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Learn
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Learn About the Shabbat Service
Shabbat Service Graphic Outline Graphic Outline of the Shabbat Amidah Graphic Outline of the Musaf Amidah
Jewish Prayer A basic explanation of the nature of prayer is that it is simply a "personal" conversation between an individual and G-d. But, if prayer is personal, what is the advantage of formal prayer? On the surface, formal prayer seems rote and automatic, not at all personal. But how often would most people pray, if they were not required to do so. It is easy to say "Thank G-d" when something good happens, or to pray for help when things go wrong. But how many of us would think to thank G-d for the myriad of miracles we witness every day ? And how often would we pray for the well-being of others if our own lives are running smoothly? By requiring that we pray a fixed number of times a day, the Rabbis ensure that we are in communication (however imperfect) with G-d each day. People who pray every day often find that prayer helps them anchor their day. Life in the frenetic-paced world of today is so chaotic. But, fixed prayer ensures that twice or three times a day we can stop, slow down, and completely focus on our relationship with G-d and the cosmos. It's the best tranquilizer in the world. Prayer is always meaningful. But in many ways Jewish prayer is special and unique. Unlike other religions, each Jew prays individually -- no leader is necessary, just ourselves. In Judaism, both private and public prayer have a place and special meaning. Private prayer makes it possible for people who are unable to participate in congregational prayer (for example, women with young children) to communicate on a sublime level with G-d. The value of public prayer is that each individual in the group contributes a special element, and all of the elements combined add up to a more perfect whole. There is also an important symbolic meaning to public prayer. When ten or more people convene for the purpose of prayer, they symbolically represent all of Israel. When an individual prays with a congregation, that individual is praying with the entire Jewish people. Nevertheless, even in a minyan, each individual who is capable of praying is required to recite the prayers personally. And, of course, the central prayer - the Amidah - is recited privately. The special prayers that Jews recite each day express the historical experience and basic values of our people. In these prayers we reaffirm the articles of Jewish faith and give voice to our hopes for the future, not only of the Jewish people, but for all humankind. We become a part of our history, a connection with the past, present, and the future. Perhaps the most valuable asset of prayer is that, even if only for a few minutes each day, it brings us closer to each other and to G-d. The Shabbat morning (Shacharit & Mussaf) prayer service is an especially beautiful and moving service. It not only encompasses all of the major elements of the Jewish prayer service, but the tenor of the service is fundamentally enhanced by the holiness of the day. On Shabbat, Jews refrain from doing any kind of creative labor. Instead the day is spent in reverent homage to the ultimate Creator -- G-d. The following is a brief explanation of each major section of the Shabbat Shacharit service. For reasons of space, it is impossible to include the actual prayers as well as the explanations. This is unfortunate, because the prayers themselves evoke a deep emotional response which can only be felt, not explained. To get the full benefit of this module, the reader might wish to first read the prayer or blessing in the Siddur (prayer book), and then read the explanation presented here.
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