How to Give Life (Part 2): Tefila

What is prayer really for? In this second talk in the How to Give Life series, we explore the second pillar upon which the world stands: Avodah, expressed today through tefillah. While prayer is often understood as asking God for things, the Torah presents something much deeper. Tefillah is a process of connection—a journey that allows a person to move from ordinary physical existence toward an encounter with the Divine. Drawing on the Maharal, Nefesh HaChaim and classical Jewish sources, we explore how prayer gives life to the world by strengthening the relationship between God and creation. Topics include: • The second pillar of the world: Avodah • Prayer as relationship rather than transaction • The deeper meaning of tefillah • Nefesh, Ruach and Neshamah • The Four Worlds of Jewish spirituality • The structure of the Siddur • Pesukei Dezimra, Shema and Shemoneh Esrei • Omed Lifnei HaMelech • Climbing toward Divine connection • "Hashem wants your heart" Part 2 of the How to Give Life series.