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From: Russell Hendel <rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1999 20:58:55 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Mumbling in Prayer--Alpha waves--relaxation

Yeshaya Halevi brings a delightful study in Volume 28 Number 68 that
people who mumble prayer have increased alpha waves denoting calmness
and relaxation and hence the practice (of mumbling) should not be
denigrated as much as it is.

But that would only be true if the PURPOSE of prayer was to achieve
calmness and relaxation. Indeed!!!! No one disputes that mumbling prayer
can cause calmness and relaxation--but is that the goal of prayer?

Rambam, Prayer Chapters 1 and 5 clearly states that the required emotion
in prayer is not calmness but helplessness. One must stand before God
like a slave or servant before a king. One must be submissive. The King
of Prayer, King David spoke about crying during prayer (because of his
awareness of helplessness). Thus I really think that mumbling in prayer
should be opposed.

However far be it from me to toss out a good scientific study. On Shabbath
it is required to be CALM an RELAXED. Therefore those coming home from
synagogue should mumble the kiddush (to place them in the proper mood!)(In
particular they should not delay the Kiddush with extensive Chazzanuth).

Russell Jay Hendel;
PHd ASA Dept Math & Comp Science Drexel Univ
Moderator Rashi Is Simple
http://www.shamash.org/rashi