Ten Days Of Prayer

Yom Kippur stands alone as the holiday totally focused on prayer. The 10 days from Rosh Hashana leading up to Yom Kippur are also heavy on prayer. Our sages teach us that during this time, Hashem is, as it were, ‘closer’ to us and waiting for us to return to him. There is a special bond and energy. The gates of heaven are open, and heartfelt prayers are given special attention. During this special time period, the moment an individual repents is the same moment he is reaccepted under the ‘wings of the Shekhinah’.

Our sages teach us of the special merit for those who pray with a minyan. Usually, when a person prays to Hashem for forgiveness, the prayer is examined carefully to ensure heartfelt sincerity. But we are taught that when a person prays for forgiveness with a minyan, then he is immediately accepted. The merit of the few who do pray sincerely uplifts the prayers of all the other members.

Therefore, our sages tell us that a person should always pray in a quorum. Sometimes, one finds it difficult to concentrate properly on his prayers, and yet, his prayers are still accepted because of the merit of his fellow worshipper. We should also mention that there are certain prayers which cannot be said by the individual. For example, the Aramaic sections of the Selihot are not allowed to be said without a quorum. Similarly, the Geonim and the Rashbam state that it is prohibited to recite the ‘13 Midot’ alone. However, the Rashbam does write that if an individual wants to say the ‘13 Midot’ he may do so if he sounds the Ta’amim (cantillation).

After all is said, it is clear from the many teachings of our sages that prayer with a quorum is always superior to praying alone. All the more so during the 10 days of Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur, when the ‘King is in the Field’. May we all take advantage of the great opportunity afforded to us during this special time, and may all of our prayers be answered for good, Amen v’Amen.

By Adam Suionov