kavanah

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Hebrew כוונה.

Noun

kavanah (uncountable)

  1. (Judaism) Heartfelt intent during prayer, as opposed to roteness.
    • 1996, Macy Nulman, The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer, page 229:
      The Gaon of Vilna (Ha-Gra) also opposed saying the formula Leshaym Yihud as well as Hineni mukhan umezuman ("Behold I am prepared and ready") since precepts do not require kavanah.