The theme of most of my recent columns has been prayer. Prayer, our most potent weapon, will bring salvation, healing, and blessings.
Truth be told, however, most Jews do not pray. Time and again I have challenged our people with a simple question: “Do you pray?” They look at me blankly and stammer, “I am not Orthodox.” As if that absolves them from the responsibility of reaching out to G-d.
On Thursday nights I teach Torah at our Hineni Heritage Center. Following my shiurim I speak to people one-on-one in my office. These are men and women of every age and from every walk of life. There is one common denominator that connects them: They carry in their hearts heavy burdens that have become too much to bear. And they feel they cannot go on. I will share a few of their stories.
Story #1
A middle -aged woman was sitting before me. Between sobs she related that her 21-year-year-old-son was going out with a non-Jewish girl.
The first thing I told her was that she should pray.
“Rebbetzin,” she protested, “this is serious. My son needs help, and I mean real help.” I answered, “Prayer is real help.”
She looked at me with disappointment and mumbled something like, “You just don’t understand.”
“But I do understand,” I assured her. “That is why I am recommending that you pray.”
“Rebbetzin,” she said again, “I need help. I thought you would call him up and speak to him.”
“This is not for a telephone conversation,” I told her. “I will speak to him face to face. But if I am to reach his heart we will all need G-d’s help. So you will pray and I will pray.”
Story #2
Michael came for advice and guidance. He looked upset and depressed. “I lost my job,” he announced. “The financial firm I was working at dissolved. I have some meager savings but before you know it those savings will be used up. Rebbetzin, I know you have many connections; you know many people. I thought you might be able to help me find a job.”
“I cannot find you a job,” I said. “Only Hashem can do that. But I can try to be His messenger. So we have to pray. You have to pray that G-d will lead me to the right office and I have to pray that He gives me the right words to make a connection for you. In short, it all depends on Him. I will try, but we must ask Hashem to guide us.”
Michael actually burst out laughing.
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this!” he said. “I should pray that you find a job for me and you should pray for words? Rebbetzin, just make that phone call. Let’s not waste time. You can do it – you just have to want to. Prayer? You must be kidding.”
Story #3
Debbie was an attractive young woman. “Rebbetzin,” she wept, “I can’t go on. My fiancé just broke up with me. I prayed and prayed and my prayers worked but now look at what happened. I’m through with praying.”
“Debbie,” I responded, “do you really think you can threaten G-d or that you are diminishing Him with your refusal to pray? If G-d so wished, in one instant all of us would be gone. Take my advice and don’t start up with G-d. Remember, you are not doing Him a favor when you pray but you are buying a ticket to a more meaningful and purposeful life.
“So if your engagement broke up, know there is a reason for it. Look at it this way – precisely because you prayed, G-d protected you from the disaster of marrying the wrong one. Beseech the Almighty to lead you to the right one so that together you may build a true Jewish home with the blessings of children and peace.”