The Gemara (Daf 16b part 3 in our series) begins with a teaching that there are only three who can be called the forefathers, and four who are called the foremothers. The reason is because of their importance and so they hold this position for always.
Our Gemara continues with a teaching about the value of the Keriat Shema and the Amidah.
Thereafter the Talmud goes into great depth in discussing some beautiful prayers that the great rabbis would say after they finished their prayers. In other words after completing the main Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei) prayers, there is the opportunity to pray for any of one’s needs. But what should one ask for?!
The rabbis tell us what they would say. These words include some very beautiful prayers. It makes us aware of what’s really important to ask for. In addition, if we think about the words these Sages used to express their hearts as to what is most important to them, that we too can use these same words for ourselves when praying — and though not explicit in the Gemara we read, the words can inspire us also into using these same words when expressing our own blessings to others!
It is a most beautiful Gemara to learn and it is worth listening to the types of things the great rabbis would ask for then and remember, that we are no different. We too need just these same things in our own lives!
The Gemara (Daf 16b part 3 in our series) begins with a teaching that there are only three who can be called the forefathers, and four who are called the foremothers. The reason is because of their importance and so they hold this position for always.
Our Gemara continues with a teaching about the value of the Keriat Shema and the Amidah.
Thereafter the Talmud goes into great depth in discussing some beautiful prayers that the great rabbis would say after they finished their prayers. In other words after completing the main Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei) prayers, there is the opportunity to pray for any of one’s needs. But what should one ask for?!
The rabbis tell us what they would say. These words include some very beautiful prayers. It makes us aware of what’s really important to ask for. In addition, if we think about the words these Sages used to express their hearts as to what is most important to them, that we too can use these same words for ourselves when praying — and though not explicit in the Gemara we read, the words can inspire us also into using these same words when expressing our own blessings to others!
It is a most beautiful Gemara to learn and it is worth listening to the types of things the great rabbis would ask for then and remember, that we are no different. We too need just these same things in our own lives!
