B"H

Friday, Kislev 11, 5784 / November 24, 2023

In the beginning of this week's Parsha, Vayeitzei, the Torah tells about Yaakov's famous dream.  In his dream he saw, "a ladder stood upon the earth and the top of the ladder reached into heaven and G-d's angels ascended and descended upon it.  G-d was standing over him and said, ‘I am G-d, the G-d of Abraham your father, and the G-d of Yitzchak.  I will give to you and to your descendants the land on which you are lying.’" 

According to our sages, the ladder which Yaakov saw in his dream, represents our prayers. Through the ladder of prayer we connect to G-d.

Prayer is a very important part of Judaism and our connection to G-d.  We pray three times daily; Shacharit (Morning Prayer), Mincha (Afternoon Prayer) and Maariv (Evening Prayer). 

The prayers have their roots with our patriarchs, Abraham, Yitzchak (Isaac) and Yaakov (Jacob). 

The Morning Prayer is associated with Abraham; the afternoon prayer with Yitzchak and the evening prayer is mentioned in this Parsha in connection with Yaakov, who prayed in the evening, before going to sleep.

Although the structure of the prayers, as we know them today, have been compiled many years later by Ezra the scribe and the Rabbis of the Great Assembly, the concept of the prayers and their origin are related to the patriarchs.

Q.   In Hebrew prayer is called “Tefilah.”  Why?

A.   One reason is that “Tefilah” comes from the word connect.  Through prayer we connect to G-d.

Q.  In Yiddish prayer is called, “Daven.”  Why?

A.  The Yiddish word for prayer "Daven" comes from the word "D'Avuhon" which means "from our fathers." As the three prayers are associated to our forefathers: Abraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov.

Q.   Why do many Jews sway back and forth while praying?

A.   In Psalms (35:10) Kind David refers to prayer as, "All my limbs say G-d, Who is like you."   Through the movements of our body, our entire body ("all my limbs") is involved in the prayers.

Also, our soul is likened to a candle (Proverbs 20:27).  Just as a flame of the candle continuously moves and flickers, rising upwards, so too, when we pray, our soul ("candle of G-d") constantly moves in its desire to connect to its source - to G-d.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY &SHABBAT SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 3:58 / Shabbat ends: 5:05

WITH SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL