Books about Prayer

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  1. Our most important relationship is not with our parents, not with our spouse, not with our siblings nor our children. It is with our Creator. Yet how many of us speak to Him from the heart? Why do our prayers often seem mechanical or meaningless?

    Speaking to God, by the late chaplain and innovative Jewish educator, Rabbi Zev Schostak, teaches us to approach God with love and inspiration — the way we always wanted — guiding us toward developing a deeper, more personal approach to prayer. Passionate about prayer, Rabbi Schostak was devoted to demonstrating that tefillah is more than merely reciting prayers — it is the way we speak to God and develop a close relationship with Him.

    He lived long enough to perfect his masterpiece, but not to see it published. This book is his legacy to the Jewish People — his gift to us.

    “A comprehensive, nearly encyclopedic sourcebook for all who wish to expand their understanding of the Jewish prayer book … [will] enhance and intensify [their] emotional connection to the prayer experience.”

    Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb

    About the Author:
    Rabbi Zev Schostak
     was the founder and director of Legacy 613, the first organization dedicated solely to the mission of making prayer meaningful — intellectually and experientially — in the life of every Jew, young or old. In order to achieve its mission, Legacy partnered with like-minded organizations, foundations, and schools to provide vision, educational expertise, and resources in developing effective tefillah programming and instructional materials. Ordained in Jerusalem by Rabbi Yechezkel Sarna, rosh yeshiva of Chevron, and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, he also held an MA from the University of Detroit and earned permanent certification as a New York State school administrator and supervisor.

    Prior to founding Legacy 613, Rabbi Schostak served as director of pastoral care at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Commack, Long Island, for nearly thirty years. He also had a distinguished career as a teacher and principal at yeshiva elementary and high schools in New York and Michigan.

    Rabbi Schostak wrote extensively on end-of-life bioethics and the issues of aging in halachah. He served as a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Medicine in Contemporary Society at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and was honored for his leadership and contributions to professional chaplaincy and Jewish medical ethics as the Rabbinical Council of America’s Healthcare Chaplain of the Year in 2012. Learn More

  2. Make Your Siddur A Part of the Conversation ... with Hashem!

    Rav Schwab on Prayer, the brilliant book on tefillah by one of the great rabbinic personalities of the twentieth century, has inspired thousands to enhance their davening. Now, Rav Schwab’s classic sefer on tefillah has been adapted into a practical and effective learning tool to improve your tefillos. Its concise format and features are based on Rav Schwab’s more complex work. Inside, you will find:
    • Ideas and explanations that make each prayer relevant to you
    • Stop and Think: An image or thought that helps you internalize a central theme of each tefillah.
    • Quotes throughout the book of Rav Schwab’s own original words, set apart for you to ponder and gain deeper understanding.
    • Power On, a unique feature aimed at helping bridge the gap between the ideas on the page and your real-time davening experience. There are many suggestions for noting, directly in your siddur, keys to inspiration that you can access as you daven.

    Relationships are based on communication. If you want an authentic and fulfilling relationship with Hashem, open this book – and then open your siddur! Learn More

  3. Inspirational Insights, stories and lessons, making one's davening more powerful

    My Essence Is Tefillah is an adaptation of the highly popular, two-volume sefer, Ani Tefillah, written by Rav Binyamin Zev Shisha. This beautiful sefer focuses on the importance of tefillah and kedushas beis haknesses in an extremely comprehensive manner. Chock-full of gems from the ba'alei mussar and other Torah sources, both Chassidishe and Litvishe, the book also includes hundreds of stories of tzaddikim to illustrate various concepts.

    Readers will find a detailed discussion of the morning preparations for tefillah, followed by an examination of the different parts of the tefillos themselves and the significance of the shul, the place that is designated for davening. Other chapters discuss tefillah b'kavanah in depth; the great advantages of tefillah b'tzibbur; the power of "amen"; and much more.

    Based on the enthusiastic feedback garnered by the Hebrew and Yiddish editions of this book, our hope is that My Essence Is Tefillah will serve as an invaluable guide to all those who wish to grow in their avodas hatefillah and pour out their hearts before Hashem with meaning and passion. Learn More

  4. Saying Kaddish for a loved one. It is one of the most well-observed Jewish traditions. However, its cryptic language often makes this sacred and hallowed prayer feel unrelatable. This powerful and inspiring book changes that. Rabbi Yechiel Spero uses classic Torah sources, insights, and — of course! — stories to explore the essence and, indeed, the soul of Kaddish.

    Within the The Soul of Kaddish you will find chizuk, hope and encouragement in the words of Kaddish. There are chapters on doing teshuvah, acceptance of loss and bereavement, insights into comfort and consolation, and even a section on Mashiach and Techiyas Hameisim.

    In times of challenge and growth, this book will transform you. Learn More

  5. Discovering The Gems In Our Daily Prayers, Uplifting Insights, Clarity And Direction

    Living with vibrant faith demands constant inspiration. Sparks of Inspiration reveals wellsprings of emunah that are found all around us waiting to be tapped. After opening our eyes to appreciate the kindness and love with which Hashem fills the world, Rav Falk takes us throug the siddur, discovering faith affirming insights contained in the words of our daily prayers.

    Rav Falk draws from a breathtaking array of sources, ranging fromChazal to contemporary Gedolim including Torah commentaries, sifrei mussar and chassidus, developing the ideas into powerful messages for our times. He reveals refreshingly positive perspectives on the world at large, our relationship with Hashem, and our connection to Him through prayer. This books is a treasury of insights, guidance, and practical advice.

    Topics include:

    • Appreciating our blessings
    • Strategies for improving prayer
    • Serving Hashem with joy
    • Sincerity in serving Hashem
    • Confronting the challenges of our times
    • Anticipating Mashiach
    • Learn More
  6. Birchos Ha’Shachar is the foundation of our daily prayers.

