Once again, how to pray? When? Can someone send me some prayers? And...what is circumsision?

Question

Thanks, I would really like to know.

Okay, no rude answers, I mean, my "Name" is because that was my grandfather's name, and he recently died. So please stop. Just tell me the truth, and be serious.

Answer 1

You can pray any way you want--as I explained before, there are two ways: one is just talking to G-d like you would your best friend, the other is ritualized. The rabbis say that the talking part is more important--the prayers in the siddur are just structure. You pray whenever you want, or three times a day for the ritualized prayers. See this website for the exact times: http://www.free-online-calculator.com/people_and_society_calculators/religion_and_spirituality_search/daily_jewish_prayer_times/daily_jewish_prayer_times.shtml

But Shachareit is in the morning, from sunrise until about 10 to be on the safe side, Mincha is in the afternoon, from 10 until the evening (about 4 ish) and Maariv is at night, anytime after sunset.

Some prayers include the Amidah (Shemoneh Esre--18 Blessings), the Shema, Mourner's Kaddish...

Go to this site,
http://www.siddur.org/

Click on "Table of Contents" scroll down to and click on "Daily Blessings" and it will give you a whole list of the daily blessings and prayers, both the transliterated Hebrew and English. If you can read Hebrew, I will email you the Hebrew text if you like.

Circumcision is the removal of a foreskin. In Judaism, it is a sign of the covenant of G-d and also has many health benefits. It prevents infections and makes everything more easy to clean.

If you need any more information, please feel free to email or IM me, I would love to help. By the way, don't listen to all those rude people above me giving you trouble about your icon and name. I have the same picture on my 360 page, I think it's beautiful, and it's great you are wanting to become more involved in your Judaism.

Answer 2

I'll actually send you a Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book) if you will email me your mailing address.

I have this little travel size one, it's the Artscroll Siddur, and contains all the daily and Sabbath prayers. It contains the Hebrew on one side, the English translation on the other, and good commentary throughout from Orthodox sources. The only problem with it, is stupid me put gold paint on the outside of the pages, to try to make it look like one of those gold-page books. A friend of mine had done this, and convinced me to do it. Well, it didn't work! It just looks stupid. So I bought me a full-size one. Anyway, it's perfectly usable and readable, if you can just ignore the gold paint. ;-) I won't charge you anything. If you don't want to give me your mailing address, I understand. But that's my offer. ;-)

Oh, I can also recommend a great book by Hayim Halevy Donin called "To Pray As A Jew." It should answer most of your questions about praying as a Jew. Forgive me if you were not asking about Jewish prayer - I guess I'm assuming because of your picture!

Circumcision is the Ot Brit - or sign of the covenant of Judaism. It is normally done on the 8th day of birth for all Jewish male children and it is the removal of the foreskin of the male organ. It is in fulfillment of a mitzvah, or commandment, of the Torah (the 1st 5 Books of the Bible, which are the Law of Moses). For converts, it is done later in life of course. If the person has already been circumcised, then a symbolic drop of blood is drawn.

Edit:
I just read through your profile and your other question about mourning for your grandfather. My condolences to you. There is a great prayer called the Mourner's Kaddish, which is traditional among Jews to say in honor of the deceased. Here it is:
http://www.jewfaq.org/prayer/kaddish.htm
This is usually only said with a minyan, or a quorum of 10 Jews. This is important I think because you need the community around you at the time of mourning. So if you have a Jewish community near you, go to the synagogue and ask them to recite it with you. Notice that this prayer does not mention death. It is because the life of your loved one is what is celebrated, and it is his greatest honor if you will merely praise God on his behalf. That's why it is so full of praise. It will be seen as a merit for your grandfather, that he has a grandchild who recites this prayer of praise.

Answer 3

Prayer in and of itself is a way of communication between each individual and God. Some denominations pray outloud together or what is called Corporate prayer-this is also done in silence within a congregation at the same time. Or there is individual prayer. There are various times that man has deems fitting to pray. when eating, during times of trial, on and on. Prayer can be ceremonial-prerecorded on paper for one to recite. The main thing I see is that it should not be just said out of ritual, without a heart felt compassion, or joy or sadness, depending on the time in your individual life, or the life of the person that your praying for. Prayer has different faucets. These are the beginning layers. Circumsision is an outward act that a male does that physically removes the foreskin, where inwardly in is an act of obedience of the heart to the things of the Lord.

Answer 4

Praying is just talking to God - in it's most basic form.

Look at the Psalms. David is having a conversation with God, telling God about his troubles, his joys, and praising God for creation and everything in his life. David shares all aspects of his life with God - from the deepest sorrow to the highest joy.

When you pray, you are creating a relationship between you and God.

Yes, you can use canned prayers, prayers already written by someone else. You can recite them, and try to meditate on them to try and build a closeness to the Divine. Or you can just start talking to God, just allow yourself to tell God about everything that is going on.

One prays at any time of the day. In fact, some people live their lives as a living pray to God. You can pray at any time, in any place. Don't worry about having a set time, and a set prayer.

If you want prayers, just look through the Psalms. Read what David wrote. There are prayers for all areas of one's life, for all situations.

For your second question - it is cutting the foreskin off the penis. Most hospitals do this now-a-days, although some parents are electing to leave it in place. It actually helps to keep the area clean. It is also a mark of one who is chosen to follow God - one who keeps the Law.

Answer 5

You pray by concentrating on a symbol (usualy in most religeons this is in the form of a mythical God or spiritual entity) and engaging in meditation upon this entity, or asking favors from it by means of flattery, or in christianities case apology also works. I send you good will and cheer, because I am a athiest. However I am sure some people here will send you prayer. Circumsision is a operation done to remove extra skin from the male organ. Done for sanitary reasons, also preferred by most ladies.

Answer 6

There is no set way to pray. Speak from your heart. You can talk to God in regular speech, no need for fancy words like "thou" or "thy." End your prayer with something to the effect of "In Jesus' name, Amen," because all prayers are through Jesus.
Also, you can pray anytime. Most of the time I do at night when no one else is around. God loves it when you talk to Him, anytime works for Him.
Circumcision is when the foreskin of the penis is surgically removed, usually soon after birth. This has become a common practice, even for non-Christians. The reason they do it is because if you don't, bacteria can be trapped in there and cause infection.

Answer 7

The Lord's Prayer .. Matthew 6:9-13
Read the chapter, it will become apart of your heart through out the years of your life. I promise. God bless you!
The heart ... Paul speaks of the spiritual circumcision.

Answer 8

praying is talking to god out loud or not . it does not have to be existing prayers. Just pray what you are thinking and be honest with him and yourself when you pray. Just talk to your father. tell him you love him it makes his day.

Answer 9

The best prayers are just talking to God. Just talk to Him like you would your best and most trusted friend. I think those are the prayers He really hears.

Answer 10

Pray through the name of Jesus. I don't believe in repetitious prayers like praying on beads and so forth.

Your Jewish and you don't know what circumcision is?

Again another poorly written question, please use your spell check next time you try to make a post.