the text of the daily prayers. However, whenever I try to do this I feel at a loss. All I… More »
Praying Audibly- I feel closest to God when I talk to Him in my mind, without saying words. Is that an okay way to pray or does prayer have to be out loud? I see in synagogue people are mainly praying quietly,… More »
Praying for Smaller Needs- We had a discussion in our class in religious school if it's right to ask God to help us with everyday activities, like getting to school safely, doing well on a test, getting a summer job, or getting over a… More »
Praying in English – God’s Name- I say the prayers in English because I’m too unfamiliar with Hebrew. Can I use the terms “God” and “Lord” for God’s name – as my prayer-book shows? Or are they not accurate translations More »
Space Prayer- I have a question pertaining to Judaism and space travel. If humans ever colonize the moon or other planets, then which direction would we face while praying? More »
User-friendly Siddur- I am just getting into a routine of daily prayer. The old siddur that I have uses a very stilted translation. Is there anything more up-to-date that you’d recommend? More »
Visiting a Mosque- I know many people do not enter Churches. Does the same apply to Mosques? More »
You Know More Hebrew Words Than You Think
