6583 —הצלחה בהוראה, תפלה נכונה עם הצבור, ודלוג בפסוקי דזמרה

B"H, 6 Kislev, 5719.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

After the longest pause, your letter from the 28th of Cheshvan was received, in which you write that you have accepted a position as a teacher in an educational institution based on purity and holiness. May it be G‑d's will that you succeed in your teaching with them, and most importantly that this teaching fulfills our Sages' instruction: 'Great is study for it leads to action,' in the daily lives of the students. Through this, there will also be an increase in matters of Yiras Shamayim even regarding their parents.

Regarding what you wrote about your prayer—that the minyan where you pray goes very quickly—what is done in such cases is to begin praying with the congregation and then continue praying at your own pace; that is, with as much intention as you can. If your prayer takes longer than the congregation's, know that the main thing in prayer is attention and intention. By starting together with the congregation, this too is considered somewhat like praying with them—even if only somewhat.

As for your question about skipping parts of Pesukei D'Zimra: although many permit this so one can pray with the congregation, there are also opinions that prohibit it. Even those who permit do not ignore that skipping is frowned upon—especially considering what is explained at length in Kabbalistic and Chassidic works. Therefore, as above: do what you are able—start your prayer with the congregation and then continue in order with explanation of the words, etc. It is already well known how great is the reward for one who directs his heart to Heaven. This should suffice.

Blessings for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches to strive for meaningful education that leads to action and Yiras Shamayim. In prayer, one should balance joining the congregation with personal intention and avoid skipping Pesukei D'Zimra when possible.