Praying in Unison – Kedusha during the Silent Amida

Piyutim are liturgical poems that are chanted during prayer primarily on the High Holidays, with some dating back many generations. What is their status in Jewish law? Must they all be recited or can they be omitted? What do we know about their origin and evolution? How important is it to adhere to local custom?

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?

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? 

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.

The greatest cantorial pieces call for the
repetition of certain words. When is this allowed? What is the issue? And what
role, if any, does the Chazzan play in Chabad philosophy?

Beseeching the Creator for His benevolence and salvation is a practice of universal import and value. But how did the uniquely Jewish form of prayer evolve? What was the process by which the first siddurim were designed?

Part II in a Series