Kavanah
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Rav Dovid gives a daily halacha at the Wall Street Synagogue in Lower Manhattan. This series covers kavanah. Do mitzvot require kavanah? What is it?
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During davening, even if you're between brachot, even if you're of the community and waiting for them to catch up, it's so important to focus on davening that it's forbidden even to learn Torah silently.
2 Shevat 5771 | 7 Jan 2011 | Duration: 16:41
MB 68:1-3
Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Breina bas Frida.
A special message from Rabbi Dovid Bendory, Executive Director of Pidyon.
20 Tevet 5771 | 27 Dec 2010 | Duration: 1:39
Also: maintaining good kavanah in the amidah.
1 Iyar 5770 | 15 Apr 2010 | Duration: 16:02
OC 109:1; MB 109:7-10
We should speak to G-d as we want Him to speak to us.
23 Nissan 5770 | 7 Apr 2010 | Duration: 15:00
OC 5; MB 5:1-3
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We both literally and figuratively step into an appropriate place to daven.
22 Cheshvan 5770 | 9 Nov 2009 | Duration: 17:28
OC 93:2-4; MB 93:4-8; OC 92:10; MB 92:31
Dedicated l'ilui nishmat Sarah bat Shalom on the occasion of her yahrzeit.
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Before prayer, we must prepare ourselves psychologically for the awesome task at hand.
19 Cheshvan 5770 | 6 Nov 2009 | Duration: 16:47
OC 93:1; MB 93:1-2; OC 90:20; MB 90:61:62
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Ideas in kavanah; introduction to kavanah for birkat hamazon.
18 Cheshvan 5770 | 5 Nov 2009 | Duration: 15:59
OC 185:1; MB 185:1
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Don't assume that the rabbi is doing what you think he is doing...
17 Cheshvan 5770 | 4 Nov 2009 | Duration: 15:54
Igros Moshe OC 3:8
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There is a difference between an individual who mistakenly thinks something forbidden is permissible and a community who does so.
16 Cheshvan 5770 | 3 Nov 2009 | Duration: 18:19
Igros Moshe OC 3:8
There are appropriate places to add personal prayers; deviating from the set tefillah for one's own purposes, says Rav Moshe, is an abomination.
15 Cheshvan 5770 | 2 Nov 2009 | Duration: 15:15
Igros Moshe OC 3:8
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In interrupting our davening, we thereby demonstrate that we do not want to daven according to Chazal's tefilla.
12 Cheshvan 5770 | 30 Oct 2009 | Duration: 15:20
Igros Moshe OC 3:8
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Can you state your kavanah aloud during prayers to help gain focus?
9 Cheshvan 5770 | 27 Oct 2009 | Duration: 15:21
Igros Moshe OC 3:8
Like the amidah and the shema, we speak the words of birkat hamazon loud enough to hear them.
12 Shevat 5769 | 6 Feb 2009 | Duration: 15:17
OC 185:2-3; MB 185:2-3
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The importance of understanding birkat hamazon and the importance of kavanah.
11 Shevat 5769 | 5 Feb 2009 | Duration: 13:06
OC 185:1; MB 185:1
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Part of proper kavanah includes enjoyment of the mitzvah as well as awareness of both love for and awe of Hashem.
24 Av 5768 | 25 Aug 2008 | Duration: 13:00
Ch"A 68:13,17,18
Having kavanah -- intentionality, intellectual focus, emotional presence, and spiritual concentration -- is essential for proper mitzvah observance.
6 Av 5768 | 7 Aug 2008 | Duration: 13:46
Ch"A 68:9,25
A review, summary and overview of halachot of shacharit, from Shema through Aleinu.
8 Adar I 5768 | 14 Feb 2008 | Duration: 15:10
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A review, summary and overview of halachot of morning conduct, from waking up through the recitation of Shema.
7 Adar I 5768 | 13 Feb 2008 | Duration: 15:32
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Though in general we do not eat or drink anything prior to Shacharit, there are many leniencies that allow one to do so.
20 Cheshvan 5768 | 1 Nov 2007 | Duration: 13:15
OC 89:3-4; MB 89:22-26
This shiur goes through the Gemara and Tosefot in detail as an illustration of how the pilpul of the Rishonim results in all of the different halacha l'ma'aseh categories in Birkot HaTorah -- the l'chatchila and b'dieved halacha, kavanah, the requirement to learn after the bracha or after ahava raba, etc.
14 Sivan 5767 | 31 May 2007 | Duration: 16:42
Brachot 11b; Tos. Br. 11b d.h. SheKvar Niftar
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In the eighth brocha of the amidah, we have the opportunity to insert personal prayers on behalf of those we know who are sick. This shiur covers the language and structure of this brocha.
