questions about Jewish prayer
3
votes
2answers
211 views
Bameh Madlikin grammar
In congregations that daven with Nusach Ashkenaz, the Friday night Maariv is preceded with a recitation of Mishnayos beginning with the words: Bameh madlikin u'vamoh ain madlikin...
I always wondered ...
3
votes
1answer
186 views
What purpose does the repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah) serve?
Does the repetition serve to ensure that everyone present has fulfilled the mitzvah of tefila? If so, does saying "amen" to all of the blessings work in substitution of the silent Shemoneh Esrei, in a ...
3
votes
3answers
236 views
Why do we not say Avinu Malkeinu on shabbat?
Just what the title says. I've heard that it's because we don't supplicate Hashem on shabbat, but this seems a little simplistic. What are the issues here?
2
votes
1answer
55 views
Mishebeirach for someone who doesn't want their mother's name used
Suppose someone really dislikes his mother and does not want to be known as (for example) "יוסף בן רחל". He's sick, and people wish to pray for him in a Mishebeirach.
Do his wishes have to be ...
2
votes
3answers
115 views
No real kavanah?
There is an interesting principle and ruling established by the Smak, the Tur, and the Rama:
One who davens and did not focus on his prayer, if he knows that he can pray again and focus, he should ...
2
votes
3answers
94 views
What is the meaning of the words כהיום הזה in the prayer על הניסים ?
What is the meaning of the words כהיום הזה in the prayer על הניסים ? Are there options other than the Artscroll interpretation, "unquestionable clarity"?
2
votes
1answer
144 views
On days when Kohanim Duchan, why do the Kohanim only do it once and not in each Shemoneh Esrei?
On days when the Kohanim Duchan, why do the Kohanim only do it once (during Mussaf) and not in each Shemoneh Esrei?
[revised question]
2
votes
2answers
145 views
Is Shir HaShirim recited on a Yom Tov that falls on Friday?
There are those (Sephardim and Chassidim, I guess) who have the custom to recite Shir HaShirim on Friday, Erev Shabbat. Do they also recite it on a Friday when Yom Tov leads directly into Shabbat?
If ...
2
votes
1answer
125 views
Praying for a Sick Convert
If when we pray for a person we pray for Ploni ben Plonis (e.g. Judah son of Leah or Dina daughter of Leah), what name do we use when praying for a ger (convert)?
2
votes
2answers
125 views
Nusach for silent Amida when chazzan in an other-nusach congregation
My understanding (based, if I recall correctly, on R' Moshe Feinstein) is that when I pray in a congregation that uses a different version of the prayers (nusach) from the one I usually use, I should ...
1
vote
0answers
25 views
Meditation before Mitzvah activities
Who invented the meditation that is often printed before such things as counting the 'Omer, inviting the Ushpizin, and other Mitzvoth or Mitzvah-related activities, and what is the basis for it?
1
vote
0answers
73 views
Why are Ashre and Alenu considered communal prayers?
Shulchan Aruch (OC 65) says to say "Sh'ma" with the congregation when they say it, and Mishna B'rura 9 there says the same is true of other things recited as a congregation such as "Ashre" and ...
1
vote
1answer
93 views
What is the vowel associated with the letter “dalet” in the name “Aleph-Dalet-Nun-Yud”?
What is the vowel associated with the letter “dalet” in the name “Aleph-Dalet-Nun-Yud”? I always assumed it was a “cholam” (see here for example) but someone who is (otherwise) careful in his ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views
Which part of שחרית would you identify as “prayer”?
What part of שחרית would you identify as "prayer"?
1
vote
2answers
182 views
Drunken Davening
Can one daven Drunk and what is the Level of drunkenness that disallows one from Davening?
0
votes
5answers
279 views
What makes prayer take so long?
I have noticed that some people take a lot longer to pray than others. I was wondering what exactly adds to this length? I do understand it's probably thinking of the meaning of the words etc. but ...
