The Proper Use And Power Of Prayer

Ketubot 104a

This chapter was written by Joel H. Zaiman.

“The sages believed, without a doubt, in the efficacy of prayer. God listened to prayer and could be ‘moved’ by the just petitions of humans. So be careful what you pray for. Be equally careful that what you pray for is ‘just’ from God’s perspective as well as your own.”

Discussion and study questions:

• What do we learn from the Sages’ behavior?

• What do we learn from the maid’s behavior?

• What accounts for the death of Rabbi, the maid’s prayer or the interruption of the Sages’ prayer?

• How do you evaluate the maid’s behavior?

• The maid “knew more” than the Sages about Rabbi’s condition. Should she have told them about his condition in an effort to have them stop their prayers? (Throwing a jar from the roof to startle the Sages hardly shows respect.)

• What conclusions can you draw from this incident regarding your approach to the dying? A physician’s approach? Your community’s approach?

• Can you imagine the following communal prayer: “We now pray for the death of our beloved friend ….” Under what circumstances might such a prayer be appropriate?