Women: Praying Daily

I’m a ashkanazi Jewish woman. I was Raised conservative. I want To start praying daily. Where do I start?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

It is wonderful that you want to strengthen your relationship with God, and beginning with prayer is the perfect place to start. Contrary to some misconceptions, prayer is a tremendous mitzva and also an obligation for both men and women alike. Even a woman who is busy with the children or the home must recite some kind of minimal prayer each day.

First of all, allow me to suggest you go to a website like https://www.artscroll.com/ who are known to sell “user-friendly” siddurim, prayer books. Browse the website. There are many different types of siddurim. Find the one that works best for you and order it. Make sure you order “Ashkenazi”

Begin with reciting the morning blessing each morning along with the Shema. You can then build up your ‘repertoire’ until you are reciting most or all of the morning service. Here are some of the more important prayers to consider when building up the amount of prayers you say: the morning blessings, the "Tamid" section in the "offerings," Baruch She'amar-Ashrei-Yishtabach (from the Pesukei Dzimra secton), and then from Shema till the end of the Shemoneh Esrei. To recite Mincha, or at least a Shemoneh Esrei in the afternoon is also commendable.

Jewish prayer must include three components: Praise to God, a personal request, and words of thanks. When we recite the Shemoneh Esrei (among other prayers) we fulfill all three requirements in a single prayer. But as mentioned, a women who does not have the time to recite the Shemoneh Esrei will fulfill her obligation of prayer with the morning blessings and Shema.

Also be sure to reach out to your local rabbi and begin attending your local synagogue on Shabbat. Being a part of a community will give you much needed support and inspiration. You will certainly learn more and grow from being connected with a rabbi and synagogue.

shimusha ve'limudah page 68