![Nusah: A Key to the Meaning of Prayer](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/chomsky_jack.jpg)
Nusah: A Key to the Meaning of Prayer
Oct 5, 2012 By Jack Chomsky | Commentary
Of all the traditional melodies in the liturgical year, I have long been impressed by the remarkable musical setting of the kaddish preceding the prayers for Geshem (rain) at Shemini Atzeret, near the conclusion of the fall festival, and Tal (dew) at the beginning of Pesah in the spring).
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Actions Speak Louder With Words
Sep 29, 2012 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
“Hareini muhan umezuman . . . I am ready to perform the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah as instructed by my Divine Creator: ‘In Sukkot shall you dwell for seven days . . . ‘” (Siddur Sim Shalom, 330)
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Of Words and Hearts
Aug 11, 2012 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
“Take with you words and return to Adonai.” (K’chu imachem devarim.) —Hosea 14:3
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Psalm 27: The Days of Awe
Aug 25, 2012 By Alan Cooper | Rosh Hashanah
The custom of reciting Psalm 27 during the penitential season, variously understood to entail the period from Rosh Hodesh Elul through Yom Kippur, Hoshanah Rabbah, or Shemini Atzeret, is codified in Mishnah Berurah, siman 581: “In our region it is customary to recite [Psalm 27] followed by kaddish at the conclusion of the morning and evening services every day from Rosh Hodesh Elul until Yom Kippur; we customarily recite it until Shemini Atzeret.”
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The Blessing of Monotony?
Sep 1, 2012 By Jack Chomsky | Commentary
Many people struggle with the fact that traditional Jewish prayer is a fixed entity. The words that we say, the times that we say them, are prescribed according to traditions and Jewish law. The culture in which we live, by contrast, values spontaneity and novelty. Why not pray when one feels like it, and not be forced to shoehorn one’s intellect and emotions according to the seemingly arbitrary ideas of our ancient rabbis?
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Moving Forward in Prayer, Together and Alone
Sep 8, 2012 By Lisa Gelber | Commentary
Several weeks ago, I attended the West Point funeral of Major Thomas E. Kennedy, husband of my friend Kami. I’ve officiated at countless funerals and attended many others to comfort the bereaved. Although not my first military funeral, this was the first memorial for an officer I’d known personally, and my first visit to West Point.
Read More![Melody or Discord](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/barth__dr._samuel_square.jpg)
Melody or Discord
Jul 18, 2014 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
There is a parable that speaks of a village that once had a renowned orchestra that played beautiful music at set times in the presence of the king, bringing delight both to the musicians and their ruler, who rewarded the musicians generously for their artistry and commitment. As time passed, the original musicians grew old and their place was taken by others who were not quite so gifted, drawn perhaps by the exalted audience and generous reward.
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Serving God
Aug 14, 2015 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Re'eh
Demonstrating uncompromising devotion to God is the theme of this week’s parashah. Such devotion is expressed through belief, but more importantly, through avodah, meaningful service to God. For the biblical Israelite, service to God meant loyalty to God’s commandments and participation in the sacrificial cult. In Deuteronomy, avodah referred specifically to offering sacrifices to God at a central place of worship: “look only to the site that the Lord your God will choose amidst all your tribes as His habitation, to establish His name there. There you are to go, and there you are to bring your burnt offerings and other sacrifices. . .” (Deut. 12:5-6).
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