Tefillah Tips

Before and after we recite Mussaf, the Chazzan leads us in one of the most well-known prayers to Jews worldwide: the Kaddish. The word Kaddish is actually Aramaic and means Kadosh...

When returning the Torah to the Ark we recite Mizmor LeDovid-Psalm 24.  This prayer is also included in our liturgy as the sixth Psalm recited on Friday night prior to the...

After the Chazzan/Shaliyach Tzibur concludes the Ashrei, he takes hold of the Torah that was just read, clutches it to his right shoulder and chants, “Yehallelu Et Shem Hashem Ki Nisgav...

The Talmud in Brachot 4B proclaims, “Anyone who recites the Ashrei, Psalm 145, three times a day is a confirmed future recipient of Olam Habah—eternal reward in the World to Come.”...

After Yekum Purkan, it is customary to recite the tefillah of Av Harachamim (Father of Compassion).  Av Harachamim was written around the year 1096, in response to the First Crusade. Originally...

Immediately following the blessings recited after the Haftorah, the Shliach Tzibbur (Cantor) ascends the Bimah (Platform) and leads the congregation in Yekum Purkan, “May there be success and salvation…” Yekum Purkan...

Hakol Yoducha The Tefillah we recite after the blessing of Yotzair Ohr Uvoray Choshech on Shabbat morning is Hakol Yoducha-All will thank You. It is an expanded version of the regular...

Barchu A story is told of a father waking his son up to go to shul on Shabbat morning. To his chagrin the son seems to be in a comatose state...

Uvimakhalot Rivivot After the Chazzan chants “Befi Yesharim Tithallal,”“Through the mouths of the righteous He shall be praised,” the congregation continues with “Uvimakhalot Rivivot Amcha Beit Yisroel,” “In the tens of...

Tefillah Tips Hakel This opening prayer of Shacharit extols the strength, greatness and awesomeness of G-d. It then states that indeed G-d shall be praised, blessed and sanctified by all of...