Why do we cover our eyes during Shema? The common practice is to cover one's eyes during the recitation of the first pasuk of Kriyat Shema in order to enhance concentration and prevent distraction while declaring Hashem's Oneness. By shutting out external visual stimuli, a person is better able to focus on the meaning and significance of the words.

Are women obligated to pray every day? The Mishnah in Berachot (20a/b) teaches that women are obligated to pray daily. This might seem surprising at first, since women are generally exempt from time-bound positive commandments (mitzvot aseh she’hazman grama). However, the Gemara explains that prayer is fundamentally a plea for mercy and connection with Hashem, and is therefore not categorized as a time-bound commandment. As a result, women are included in this obligation.

Who Should read the Sefer Torah? Does one need to stand when the Torah is being read? Click here to learn more!

When in Friday night Teffilah does one accept Shabbat? Does one need to accept Shabbat when everyone in the city accepted Shabbat?