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. Please follow the link below to read the full article:
