Discovering Hebrew Prayer

Syllabus Summary

1. Why do we pray? The spirituality of Hebrew prayers

   Explore the purpose of prayer and its spiritual significance in life, building a personal and communal connection to the Divine.

2. The historical development of Hebrew prayers

   Trace the origins and evolution of Hebrew prayers, from biblical times to the established liturgies of today’s Siddur.

3. Jewish prayer books – Siddur, Machzor, Haggadah

   Study the foundational Jewish prayer texts—the Siddur for daily, Shabbat and Holiday use, Machzor for High Holidays, and Haggadah for Passover.

4. The structure and order of the Hebrew prayers

   Discover the sequence and order of Jewish prayers, designed to guide spiritual ascent and fostering a deep spiritual experience.

5. Morning blessings (Birkot Hashachar) 1

   Examine the first part of the morning blessings, the Modeh Ani prayer, the Asher Yatzar blessing and additional prayers that offer gratitude for daily gifts and spiritual awareness.

6. Morning blessings (Birkot Hashachar) 2

   Continue with additional study of the blessings that celebrate life, spirituality and divine guidance in life.

7. Verses and Psalms of praise (Pesukei Dezimrah) 1

   First section of Pesukei Dezimrah, psalms and verses that open the heart to gratitude and divine praise in the morning service. Study the Baruch Sheamar prayer, Psalms and Ashrei.

8. Verses and Psalms of praise (Pesukei Dezimrah) 2

   Complete Pesukei Dezimrah, preparing for deeper prayer through themes of divine greatness and mercy. We will analyze Shirat Hayam (the Song at the Sea) and the Yishtabach prayer.

9. Barchu and the 2 blessings before the Shema

   Learn the opening call to worship and blessings that acknowledge God as the creator and source of light.

10. The Shema and its 3 paragraphs

    Explore the central proclamation of Jewish faith and its expressions of love, devotion, and mitzvot observance.

11. The 2 blessings after the Shema

    Study the concluding blessings of the Shema, which praise divine redemption and reflect on God’s saving power.

12. The Amidah – Historical perspective

    Examine the origins and significance of the Amidah, the central prayer of Jewish services, and its development over centuries.

13. The Amidah – Its structure

    Delve into the structure of the Amidah, exploring how its blessings are organized to elevate the worship experience.

14. The three blessings of praise

    Learn about the initial blessings of the Amidah, which establish reverence and gratitude for God’s greatness, power and holiness.

15. The thirteen petitions 1

    Explore the first part of the Amidah's petitions, which express personal and communal needs like understanding, healing, and justice.

16. The thirteen petitions 2

    Continue with the remaining petitions, which ask for support in areas like forgiveness, prosperity, and the restoration of Jerusalem.

17. The three blessings of thanksgiving

    Conclude the Amidah with blessings of gratitude, acknowledging God’s kindness, peace, and divine protection.

18. The Torah reading service

    Study the significance of reading from the Torah, its structure, and how it brings the community together in shared tradition.

19. The concluding prayers

    Examine the Tachanun, Adon Olam and Yigdal prayers that close the service, reinforcing themes of peace, unity, and divine sovereignty.

20. The Kaddish

    Learn about the Kaddish, a prayer that sanctifies God’s name and holds a central place in communal worship and mourning.

21. The Kabbalat Shabbat and the Shabbat evening service

    Explore the Friday evening prayers that welcome Shabbat, including the Lecha Dodi, psalms of joy and reflection on the sanctity of rest.

22. The morning and the Musaf service

    Study the structure of Shabbat morning prayers and the additional Musaf service, which commemorate the Temple sacrifices.

23. The afternoon service and Havdalah

    Delve into the Shabbat afternoon prayers and the Havdalah ceremony, which mark the conclusion of Shabbat with reverence and gratitude.

24. Specific holiday prayers and blessings

    Examine special prayers and themes for each Jewish festival, reflecting unique aspects of joy, memory, and divine connection.

25. Blessing for the food (birkot haneenim)

    Discover the blessings recited before eating, which express gratitude for sustenance and the enjoyment of God’s gifts.

26. The grace after meals (birkat hamazon)

    Study the traditional blessings said after meals, which thank God for food, land, and divine sustenance.

27. Prayers and blessings for special occasions

    Explore blessings for unique life events, holidays, and moments, deepening our connection to God in everyday life.

28. Ritual objects and sacred items in a synagogue

    Learn about the sacred objects found in a synagogue, such as the Tallit, the eternal light and Torah scrolls, and their significance in Jewish worship.

29. The Personnel – Who is who in a synagogue

    Discover the roles of individuals in synagogue services, including the rabbi, cantor, gabbai, and community members.

30. Summary and integration

    Reflect on the course’s themes and insights, integrating your understanding of prayer into a meaningful daily and communal practice.