What is prayer, really? Explore three Jewish answers to this ancient question—from cosmic connection to inner transformation. Through Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Chassidic lenses, reveal how prayer becomes a source for mystical ascent, personal growth, and a battle between the body and soul.
Essential Questions:
- What does Jewish prayer reveal about how Jews understand God, the self, and the universe?
- What does it mean to do the “work of the heart” in prayer, and how might that work look different depending on one’s tradition or spiritual goals?
- How do Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Chassidic traditions differ in their approach to prayer?
Big Ideas:
- Prayer is more than words—it is spiritual work that shapes who we are.
- Different Jewish communities embody unique spiritual philosophies through their styles of prayer.
- Despite their differences, all forms of Jewish prayer aim to connect the individual to something greater—God, community, or purpose.
