Rabbi Yair Kobernick

The story is told about a special woman who lived in Israel - a few thousand years ago - her name was Chana. Eli HaKohen, the High Priest, happened to see her and something about her seemed very unusual. Her lips moved quietly as she seemed to be talking to herself. Eli immediately thought she was a drunken woman who had a bit too much wine. However, it turned out that she was none other than the wife of the well known Elkana. And it wasn't because she was under the influence of an alchoholic beverage that she was moving her lips, but rather she was pouring her heart out to G-d since she was unable to become pregnant and bear a child. Until then people prayed, but not quietly like Chana. This is why Eli took her for a drunk. When he realized his mistake, he too prayed for her, and she became the mother of Shmuel HaNavi (Samuel the Prophet). This is how the silent prayer, Shmoneh Esrei (also known as the Amida) came to be silent.

Like Chana, Jews have been praying for thousands of years. But what's it all about? Teens are so pre-occupied with many things at this stage of life. Is it worthwhile stopping to think about how Tefilah could actually help us?. Why should praying have anything to do with us at the dawn of the 21st century? When we've got so much, whether it's our cell-phone, lap-top computer, space travel and even virtual classes on the internet, does prayer/tefilah have any place in our lives?

Tefilah is speaking directly to the Creator of the world. It's an opportunity to have an open line whenever, wherever and however we want. We are never alone when we know we can pray. Prayer gives us a sense of inner peace, harmony and serenity. It gives us hope when we are ready to give up hope.

If a person learns to pray properly, understanding what he is saying and with enthusiasm, he can derive tremendous pleasure from praying. Unfortuneatly for many, it can be a burden and overwhelming. If we realize who we are praying to, and that we have a very special VIP status, then this will make us feel better about praying.

There is something about being in the presence of really important people that does something to us. I was driving near the Convention Center here in Jerusalem, and all of a sudden there were lots of sirens, but I mean lots! I thought for sure that it was another terrorist attack, but as the police cars got closer and I saw the one fancy car smack in the middle of the escorting police-motorcycles, it was obvious that the Prime Minister, Ehud Barak was passing through on his way to the Knesset. I must admit, I felt a bit of excitement being so close to a man who is world famous. Imagine, if you had the privilage to have a few minutes with the President of the United States, be it only a minute or two. Would your heart skip a beat or two? Let's say you were going to be able to make a few requests, wouldn't you plan out your words carefully beforehand?

We as Jews have a special pass that allows us to connect to the Infinite and the Eternal. It's awesome when you think about it: Tefilah is our way of standing in front of G-d, who is Infinite and Eternal. Tefilah is our pass to ask for whatever we want.

--- (Just something cute:)

Picture of G-d

A kindergarten teacher was observing her class of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing G-d."

The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what G-d looks like." Without missing a beat or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."