    We say them every morning, but have you ever wondered…

    …why we thank Hashem for the rooster’s intelligence every morning?

    …why we thank Hashem for being Jewish every day?

    …why there are separate brachos for men and women?

    …why we have two different brachos to appreciate our eyes?

    These questions and so many more are addressed in Arise & Aspire, a clear and thought-provoking book written by Mrs. Shira Smiles — a highly sought-after international lecturer who invites you to join her as she presents each brachah of the Birchas ha’Shachar with deeper meaning, showing us how they apply to our daily lives. Uncovering and internalizing the depth and wisdom of these brachos will not only lead the reader to a more inspired prayer, but a more inspired life.

    "[This] small book ... will certainly foster greater appreciation of the beauty and profundity of the brachos and more importantly will increase our awareness of the Chasdei Hashem that surround us every second of the day."

    Rabbi Yitzchok Breitowitz

    "This work will greatly increase one's appreciation and understanding of these blessings and thus enhance one's recital of them daily to be not only lip service but true service of the heart."

    Rabbi Zev Leff

    "Starting our day with [these defining] brachos will define our lives with the majesty and magic so inherent to our inner world and the universe that Hashem recreates each morning."

    Mrs. Chani Juravel


    ------

    Mrs. Shira Smiles is a world-renowned lecturer and a popular seminary teacher. She is well-known for her unique teaching style which seeks to bring understanding of Torah texts through analysis of relevant sources while making the lessons learned from every verse relevant to her students' lives. Learn More

  7. Includes an in-depth discussion on Talking in Shul

    Three times a day, we have a chance to meet with the King. 
    How many of us truly utilize this precious opportunity?

    Tefillah with Meaning introduces us to a whole new dimension of tefillah. This sefer addresses commonly asked questions, such as why aren't my tefillos being answered, why do bad things happen to good people, and why should I daven if everything is decreed on Rosh Hashanah?

    In addition, it offers invaluable insights into tefillah and a treasure trove of halachos related to davening. Inspiring true stories relate how people who refrained from talking during davening merited miraculous salvation—and show us that we, too, can do the same.

    Noted author Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits brings us yet another masterpiece to enlighten, illuminate, and educate. After reading this sefer, you will never look at tefillah the same way—and your life will forever be enhanced. Learn More
  8. Unlocking The Shemoneh Esrei And Our Connection With Hashem Based On Rav Yonason Eybeschutz

    Serving Hashem through tefillah is one of the great pillars of Judaism. Although the sefer Ya’aros Devash by Rav Yonasan Eybeschutz has been used by many people to better understand their tefillos, his explanations can be enigmatic for even the most learned of scholars. In this monumental work, master educator Rabbi Menachem Tenenbaum opens up Ya'aros Devash for our generation.

    With entertaining stories, sharp insights, and practical advice, this meaningful book will help any growing person who desires to ascend the heights of tefillah.

    “A readable book that will empower and inspire teens to see prayer in a new way. We know this area needs strengthening; this book can do that.”

    Rabbi Akiva Tatz, bestselling author of The Jewish Teenagers Guide to Life

    “A magnificent collection of Torah thoughts and stories on the power and importance of prayer… Both beginner and seasoned daveners will gain from this creative, informative, and inspiring work… A must-read for those seeking the beauty of prayer.”

    Rabbi Yechiel Spero, bestselling author of the Touched by a Story series Learn More

  9. Said a berachah on food? That’s good.
    Said a berachah with deep kavanah? That’s better.
    Said a berachah and let every word bring you closer to Hashem?
    That’s ... AWESOME!

    The Awesome Power of Berachos

    Based on Make Your Berachos Meaningful

    Berachos. You say them so often: when you eat, when you daven, when you do certain mitzvos. You’ve probably been doing that since you were a little kid.

    Now it’s time to take your berachos to the next level. A level so awesome, it will transform your life! In The Awesome Power of Berachos, you’ll learn about the many benefits of saying a berachah. You’ll read all about kavanah, and learn how to power up your focus and concentration. You’ll learn to beware of “microwave berachos” and about the connection between berachos, treasure hunts, and coffee beans. You’ll discover the hidden meanings in every single word of berachos and how “berachos bring berachos” – the incomparable benefits and blessings Hashem grants you when you say a berachah properly.

    Written in an upbeat and interesting way, with lots of stories, summaries at the end of each chapter, sections on specific berachos, and explanations of each word of the berachos, The Awesome Power of Berachos is a must-read for young and old, in school settings or at home.

    You will be saying about 3 million berachos in your lifetime. Learn to say them right! Learn More

  10. Tefillas HaShelah
    A parent's timeless prayer - composed by Rabbi Yeshayah HaLevi Horowitz of Prague with translation, commentary, and stories

    Written by Rav Yeshaya HaLevi Ish Horowitz -- the SheLah HaKadosh – Tefillas HaShelah is the prayer recited by generations of parents, asking Hashem for righteous and successful children. It is traditionally recited on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, while others choose to say it more frequently, with some reciting it every day.

    Though written more than 400 years ago the words of the tefillah are timeless, speaking to the yearnings and hopes of every parent in every era. Even more: Tefillas HaShelah serves as a guide to the most effective way to pray for our children – and, yes, to pray for ourselves. Drawing upon both classic commentaries and fascinating true stories, bestselling author Yisroel Besser discovers the eternal messages in the tefillah.

    This is a book for parents, for those who dream of becoming parents, and for anyone who hopes to create an impact on future generations. The stories (and there are so many of them!) will touch our hearts. The insights will change our lives. Learn More

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