The Jewish prayer
Jewish Prayer – Between Tradition, Community and Personal Conversation with God
Jewish prayer is far more than the reciting of ancient words—it is a living dialogue with God, a foundation in everyday life, and an expression of millennia-old tradition. Whether alone at home or together in synagogue, Jewish prayer is at the heart of Jewish spirituality and identity.
What is Jewish prayer?
In Hebrew, prayer is called tefillah. The term comes from the root "palal," which can mean both "to pray" and "to examine oneself." This already indicates that in Judaism, prayer is not only a conversation with God, but also a moment of inner reflection.
The Jewish prayer tradition dates back thousands of years and is based in part on biblical texts, rabbinic additions, and liturgical poems that have evolved over generations.
Three daily prayer times structure the day:
- Shacharit – the morning prayer
- Mincha – the afternoon prayer
- Maariv (or Arvit) – the evening prayer
These prayer times are based on the temple sacrifices once offered in the Jerusalem Temple. After its destruction in 70 AD, prayers replaced the sacrificial services—a change that made prayer a personal and communal anchor point.
The structure of Jewish prayers
Central to daily prayer is the Amida (also known as the "Eighteen Prayer"), a silent standing prayer consisting of praises, petitions, and thanksgiving. Although the text is fixed, it is recited with special personal attention (kawana). The Amida is recited three times daily and is the heart of every prayer service.
Another central prayer is the Shema Yisrael : “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one” – a declaration of monotheistic faith that is recited morning and evening.
Prayers are traditionally recited in Hebrew, the holy language. However, many prayer books (siddurim) offer translations and explanations to make them accessible even to those less familiar with the language.
Alone or together?
While many prayers can be recited alone, Judaism emphasizes the power of communal prayer. A full service requires a minyan, a group of at least ten Jewish adults. The Kaddish, in particular, may only be recited in congregation.
Praying in community creates a special atmosphere: we support one another, strengthen one another and become part of a greater whole – across time and space.
Body, voice, heart
Jewish prayer is often physical: one stands, bows, takes three steps back and forward again, and places one's hand on one's forehead. Rocking (Hebrew: swaying), the rhythmic swaying back and forth during prayer, is particularly an expression of inner concentration and movement of the soul.
It's not just about speaking the words—it's about the kavanah , the inner attitude. A prayer without a heart is like a body without a soul, the sages say. Even the simplest prayer, when spoken with sincere feeling, carries weight.
Prayers throughout the year
In addition to daily prayers, there are special prayers on holidays. Shabbat, the weekly ritual of rest, brings with it solemn and poetic texts such as the Lecha Dodi . On high holidays such as Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), prayer becomes an intense spiritual process: hours of supplication, remembrance, repentance, and hope.
Particularly well-known is the Kol Nidrei , which is recited on the eve of Yom Kippur – a moving prayer about vows, guilt and forgiveness.
The Western Wall – a special place of prayer
The Western Wall is the last remaining section of the western retaining wall of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. For Jews worldwide, it is a holy place—because it symbolizes the proximity to Judaism's holiest site: the Temple Mount and the former Holy of Holies in the Temple.
At the Western Wall, history and faith are combined in an impressive way.
Here people whisper their hopes, requests and tears into the old stones.
Between the cracks lie countless prayer notes full of longing and trust.
Jews and people of many religions find here a place of silence and closeness to God.
Jewish prayer today
In the modern world, Jewish prayer has transformed and expanded. There are progressive forms of prayer, feminist siddurim (prayer books), meditations, and new music. At the same time, traditional prayer remains alive – in synagogues, at home, or even on the go with a small travel tefillah.
For many, prayer is a way to ground themselves in the hustle and bustle of everyday life – a moment of reflection, a reconnection to the divine and one’s own roots.