7c+Jeff+Kuperman+Tefillat+haDerekh

In the times of the Talmud, it seems no one would ever leave the comfort of their towns for travel unless they stood to benefit (usually financially, occasionally for education) from it. The phrase in the second half of tefilat haderech "May You send blessing in our every handiwork" refers to success in a business venture. There did not seem to be a concept of traveling for pleasure back then. Yet the road was perilous. Maimonides lost his younger brother in a business-related shipwreck. The roads were dark. Traveling alone was impossible. The Talmud tells of a caravan that was accompanied by a trained lion (!) for protection.

World of Warcraft presents the player with a world full of dangers - marauding thieves, evil members of the Horde, wild beasts of all sorts, spells. It is a world that appears much more dangerous than our won. We are often dependent on the kindness of strangers when we travel - for directions, helpful hints, the best way to defeat a troll, etc. Certainly we wish to be granted "peace, kindness, and mercy ... in the eyes of all who see us." The game drives home the idea that we are in need of protection when we venture forth.

i would challenge the students to consider the real dangers that lurk in our own world when we travel. Are there bandits? Do people still get mugged? Carjacked? Wild animals? Maybe not lions and tiger and bears. Do people still hit deer on the highway, sometimes causing traffic accidents? Cars break down? Flat tires? What can they suggest we add to our כוונה (intentions) when we say the prayer?