Avot v'Imahot
| Avot v'Imahot |
Mishkan T'filah, pages 324
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What is the Meaning of the Avot v'Imahot?
The opening blessing of the T'filah is called Avot v'Imahot, which literally means "Fathers and Mothers." The blessing connects us with the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – and the matriarchs – Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. We remember that we are part of the covenant with God that started with these ancestors.
In the words of the blessing, God is identified separately for each ancestor. We say, "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob…," rather than just saying, "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…" A rabbinic teaching says that this is because God is understood differently by each of us and God connects differently to each person. By saying, "The God of…," for each ancestor, we remember that there is no one correct way to think about God.
In the words of the blessing, God is identified separately for each ancestor. We say, "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob…," rather than just saying, "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…" A rabbinic teaching says that this is because God is understood differently by each of us and God connects differently to each person. By saying, "The God of…," for each ancestor, we remember that there is no one correct way to think about God.
