Pray

National Redemption

The blessings that conclude the Amidah's center section emphasize God's redemption of Israel.

The Blessings Around the Shema

The structure of these three blessings reflects the historical progress from creation to revelation to redemption.

Shema as a Love Story

The three paragraphs of the Shema can be interpreted allegorically by connecting each of the three paragraphs to a different stage of a growing, loving relationship.

Near and Far

The very structure of the normal Jewish blessing formula (Barukh Atah…) reflects the tension of recognizing and responding to God's immanence and transcendance.

Keva and Kavanah

How the balance of keva (routine) and kavanah (intention) inform Judaism and the thought of Abraham Joshua Heschel.

Zechariah: Chapter 14: Calamity and Redemption

Sukkot Haftarah for First Day. Sukkot Prayer Services. Sukkot in the Community.

Yom Kippur Haftarah: Isaiah 57:14-58:14

The complete text (in English) for this Yom Kippur reading.

Numbers 29:7-11; Maftir

Yom Kippur Morning Torah Reading. Yom Kippur Services. Yom Kippur in the Community.

The Purpose of Memory

Yizkor and Memory, The Purpose of Memory. Jewish Memorial Service. Jewish Holiday Prayers.

Intention & Liturgical Change

Liturgy, Tradition, and Change

About Jewish & Secular Holidays 101

The rhythm of Jewish life is determined by its calendar. Jewish existence is given structure and meaning by the passage of time. There are rituals, celebrations, and holidays that are observed on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.