0:00 Class 004 Introduction Part 04

00:34 Why we pray at Shul (synagogue)? What’s special about the Synagogue? What makes a physical location holy? Why is it important to pray at the Synagogue?

2:34 What’s the definition of Holiness?

5:26 Why the Jews “Shake and Shakel” (move back-and-forth) when we pray?

5:58 The soul of a person is compared to the flame of a candle.

7:57 The Baal-Shem-Tov explains Jewish praying as the act of intimacy, it expresses physically.

10:01 In Judaism the action is the most important thing, just like in marriage.

10:45 Why we have to speak the words when praying, can’t G-d read our thoughts? Why is it important to move our lips while praying?

11:53 Prayer is the substitute for the sacrifices. Where is the animal within you? How do you turn the animal within you to do good?

17:50 Is it better to pray in Hebrew or in your language?

18:02 The advantage of praying in a language you understand.

20:04 The advantage of praying in Hebrew.

22:89 Is prayer self-serving? How is it service of G-d if I ask for my needs? What about faith, isn’t G-d knows what he is doing? Don’t you have confidence in G-d?

25:55 The position of the “Enlightened ones” vs. Judaism

27:55 The absolute truth of G-d, why are we storming heaven and earth? What’s wrong with the current picture? Essence to essence.

34:11 How do you prepare for praying? Tzedaka (giving to charity). Studying the secret of the Torah about the greatness of G-d. Going to the Mikvah to purify.

38:28 The Rambam (Maimonides) discusses the laws of the convert in relation to the Mikvah.

40:23 Why Chasidim goes to the Mikvah every day before praying?