With Acheinu Bnei Yisroel under fire, we continue to focus on the essence of Tefilah 

 This week’s Sugya discusses the topic of Kavanah in Sh’moneh Esreh. The essence of Tefillah is communicating and connecting with Hashem; therefore, if one fails to have Kavanah during his Tefilah, it is considered as if he has not Davened. We discuss what exactly constitutes Kavanah – i.e. does it mean thinking about the meaning of the words, or does it mean being aware that one is standing before Hashem, or is it both? We discuss an interesting debate between Rav Chaim Brisker and the Chazon Ish, who disagree as to the degree of consciousness that would be considered proper (or the minimal requirement for) Kavanah.  We also include Chidushei Torah from contemporary Gedolim (Rav Shach and Rav Moshe Soloveichik) on this debate. 

Additionally, we discuss which Brachos of Sh’moneh Esreh are essential to Kavana, and why. Regarding Halacha L’Maaseh, we include the discussion amongst the Poskim as to why we don’t Daven again, even if one was not concentrating.