The Power of Prayer: Insights from Rabbi Joel Grossman
The importance and power of prayer across all religions, not just Judaism, were the basis of an enjoyable discussion by Rabbi Joel Grossman at Northern Manor in Nanuet on Monday, August 14, 2023, in front of nearly 30 residents and staff personnel. Although Rabbi Grossman, 64, an energetic Modern Orthodox Rabbi from Monsey, only mentioned his first book, Moreh Tefilla: Davening Shemoneh Esrei With Meaning, one of the main reasons why he wanted to speak to these residents is that they reside in the same county where he’s lived since June 1962, when he was only three, moving with his family from the Bronx. Rabbi Grossman received such positive feedback from the residents and staff, that he was applauded at the end of his 30-minute moving discussion.
Along with a number of intriguing stories that reinforce how putting God before you, as an individual, plays into the lives of everyone. Rabbi Grossman continuously and positively re-emphasized the point that the enrichment of lives is encouraged with the prayer of God, all coming from the heart. “God is in our hearts, whether you are Jewish or not,” said Rabbi Grossman. “Prayer is something we all should do on a consistent basis, not once in a while. Sometimes in your life, you see either two sets or one set of footprints when you look behind you. During good times, there are two sets, and this is when God walks beside you. During bad times, there is only one set, and this is when God carries you on his shoulders. All in all, God is with you at all times.”
Rabbi Grossman, who lives in Miami with his son, a successful sports agent, during the New York winter months, just retired five years ago from the school system in Teaneck, New Jersey, teaching the Talmud, but still tutors students in Teaneck to this day. In addition to his love of prayer and God, he also loves swimming, which he does twelve months of the year since he has two homes in New York and as a snowbird in Miami. His book, which is available on Amazon.com, is getting wide praise by, not only Jewish clergy, but across many strands of faith. Rabbi Grossman has appeared on a radio talk show based in Teaneck called “JM in the Morning” and was in the June 8, 2023 issue of the Jewish Link in the book section.
As seen on lohud