9 Iyar 5767 | 27 Apr 2007 | Duration: 12:33
OC 116; MB 116:1-4; Jer. 17:14
Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Chedva Tzippora bas Sarah.
The middle blessings of the amidah -- the requests that we make in the prayer -- are organized for us as an ascent to spiritual greatness. Understanding the structure of the amidah is one way to improve our kavanah.
8 Iyar 5767 | 26 Apr 2007 | Duration: 14:53
OC 115; MB 115:1
Dedicated as a zechut for a refuah shleimah for Chedva Tzippora bas Sarah.
Price: $.99
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Is the obligation to read the Megilla, or is the obligation to hear it read? Is the obligation the same for men and women? Can women read the megilla in public? Can women read it for men?
5 Adar 5767 | 23 Feb 2007 | Duration: 14:35
OC 689:2; MB 689:4-7; Shaar HaTziun 689:7
Price: $.99
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Chetzi Kaddish, like all kaddishim, must be said over pasukim. What are the parameters for this? How is it that we say Kaddish d'Rabbanan after learning together? Also: more on the parameters of interruptions between yishtabach and chetzi kaddish for the purpose of a mitzvah.
3 Adar 5767 | 21 Feb 2007 | Duration: 11:04
OC 54:3; MB 54:9,11,14
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It is forbidden to interrupt between Yishtabach and Yotzer Ohr with the exception of interruptions for the purpose of a mitzvah that come between Yishtabach and Chetzi Kaddish.
2 Adar 5767 | 20 Feb 2007 | Duration: 14:29
OC 54:3; MB 54:5-8,13
Dedicated in memory of Hinda bas Fishel on the occasion of her yahrzeit.
Price: $.99
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Yishtabach completes peukei d'zimra.
28 Shevat 5767 | 16 Feb 2007 | Duration: 14:38
OC 54:2; MB 54:2-5
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Special aspects of Mizmor L'Todah in pesukei d'zimra.
27 Shevat 5767 | 15 Feb 2007 | Duration: 9:13
OC 51:9; MB 51:21-22
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The verse Poteach et Yadecha of Ashrei requires focus and concentration, and one who says the verse without such kavanah must go back and repeat the verse. Also: various issues of pronunciation and enunciation in pesukei d'zimra.
25 Shevat 5767 | 13 Feb 2007 | Duration: 14:27
OC 51:7; MB 51:15-19
Price: $.99
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Each word of pesukei d'zimra is precious, as precious as a gold coin.
24 Shevat 5767 | 12 Feb 2007 | Duration: 8:14
OC 51:6,8; MB 51:14,20
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Given the importance that Chazal place on kindness to others, there must be a reason for the stringency forbidding interruptings during pesukei d'zimra. What is it?
21 Shevat 5767 | 9 Feb 2007 | Duration: 12:56
OC 54:1; MB 54:1
Chazal upheld the importance of greeting others in such high regard that they permitted interrupting pesukei d'zimra to extend greetings when appropriate. What are the parameters for such an interruption, and what is the halacha l'ma'aseh today?
19 Shevat 5767 | 7 Feb 2007 | Duration: 8:41
OC 51:5; MB 51:12
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It is forbidden to interrupt pesukei d'zimra except for certain prayer responses.
18 Shevat 5767 | 6 Feb 2007 | Duration: 13:18
OC 51:4; MB 51:10-11
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It is forbidden to interrupt pesukei d'zimra except for certain prayer responses.
17 Shevat 5767 | 5 Feb 2007 | Duration: 14:09
OC 51:4; MB 51:6-9
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Though it is forbidden to interrupt between a bracha and the action which required the bracha, we can say "Amen" between Baruch She-Amar and Hodu. Why?
13 Shevat 5767 | 1 Feb 2007 | Duration: 12:31
OC 51:2-3; Beur Halacha d.h. "Oneh Acharav"; MB 51:4
Dedicated in memory of Aharon ben Tzvi on the occasion of his yahrzeit.
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In general, we don't answer "Amen" to our own brachot, but there are exceptions.
12 Shevat 5767 | 31 Jan 2007 | Duration: 16:36
OC 51:2-3; MB 51:2-3,5; Beur Halacha d.h. "HaChazan"
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What is the origin of Baruch She-Amar? What is the purpose of Pesukei D'Zimra?
11 Shevat 5767 | 30 Jan 2007 | Duration: 15:10
OC 51:1; MB 51:1
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Prior to Rosh Chodesh and other events that come less frequently than once a month, we prepare the prayers in order to recite them fluently.
