kavanah
English
Etymology
From Hebrew כוונה
Noun
kavanah (uncountable)
- (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.