Ms. Lederman references sociologist Harmut Rosa, who stated that rituals have 2 purposes: to enable us to both effect and be affected by God and the world around us. She cites Tractate Brachot (26b) in addressing the 2 paradigms of the Amidah: the affecting side wherein we reach out towards God, and the opposite side of being affected, wherein the prayers correspond to daily offerings at the Temple.
V’hi She’amda (Rafii) – Performed by Cantor Jacqueline Rafii and Cantor Azi Schwartz
The thanksgiving offering survives in Rabbinic Judaism in the birkat Hagomel, for “one who has survived a hazardous situation.” Rabbi Sacks considers the meaning of a hazardous situation: Psalm 107 describes crossing the sea, crossing a desert, recovery from serious illness, and release of captivity. However, there are many other situations today that merit this blessing. He cites sociologist Peter Berger, who described “signals of transcendence” as the phenomena that point to “something beyond” – the capacity to find meaning in the depths of suffering, and the instinctive desire to give thanks.