28 Tevet 5767 | 18 Jan 2007 | Duration: 14:51
OC 100:1; MB 100:1-3; Shaarei Teshuva 100:2
Most people don't realize that there are times when it is permissible to interrupt in the middle of the amidah -- but these times are very specific, and l'chatchila we must prepare everything possible prior to beginning the amidah in order to prevent such interruptions. What are the parameters involved?
27 Tevet 5767 | 17 Jan 2007 | Duration: 14:45
OC 96:2; MB 96:8; OC 104:1,3; MB 104:1-2,10
Price: $.99
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A look at the personal prayers of various tannaim and amoraim.
26 Tevet 5767 | 16 Jan 2007 | Duration: 13:35
Brachot 16b-17a
Dedicated for a zechus for Arlyne bas Frida, that she should be saved from a din of sreifa.
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All the halachot of permitted and forbidden interruptions during personal supplications after the amidah, in detail.
22 Tevet 5767 | 12 Jan 2007 | Duration: 14:42
OC 122; MB 122:2-7
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Do we consider Elokei N'tzor to be a fixed prayer or an optional prayer? Can we interrupt in the middle to answer kaddish or kedusha? To say amen?
21 Tevet 5767 | 11 Jan 2007 | Duration: 11:14
MB 122:1
Price: $.99
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After the amidah, we are free to add our own personal prayers, though once again there are parameters to work in. For starters, at exactly what point is the amidah finished?
20 Tevet 5767 | 10 Jan 2007 | Duration: 13:35
OC 122:1
When adding personal prayers, we do so in a way that ensures the integrity of the prayers set down by chazal.
19 Tevet 5767 | 9 Jan 2007 | Duration: 13:56
OC 119:1-2; MB 119:9-12
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According to Rabbeinu Yonah, we follow different constraints when adding prayers for Klal Yisrael as opposed to prayers for oneself or an individual.
18 Tevet 5767 | 8 Jan 2007 | Duration: 8:24
OC 119:1; MB 119:5-8
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Personal prayers of any kind can be added to Shomea Tefillah, the last of the (weekday) middle blessings.
15 Tevet 5767 | 5 Jan 2007 | Duration: 15:02
OC 119:1; MB 119:4;122:8
The halachic parameters of personal requests -- where and how they can (and cannot) be inserted in the amidah.
14 Tevet 5767 | 4 Jan 2007 | Duration: 11:46
OC 119:1; MB 119:2-3
Price: $.99
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With all the emphasis on the requirements of prayer and all of the proscriptive elements of kavanah, just where does personal prayer come in? How do I put myself into my amidah?
13 Tevet 5767 | 3 Jan 2007 | Duration: 11:41
OC 119:1; MB 119:1
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When davening the amidah, we stand in awe before the King of all Kings.
12 Tevet 5767 | 2 Jan 2007 | Duration: 14:51
OC 95:2-3; MB 95:6-7
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Sometimes we see best by closing our eyes. Also: Standing for Kedusha.
7 Tevet 5767 | 28 Dec 2006 | Duration: 15:18
OC 95:4,2; MB 95:8,4-5;91:6;90:8
Dedicated for a zechus for Shmuel Natan ben Yosef and Chana bat Avraham, that they should have the zechus to have many children and to raise them to a life of Torah, Chuppah, and Ma'asim Tovim.
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When we arise for the amidah, we leave the physical world behind.
6 Tevet 5767 | 27 Dec 2006 | Duration: 16:13
OC 95:1; MB 95:1-3
Dedicated for a zechus for Shmuel Natan ben Yosef and Chana bat Avraham, that they should have the zechus to have many children and to raise them to a life of Torah, Chuppah, and Ma'asim Tovim.
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In general, when we rise for the amidah we turn toward Jerusalem, which in the US means facing East. But we may also face South -- toward the Menorah, or North, toward the Table. Just what is this directionality about?
5 Tevet 5767 | 26 Dec 2006 | Duration: 11:50
Bava Batra 25b; OC 94:1-2; MB 94:1-2
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Should you answer "amen" if you don't know what you are answering to? What about kaddish or kedusha? Should you respond "amen" to a child's brachah?
8 Kislev 5767 | 29 Nov 2006 | Duration: 14:05
OC 124:11-12; MB 124:45-47
Price: $.99
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What does "amen" mean? Also: "amen" that is too short or too long.
7 Kislev 5767 | 28 Nov 2006 | Duration: 11:58
OC 124:8-11; MB 124:35,41
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More about orphaned, rushed, mumbled, and other incorrect forms or pronunciations of "Amen."
