David Moss writes, "The ideas and intention and direction are fundamental Jewish notions. As direction is essential in reaching a physical destination, intention is needed to reach practical and spiritual goals. The Hebrew word kavanah brings together the ideas of direction, intention and concentration. Through kavanah we manage to stay directed and reach our desstiny in spite of life's many twists and turns. Aphysical expression of this idea is the traditional Jewish plaque known as the "Mizrach." Mizrach means 'East', and is derived from the root of 'shining', as in the shining forth of the rising, morning sun.The origin of this folk art piece was the custom of praying towards Jerusalem, which in most of the Jewish world meant facing east. Upon entering a room in which a Mizrach was hung, one would be immediately oriented for the direction of prayer." -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.