The Alter Rebbe explains in Tanya that tefillah is "the time of battle" — when we fight to reveal our hidden love for Hashem. Prayer is not just words; it is the ladder connecting earth to heaven, the channel through which Hashem's blessings descend into our world.
Three times a day, a Jew stands before the King of Kings. Shacharit awakens our love for Hashem, Mincha demonstrates our devotion in the midst of daily life, and Maariv expresses our trust in Hashem even in darkness. Each prayer is a precious audience with the Almighty.
The Sages taught that a person should recite 100 brachot every day. Each blessing is an act of recognition — acknowledging that everything comes from Hashem. From the first "Modeh Ani" in the morning to "HaMapil" at night, brachot transform ordinary moments into sacred encounters.
The three daily prayers are: Shacharit (שחרית) — morning prayer, recited after sunrise; Mincha (מנחה) — afternoon prayer, recited from half an hour after midday until nightfall; and Maariv (מעריב) — evening prayer, recited after nightfall. These correspond to prayers established by the three Patriarchs: Abraham (Shacharit), Isaac (Mincha), and Jacob (Maariv).
The Shema (שמע ישראל) — 'Hear O Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One' (Devarim 6:4) — is the central declaration of Jewish faith. It is recited twice daily — in Shacharit and Maariv — and at bedtime (Kriat Shema al HaMita). The Rebbe emphasized that the Shema should be said with full concentration, understanding that Hashem is the only true existence.
The Amidah (עמידה) — 'Standing Prayer' — is the central prayer of every service, recited silently while standing with feet together facing Jerusalem. Also called Shmoneh Esreh ('Eighteen Blessings'), it actually contains 19 blessings on weekdays, 7 on Shabbat and Yom Tov. It includes praises of Hashem, personal requests (for wisdom, forgiveness, health, prosperity), and thanksgiving.
Chabad uses Nusach Ari — the prayer rite compiled by the Ari HaKadosh (Rabbi Isaac Luria) and adopted by the Alter Rebbe. It incorporates Kabbalistic intentions (kavvanot) and specific formulations that facilitate a deeper spiritual connection during prayer. The Chabad Siddur (Tehillat Hashem) is used by Chabad communities worldwide.
A typical Chabad Shabbat morning service (Shacharit + Musaf) lasts approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It includes Torah reading (the weekly Parasha), Haftorah, the complete Hallel on Yom Tov, and additional Musaf prayers. The Rebbe emphasized that prayers should be said with kavvana (concentration) rather than rushed.
Tachanun (תחנון) — Supplication — is a prayer of remorse and request for divine mercy recited after the Amidah on weekday mornings and afternoons. It is omitted on Shabbat, Yom Tov, Rosh Chodesh, Chanukah, Purim, and other joyful occasions. Chabad custom is to fall on the left arm (or not fall at all according to some poskim).
The Rebbe taught: "When you help another Jew study Torah, it is as if you studied it yourself." Your tzedakah sustains Torah learning in Hadera.
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