6 Kislev 5767 | 27 Nov 2006 | Duration: 8:54
OC 124:8; MB 124:33-34
Dedicated by Ronald and Marion Stein l'ilui nishmat Meir Tzvi ben Dov Ber on the occasion of his yahrzeit.
Pitfalls to avoid in saying "Amen": not hearing the end of the bracha, answering too quickly, not answering quickly enough, mumbling or swallowing the sounds, and more.
29 Cheshvan 5767 | 20 Nov 2006 | Duration: 10:23
OC 124:8; MB 124:30-32
The proper pronunciation of the "A" in "Amen" and the proper kavanah for "Amen."
26 Cheshvan 5767 | 17 Nov 2006 | Duration: 15:08
OC 124:6,8; MB 124:25,29
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Answering a bracha is not so simple as we might expect. How and when do we say "baruch hu uvaruch shmo"?
25 Cheshvan 5767 | 16 Nov 2006 | Duration: 13:02
OC 124:5-6; MB 124:21,24; Shaar HaTziun 124:24
Price: $.99
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Even for one who has already davened, it is so important to listen with kavanah to chazarat hashatz that it is forbidden even to learn Torah! As for one who talks... "his sin is too great to bear."
24 Cheshvan 5767 | 15 Nov 2006 | Duration: 15:56
OC 124:4,7; MB 124:16-18;26-28
The shaliach tzibur repeats the amidah for the sake of those who are unable to say it themselves. What does it mean to be unable to say the amidah yourself? If everyone in the community can say it, does the shatz need to repeat it? Does the shatz need to wait for everyone to finish his personal amidah before beginning chazarat hashatz? Should he at least wait for the rabbi?
23 Cheshvan 5767 | 14 Nov 2006 | Duration: 14:29
OC 124:3; MB 124:12-13
One who cannot daven the amidah fulfills his obligation by listening intentfully to the shaliach tzibur... but there are more than a few stipulations...
22 Cheshvan 5767 | 13 Nov 2006 | Duration: 11:40
OC 124:1; MB 124:1-3
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We declare the shema alound to awaken our kavanah. The same is true of all our brachot.
19 Cheshvan 5767 | 10 Nov 2006 | Duration: 10:19
OC 62:2-5; MB 62:9; OC 206:3; MB 206:13
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As with the amidah we are required to recite the shema loud enough that we can hear our own words. But unlike the amidah, there is no prohibition on vocalizing it fully.
18 Cheshvan 5767 | 9 Nov 2006 | Duration: 12:49
OC 62:2-4; MB 62:4-7
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Like the amidah, the shema should be recited aloud, and like the amidah, though it can be recited in any language that you understand, Hebrew is prefered.
17 Cheshvan 5767 | 8 Nov 2006 | Duration: 14:45
OC 61:4-5; MB 61:17,26; OC 62:1-2; MB 62:1-3
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Effective tefillah reaches the Heavens. Chazal explain that prayer in Hebrew is more effective, but that doesn't mean you can only daven in Hebrew.
16 Cheshvan 5767 | 7 Nov 2006 | Duration: 15:18
OC 101:4; MB 101:14-19
What gives Hebrew the special status of being the only language you are allowed to pray in even if you don't understand what you are saying?
15 Cheshvan 5767 | 6 Nov 2006 | Duration: 9:27
OC 101:4; Beur Halacha d.h. "Yachol l'hitpallel"
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It is generally permissible to daven in any language that you understand, though the communal prayers should remain fixed in Hebrew.
12 Cheshvan 5767 | 3 Nov 2006 | Duration: 11:25
OC 101:4; MB 101:13; Beur Halacha d.h. "Yachol l'hitpallel"
Price: $.99
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The halachot of davening aloud in public change when everyone is using a siddur.
11 Cheshvan 5767 | 2 Nov 2006 | Duration: 9:00
OC 101:3; MB 101:11-12
Price: $.99
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Sometimes raising your voice will improve your kavanah. Is this permissible in shul? What about at home? Is this only for the amidah or for other prayers as well?
10 Cheshvan 5767 | 1 Nov 2006 | Duration: 13:03
OC 101:2; MB 101:8-10; Beur Halacha d.h. "V'im aino yachol l'chaven"
Price: $.99
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Many of the halachos of the amidah are learned from the prayers of Chana. For instance, we don't just think the words in our hearts but rather whisper them to ourselves.
9 Cheshvan 5767 | 31 Oct 2006 | Duration: 10:18
OC 101:2; MB 101:5-7; Beur Halacha d.h. "B'libo"
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There are a number of halachos in the amidah that we learn from the halachos of the korbanot.
