On (better) praying

Image via Wikipedia//A Yemenite Jew at the morning prayer

In Judaism, every word and movement is having a specific sense. The prayer is our best way to communicate with HaShem and by doing it we are not simply ennumerating words but we are (re)creating a special world of devotion through a specific conduct.

For those looking to understand and correct the prayer behavior, they should not miss this book: Gateway to Heaven. Guide to Better Praying. The books is a detailed and careful guide of what we have to do and avoid during prayers, separate on genders, time, with a devoted attention given to words and inner building of the kavanah. It reminded me a lot of a discussion I had about Halakha: it doesn't matter what do you feel about a certain situation, it is important to follow the rationality of the Halakha.

An useful book for all those looking for guidance of their praying life.

Where is your Shtender?

Maybe during the next Shabbes you'll be invited to visit a honorable religious house and you will see an interesting piece of furniture, reminding you of your time spent in school. If it looks like in this picture, it might be a Shtender.

This is the place where you stay to learn or davening, where you put your siddur, at home or at your yeshiva.

From the pedagogical point of view, it shares a different conception on education, where anybody is directly responsible for acquiring knowledge, praying and the interaction with the professor/rav is individual.