The How & Why of Kavanah Kards
Why are Kavanah Kards important?
They remind you of the meanings of Hashem's name, which is the halacha. They also help you increase your focus on Hashem, building a closer connection with Him. As we pay more attention in our tefilla and brachos, midah k'neged midah, Hashem will pay closer attention to our prayers and requests.
Are Kavanah Kards shamis?
Kavanah Kards should be treated respectfully. There is a difference of opinion about their status regarding shaimos, so please ask your Rav whether they are to be considered shaimos. If they are not considered shaimos, they must be put into paper recycling if they are disposed of.
How are the cards used?
Use Kavanah Kards in your sidur while davening or making a bracha to focus on the meanings of Hashem's names and the other words defined. They may also be attached to brachos signs, to help people focus while saying them. Any time there is a variation of the name Elokeinu (eg: Elokim, Elokai-my G-d) the meaning is the same. With Ad-nut we are only required to think "Master of all", without the rest of the meanings given for Hashem.
The large and medium-size horizontal Davening Kavanah Kard is used as a guide under the line you are reading, to give more meaning whenever the words are in the tefillah. Simply glance down--the meaning is right there, without having to take your eyes from the text. The back of this Kavanah Kard gives a lot of additional information, plus a daily declaration from the Chidah about your intentions when saying Hashem's name.
The business card size Davening Kavanah Kards can go anywhere: on the page you are daavening, posted on Asher Yotzar or bracha signs , wherever you eat or in your wallet or even on the sun visor of your car, to be used when you daaven, say brachas or prayers after meals.
The Service of Hashem Kavanah Kard helps to dedicate daily life tasks for the service of Hashem--raising them to a higher spiritual level. In addition, asking Hashem's help for our success renews our Bitachon and reminds us that all success comes only from Him. They can be carried with you or posted on the refrigerator, where you eat, exercise, relax, etc.
The large and medium-size horizontal Davening Kavanah Kard is used as a guide under the line you are reading, to give more meaning whenever the words are in the tefillah. Simply glance down--the meaning is right there, without having to take your eyes from the text. The back of this Kavanah Kard gives a lot of additional information, plus a daily declaration from the Chidah about your intentions when saying Hashem's name.
The business card size Davening Kavanah Kards can go anywhere: on the page you are daavening, posted on Asher Yotzar or bracha signs , wherever you eat or in your wallet or even on the sun visor of your car, to be used when you daaven, say brachas or prayers after meals.
The Service of Hashem Kavanah Kard helps to dedicate daily life tasks for the service of Hashem--raising them to a higher spiritual level. In addition, asking Hashem's help for our success renews our Bitachon and reminds us that all success comes only from Him. They can be carried with you or posted on the refrigerator, where you eat, exercise, relax, etc.
How should I start using my Kavanah Kards?
Any time you use them is a great mitzvah. Since you will slow down your speed, you may want to start gradually; for example with Shema and the first paragraph, the first paragraph of Shmoneh Esrei, and the first paragraph of Birkas Hamazon. Add more as you are ready. The back of the large Kavanah Kards have a Declaration of intentions when saying Hashem's names which can be said in the morning, along with instructions.
How can Kavanah Kards help Klal Yisroel?
Every single person who elevates their thoughts and actions helps create more good, which ultimately helps Klal Yisroel. Also, the more people who use Kavanah Kards, the greater the effect on the nefesh klalit (collective conscious) of B'nei Yisroel, making it easier for others to desire and achieve greater davening kavanah, spiritual inspiration and closeness to Hashem. (For more about this please see Helping Klal ) Sharing them with others is another way to help Klal Yisroel. Consider becoming a Kavanah Kard "Ambassador", sharing them with others and donating (see Dedications).
How does giving Kavanah Kards to others or helping sponsor them help me?
The Duties of the Heart in chapter 5, The Gate of Bitachon, says that helping others grow closer to Hashem is very meritorious and helps a person to be judged favorably including how we are, in addition to our own good deeds, we are also deemed by Hashem worthy of Olam Haba by teaching other people the service of Hashem and guiding them to do good., which Kavanah Kards certainly does, thus benefiting not only those who use them, but also those who spread and support them :
"...a man does not become worthy of the reward of Olam Haba (the next world) due to his good deeds alone (since the reward is infinitely great - TL). Rather he is deemed by G-d worthy of it due to two things besides his good deeds. (1) That he teaches other people the service of G-d, and guides them to do good, as written "they who bring merit to the public shall be as the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3).... And when the industrious man will combine the reward for those who he brought merit, with the reward for his own good deeds, and the reward for the faith in his heart and patient acceptance [of G-d's will] - he will be deemed by the Creator worthy of the reward of Olam Haba." (i.e. if he also brings merit to others in addition to his own piety, then certainly he is worthy of the reward.
From this it is easy to see that you get zechus from sharing or helping sponsor any part of the Kavanah Kard Project. Any amount will help us get them to people world over who want to use them. This is one reason we are asking people to contribute to the project--so that they gain merit by helping others become closer to Hashem. (Tax deductible receipts are available)
"...a man does not become worthy of the reward of Olam Haba (the next world) due to his good deeds alone (since the reward is infinitely great - TL). Rather he is deemed by G-d worthy of it due to two things besides his good deeds. (1) That he teaches other people the service of G-d, and guides them to do good, as written "they who bring merit to the public shall be as the stars forever" (Daniel 12:3).... And when the industrious man will combine the reward for those who he brought merit, with the reward for his own good deeds, and the reward for the faith in his heart and patient acceptance [of G-d's will] - he will be deemed by the Creator worthy of the reward of Olam Haba." (i.e. if he also brings merit to others in addition to his own piety, then certainly he is worthy of the reward.
From this it is easy to see that you get zechus from sharing or helping sponsor any part of the Kavanah Kard Project. Any amount will help us get them to people world over who want to use them. This is one reason we are asking people to contribute to the project--so that they gain merit by helping others become closer to Hashem. (Tax deductible receipts are available)
Where can I find Kavanah Kards?
The main source for Kavanah Kards for individuals and schools worldwide is our main number in the US: 1-917-309-4942. There are distributors in some other countries that we can connect you with.
If you can join us in spreading them, please contact us. If you have or know of an organization, school or an individual that might consider using them in a mailing, activity or to give out, please contact us.
If you can join us in spreading them, please contact us. If you have or know of an organization, school or an individual that might consider using them in a mailing, activity or to give out, please contact us.