8 Cheshvan 5767 | 30 Oct 2006 | Duration: 10:00
OC 98:4-5
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The avot bracha has a stronger requirement for kavanah than the rest of the amidah, so much so that some say that you should go back and repeat the amidah if you didn't have kavanah during the avot. Though in our time, we aren't even up to that level.
5 Cheshvan 5767 | 27 Oct 2006 | Duration: 12:01
OC 101:1; MB 101:1-4; Beur Halacha d.h. "V'im aino yachol"
Practical issues in kavanah: contemplating the greatness of Hashem and the smallness of Man to develop kavanah; avoid distracting smells; avoiding distracting thoughts.
3 Cheshvan 5767 | 25 Oct 2006 | Duration: 13:08
OC 98:1-3; MB 98:4-9
In memory of Leah bas Yechezkel on the occasion of her yahrzeit. May her neshoma have an aliyah.
Price: $.99
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Three techniques for maintaining focus during the amidah...
28 Tishrei 5767 | 20 Oct 2006 | Duration: 5:52
OC 98:1
In memory of Feigel bas Aharon HaCohen on the occasion of her yahrzeit. May her neshoma have an aliyah.
Price: $.99
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Focus during the amidah on the simple, straightforward meaning of the words you are saying. It's as simple -- and difficult -- as that.
27 Tishrei 5767 | 19 Oct 2006 | Duration: 8:31
OC 98:1; MB 98:1
Price: $.99
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We must be careful to separate between words so as not to slur them together. Some read the shema with the ta'amei hamikra (cantillation marks) to improve their kavanah.
3 Tamuz 5766 | 29 Jun 2006 | Duration: 11:01
OC 61:19-24; MB 24:38
Price: $.99
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What is the correct kavanah when saying Hashem's name? When saying elokim?
25 Sivan 5766 | 21 Jun 2006 | Duration: 13:21
OC 5; MB 5:1-3
Simple, straightforward steps to developing kavanah for Shema: close and cover your eyes; pronounce the words aloud; enunciate; focus on the meaning of the words; recognize that the words are new and renewed each day.
24 Sivan 5766 | 20 Jun 2006 | Duration: 13:39
OC 61:2,4-8; MB 61:17,20; Shaarei Teshuva 61:7
Price: $.99
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The depth of meaning in the kavanah of kriat shema.
23 Sivan 5766 | 19 Jun 2006 | Duration: 13:57
OC 61:1; MB 61:1-4
What is the required kavanah for reciting Shema?
20 Sivan 5766 | 16 Jun 2006 | Duration: 13:03
OC 60:5; MB 60:11-12
With regard to kavanah, is there a difference between a mitzvah d'oraita and a mitzvah d'rabbanan?
19 Sivan 5766 | 15 Jun 2006 | Duration: 12:20
OC 60:4; MB 60:10
Price: $.99
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If you do a mitzvah without kavanah, have you fulfilled your obligation, or do you need to go back and do the mitzvah again with kavanah? Second opinion: mitzvot require kavanah.
18 Sivan 5766 | 14 Jun 2006 | Duration: 13:35
OC 60:4; MB 60:8-9
Dedicated for a refuah shleimah for Ariella Rivka bas Devorah Pesel.
Price: $.99
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What intentions are required when doing a mitzvah? What is kavanah? First opinion: mitzvot do not require kavanah.
17 Sivan 5766 | 13 Jun 2006 | Duration: 15:18
OC 60:4; MB 60:7
Price: $.99
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Why do we pray the words that we do? How does one have kavanah when reciting set words? Isn't it better to pray what I am feeling?
12 Sivan 5766 | 9 Jun 2006 | Duration: 56:03
Brachot 33b; Deu. 10:17; Neh. 9:32; OC 113:9
Price: $.99
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Tikkun Chatzot, Kavanah, and mourning for the Temple and Exile
9 Sivan 5766 | 5 Jun 2006 | Duration: 12:02
OC 1:2-4; MB 1:10-12
Price: $.99
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Proper pronunciation as the first step toward kavanah.
17 Iyar 5766 | 15 May 2006 | Duration: 14:09
OC 56:1; MB 56:2; Eze. 38:14-23
Price: $.99
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The how and why of having proper kavanah -- intention -- while listening and responding to kaddish.
13 Iyar 5766 | 11 May 2006 | Duration: 12:15
OC 56:1; MB 56:1
Can you count after Shkiya? Plag HaMincha? What if you start the brocha thinking today is the 4th day but it is actually the 5th?
28 Nissan 5766 | 26 Apr 2006 | Duration: 13:28
OC 489:3-6; MB 489:17,29,32; Beur Halacha d.h. "Mib'od yom"; Shaar HaTziun 489:37
Price: $.99
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