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Prayer as a Personal Resource for the Ra

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Modern rabbis face a profound crisis of authenticity as they struggle to embody the spiritual ideals they intellectually understand and teach. Through a combination of theological analysis and pastoral psychology, Rabbi Schachter reveals a critical disconnect between rabbis' scholarly knowledge and their capacity to serve as living models of sanctity for their congregations. The research examines three dimensions of rabbinic practice, demonstrating that congregants seek authentic spiritual exemplars rather than mere religious instruction, while rabbis themselves require deeper personal spiritual development to fulfill this role. Furthermore, contemporary synagogue worship lacks the spiritual vitality (השראה) necessary for meaningful religious transformation. Drawing on rabbinical discourse and psychological insights, the analysis distinguishes between three essential forms of spiritual practice: prayer (petition), worship (adoration), and דאווענען (liturgical yielding). The findings indicate that overcoming this "quiet crisis" requires rabbis to integrate meditation, establish authentic devotional practices, and create commitment groups within congregations. Such integration of scholarly knowledge with genuine spiritual practice can transform both rabbis' personal religious experience and their ability to guide congregants toward meaningful behavioral change and sanctification.

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    Published 1961

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    Zalman Schachter