Readings

The Limits of Prayer

By Moshe Halbertal | Summer 2010

          1. One who sees a place where miracles have been done for Israel, says, "Blessed
              be He Who did miracles for our ancestors in this place." [Upon seeing] a place
              from where idolatry has been uprooted, one says "Blessed . . . Who uprooted
              idolatry from our land".

The Mishnah then moves from history to nature:

          2. [Upon witnessing] shooting stars, earthquakes, thunderclaps, storms and lightning,
              one says, "Blessed ... Whose strength and might fill the world." On seeing mountains,
              hills, seas, rivers, and deserts, one says, "Blessed ... Who created the world" ... For rain
              and good tidings, one says, "Blessed ... Who is good and bestows good." For bad tidings,
              one says, "Blessed be the true Judge."

It is here, oddly, that the Mishnah introduces the new category of vain prayer:

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About The Author

Moshe Halbertal is a Professor of Jewish Thought and Philosophy at the Hebrew University and the Gruss Professor at New York University School of Law. His most recent book is Concealment and Revelation (Princeton University Press).