DMC - The Amidah

We are told u'kedoshim b'chol yom yehalelucha selah, which translates as "Holy ones praise you every day." However, the word b'chol, literally "in all,” emphasizes a profound idea that holiness can be achieved literally "in all" of our daily experiences. At any moment, and in any place, we have the opportunity to achieve holiness

Teshuvah is not just an awareness of our inadequacies, but rather a cognizance and sensitivity to the infinite potential within our souls.

David McCullough, Jr. gave some valuable advice for the overachieving culture of his students future: "Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air, and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you"

"You cannot give to anyone in this world what you do not have. If I don't have wisdom, I can only teach you my ignorance." said Leo Buscaglia

We recite “who builds Jerusalem” in the present tense and not "He will build Jerusalem” in the future tense to sensitize us to different stages of a redemption process. The four stages are mentioned here not just to share with us a process, but to help us recognize that each stage should be acknowledged and celebrated. The return to Jerusalem is an ongoing process and all of our ups and downs are part of the chain of events that will lead to its ultimate restoration. It is important for our personal and national growth to appreciate every positive step in the process. Our ultimate dreams develop daily, not in a day

Perhaps a reason why the congregation says a parallel Modim when the leader is repeating the Amidah is that when it comes to saying thank you, we cannot delegate that responsibility to another, we must personally express it