Thank you for expanding my perspective on prayer. I never thought about my role in the process of prayer in that way, and it adds to the idea of being “partners in creation” with God. I also appreciate your honesty in identifying the fear that the answer might be “no”.
Thank you Hanan for your feedback. Yes, it turns out that tefila (prayer) is a the most fundamental form of hishtadlut (effort) we’re meant to make in our collaboration with Hashem (God).
Regarding “shemonei esrei”——I understand that it is not a requirement for women. Also that there is a stipulation that there should not be interruption.
Is it preferable to daven , these objections notwithstanding?
This is a good summary of the opinions from the Peninei Halacha:
According to most poskim, women and men are equal regarding the obligation to pray, and therefore women are obligated to recite Shemoneh Esrei of Shaḥarit and Minḥa, while Ma’ariv remains voluntary. Others maintain that women are only obligated to recite the Amida (the term for the silent standing prayer, used interchangeably with “Shemoneh Esrei”), once a day, preferably Shaḥarit, so that the day begins with prayer. Still others maintain that women need only recite a brief prayer, and that Birkhot Ha-shaḥar and Birkhot Ha-Torah are sufficient to discharge this obligation.
Thank you for expanding my perspective on prayer. I never thought about my role in the process of prayer in that way, and it adds to the idea of being “partners in creation” with God. I also appreciate your honesty in identifying the fear that the answer might be “no”.
Thank you Hanan for your feedback. Yes, it turns out that tefila (prayer) is a the most fundamental form of hishtadlut (effort) we’re meant to make in our collaboration with Hashem (God).
I wonder if you have any thoughts on how to use?rhe shemonei esrei for this reflective work?
Yes I’m thinking about this actively for next week’s post on the word “Siddur.” Stay tuned!
Regarding “shemonei esrei”——I understand that it is not a requirement for women. Also that there is a stipulation that there should not be interruption.
Is it preferable to daven , these objections notwithstanding?
This is a good summary of the opinions from the Peninei Halacha:
According to most poskim, women and men are equal regarding the obligation to pray, and therefore women are obligated to recite Shemoneh Esrei of Shaḥarit and Minḥa, while Ma’ariv remains voluntary. Others maintain that women are only obligated to recite the Amida (the term for the silent standing prayer, used interchangeably with “Shemoneh Esrei”), once a day, preferably Shaḥarit, so that the day begins with prayer. Still others maintain that women need only recite a brief prayer, and that Birkhot Ha-shaḥar and Birkhot Ha-Torah are sufficient to discharge this obligation.
https://www.sefaria.org/Peninei_Halakhah,_Women's_Prayer.2.1.2
beautiful article! gave me tremendous chizuk and bigger perspective this morning, as I'm working through some challenges in my own life. Thank you!!
It means a lot to me to hear that it meant something to you, Igor! Thank you for letting me know!