The Art of the Ark and Other Rules of Shul Kibudim

The Shul generally davens Nusach Ashkenaz and their Chabad Rav has been serving as shliach tzibur for Ne’ilah for over thirty years. Instead of repeating the Yud Gimmel Midos seven times, he only recites them three times, and has done so for over three decades. Has the Rabbi deviated from a well-established norm dating back over a millennium, or is the congregation blissfully unaware of the genesis of this practice? This paper highlights all available original sources on the matter and allows the reader to draw his own conclusion.

A minyan of seniors, a common occurrence at old age homes, can be challenging. What does Jewish law say about seniors sleeping during the prayers, or seniors who are unable or unwilling to actively participate in the services?

If Birkat Kohanim is one of Judaism’s most cherished blessings, why outside of Israel today is it so rarely recited? Why in Jerusalem is it sung daily, but only seldom in the Diaspora? Why do we seem to disregard how Shulchan Aruch regulates Birkat Kohanim?

The recitation of Kaddish is a central Jewish mourning rite. Mourners recite Kaddish for eleven months following the death of a loved one. What is the meaning of the prayer and the details of its observance? Why is it recited for specifically eleven months?

Prayer has always been a pillar of the Jewish tradition. It is often wondered: if Judaism most values action, what is the significance of uttering liturgy composed thousands of years ago, several times a day?
(includes 30 pages of supplementary material)

Part I in a Series

A digest of the philosophy behind communal prayer. What makes it so valuable? What purpose does it serve? Does the prayer of the individual not achieve the same as the prayers of a congregation? A look at the deeper meaning of tefilah b’tzibbur.
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