prayer

Sacrifices That Remove Pain and Bring Healing

Since the destruction of the Second Temple, the book of Leviticus might appear irrelevant since we can no longer offer the animal sacrifices mentioned in this week’s Torah portion Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:16). Some argue that we are better off without this ‘barbaric” ritual, and others claim we are now bereft of a means of atoning for our sins. In a profound statement, the prophet Samuel says, "Does God delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of God? Behold, obed

Torah portion Tzav sacrifices

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Discover a Personal Relationship with God

In this week’s Torah portion of Acharei, chapter 16 of Leviticus describes the Yom Kippur service. Yom Kippur was an extraordinary opportunity to discover a deep personal relationship with God. Yom Kippur was the only day the Kohen Gadol (high priest) would enter the innermost chamber of the Temple know as the Holy of Holies. The revelation of God’s presence in the Holy of Holies was so intense our sages explain that a miracle took place and the Ark of the Covenant transcended the limitations o

Torah portion of Achare shedding of blood

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Rejoicing in God

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov explained that physical coupling and procreation cannot take place without arousal, passion and joy. The same is true of spiritual “coupling”. Torah study and prayer must be experienced in a state of arousal, passion and joy if they are to bear fruit…Spiritual devotion directed toward building intimacy with G-d will be an experience of sweetness, delight and joy…. It is written, “I will rejoice rejoicing in G-d” (Isaiah 61:10). Rabbi Dov Ber, the Mezricher Maggid exp

baal shem tov coupling

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Prayer Master of the Universe, grant me the ability to be alone; may it be my custom to go outdoors each day among the trees and grass – among all growing things – and there may I be alone, and enter into prayer, to talk with the One to whom I belong. May I express there everything in my heart, and may all the foliage of the field – all grasses, trees, and plants – awake at my coming, to send the powers of their life into the words of my prayer so that my prayer and speech are made whole throu

master of the universe prayer

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 1 min read

Question of the Week: Is Prayer a Waste of Time?

I have a lot of trouble praying. I sit in synagogue and as soon as I start to read the words, my mind wanders. Even when I read the English I find it hard to focus. I suddenly start thinking about work issues or what's for dinner, anything but the prayers. Is prayer a waste of time? Answer: Prayer can be a confronting experience. And that is exactly what it is supposed to be. Prayer is an inner battle waged between two distinct sides of your personality. Your spiritual self and your physical

attention family

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Is Prayer a Waste of Time?

Question of the Week: I have a lot of trouble praying. I sit in synagogue and as soon as I start to read the words, my mind wanders. Even when I read the English I find it hard to focus. I suddenly start thinking about work issues or what's for dinner, anything but the prayers. Am I wasting my time trying to pray? Answer: Prayer can be a confronting experience. And that is exactly what it is supposed to be. Prayer is an inner battle waged between two distinct sides of your personality. Your s

prayer waste of time

Zalman Kravitz

Jun 4, 2025 — 3 min read