Morning Prayer: Embracing Love and Connection

In this enlightening lesson, we delve into the essence of the Shacharit prayer, the morning prayer that sets the tone for our day. As we reflect on the profound question of whether the love of God or the love for our fellow person is greater, we discover the foundational mitzvah of loving others as ourselves. This commitment not only enriches our relationships but also elevates our spiritual practice. By recognizing the divine spark within each individual, we can transform our connections into sacred bonds, allowing our prayers to resonate with genuine intention and heartfelt compassion. Join us as we explore how embracing love and connection can illuminate our morning prayers and enhance our daily lives.

What is Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog?

Welcome to "Core Prayers" with Rabbi Ari Herzog from Chabad of the Valley and recorded every morning at Chabad of Encino. In this enlightening podcast, we'll explore the heart of Jewish prayer and its profound relevance to our daily lives.
Join Rabbi Ari as he breaks down essential prayers, unveiling their deeper meanings and showing how these ancient words can guide us through modern challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, practical wisdom, or a deeper connection to tradition, "Core Prayers" offers insights for everyone.
Tune in to discover how the timeless teachings within our core prayers can transform your perspective and enrich your everyday experiences. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together.

Introduction to Morning Prayer

Welcome, everyone. Today, we embark on a journey into the Shacharit prayer, the morning prayer, beginning with some introductory thoughts.

Before we dive into our conversation with God, let’s reflect on a question: What is greater, the love of God or the love of your fellow person? This question, posed by the early followers of Chabad's founder, invites us to consider the essence of our prayers.

As we prepare, we acknowledge the mitzvah of loving our fellow as ourselves. This statement signifies our commitment to love our fellow human beings, recognizing them as our true family. Relationships are sacred—whether between spouses, parents and children, siblings, or friends—these connections allow us to bond soul to soul.

In Judaism, relationships are vital. They provide opportunities to share goodness and light in the world. When we nurture our bonds with others, we mirror the love our Father in Heaven has for His children, creating a joyful connection that enhances our prayers.

But how can we truly love others as ourselves? Nachmanides, a great scholar, suggests that such love may seem impossible. Yet, the Torah guides us to recognize our two inner selves: the divine soul that yearns for connection and the instinctive soul focused on self-preservation.

Our challenge is to operate from our divine nature, seeking to give and uplift rather than solely taking. By shifting our perspective from self-centeredness to a broader, soulful view, we fulfill the Torah's call to love others genuinely.

As we begin our prayers, let this intention guide us. By embracing our divine spark, we foster authentic connections and bring more light into the world.

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with blessings!