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Q. Why pray using a text someone else wrote? Shouldn’t it come from the heart?

A. First of all there are special slots throughout the prayer, even during the Amida, where we can (some say should) add our own prayer, in our own words.

Why does prayer need formalities? For structure. Maimonides writes: The Biblical … Read the rest

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Q. Am I supposed to say a blessing after crossing the Atlantic?

A. The “Gomel” blessing is recited for being saved from 4 general types of danger. 1) overseas travel  2) captivity/prison  3) seriously ill health/operation  4) travel through uncivilized place ; or any near brush with death.  Although air travel today … Read the rest

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Q: I’d like to wear Tefillin but not up to praying for an hour. Can I?

A: Absolutely! Tefillin and Prayer are separate Mitzvahs (commandments) that are best done together. Tefillin itself shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes (wrap on, say the 1st part of the Shema and wrap up). POT! (Put On Tefillin) – it’s … Read the rest

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