kavanah

English

Alternative forms

• kavana, kavvanah, kawwana

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.