Evolution of Prayer

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.

Familiarize yourself with the background of the various components that comprise the davening. The repetition of the Amida, the appropriate direction for prayer, who is fit to lead the service, the procedures of Krias HaTorah and much more.

Part III in a Series
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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?

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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May a congregant given a kibud pass it on to someone else? Should the honor of opening the Aron Kodesh to return the Torah be given to the same person who took out the Torah? How to navigate the pulpit rabbi’s diplomatic minefield.

As an expression of honor and submission, bowing before an authority has always been common. In Jewish prayer, numerous segments are associated with bowing and prostration. What are some of the reasons for bowing during the recital of Modeh Ani, Barchu, the Amida, Aleinu and during the Yom Kippur service?