Sabbath Prayers: The Candle Lighting Blessing

Before reciting this blessing, light the Shabbat candles and then cover your eyes with your hands. Ba’ruch ah’tah Ah’do’nai, Eh’lo’hay’nu melech ha’o’lam, ah’sher kidishanu b’mitz’vo’tav…

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Sabbath Prayers: V’Shamru/And They Shall Guard

A direct quote from the Torah (Exodus 31:16-17), the following two verses are often recited aloud as part of the Friday night service. It is a reminder that Shabbat is a sign of the…

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Who Leads The Prayers

A congregational rabbi’s job is to teach and guide a community, officiate at life-cycle events, answer appropriate questions and be the representative of the community. A rabbi must…

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Sabbath Prayers: The Blessings Over The Torah

On Shabbat morning, seven different people are called to recite the blessings over the reading of the Torah. Each person is referred to as the oleh, "he who has come up." The blessings…

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Prayers in Song

Don't hesitate to pray with song if it helps you to connect to the spiritual.

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Names for Prayers

If someone you know is ill, ask them for their Hebrew name (and their mother's Hebrew name) so that you can pray for them.

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Your Prayers

When you pray, put your whole heart into your conversation with God.

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Pretty Prayers

If you take public transportation, try using this time to recite Hallel if you do not have time earlier.

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True Prayers

Be sensitive to someone struggling with infertility, and take a moment to say a prayer on their behalf.

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Sabbath Prayers: Birkat Ha’banim/Blessing the Children

On Friday nights, it is traditional for parents to give special blessings to their children. There are different blessings for boys and girls, but they share the same concluding verses:…

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