A Guide to Jewish Prayer

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 464 pages
• Published by: Schocken March 5, 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0805211470
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0805211474
• Book Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 1.1 pounds

Product Review
For readers who wish to learn about Jewish prayer, A Guide to Jewish Prayer is the first book to read, and the one that will be the cornerstone of any collection of books on the subject. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, a world- renowned scholar of Judaic studies and the editor and translator of Random House's 22-volume edition of the Talmud, has written this Guide in order to "open the gates of Jewish prayer for those who want to know and comprehend both its essence and its structure, and the numerous details concerning the various prayer services." Beginning with magisterial essays on the nature of prayer and the history of the Siddur (the common Jewish prayer book), Steinsaltz then moves to a detailed description of the prayer services conducted over the course of the Jewish year, and ends with a series of essays about communal prayer, including chapters on the synagogue, prayer accessories, and the music of prayer. With a comprehensive glossary and short biographies of the many rabbis who have influenced the history of Jewish prayer, Steinsaltz's Guide provides every necessary resource for understanding prayer, for every conceivable reader--from the curious gentile to the devoted Jew. -- Michael Joseph Gross --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
Steinsaltz, one of this era's most influential rabbis (Simple Words), turns his attention to prayer, marrying straightforward how-to tips with reflections on the nature and meaning of Jewish prayer. The book opens with a discussion of individual versus communal prayer, with Steinsaltz explaining that although Jewish prayer heavily emphasizes community, there is a place in Judaism for individual prayer. Communal prayer expresses the requirements and hopes of the entire nation of Israel, but individuals can and should still pray alone, with or without liturgy, in times of personal need. He also tackles gender. Men and women, he explains, are both obligated to pray (although women are not legally obligated to participate in the thrice-daily minyan). Steinsaltz offers a concise history of the Jewish prayer book, tracing the development of prayers from the Second Temple period to 20th-century prayers commemorating the Holocaust and Israeli Independence Day. In the book's valuable how-to section, he carefully looks at weekdays, Sabbaths and holidays, explaining which prayers are said when and why. He introduces readers to "prayer accessories" such as the tallith (prayer shawl) and tefillin (phylacteries). The book concludes with a rousing discussion of Jewish music and its relation to prayer traditions. This guide will help both novices and experienced Jews to deepen their understanding of prayer. One caution: it is decidedly Orthodox in outlook. Non-Orthodox readers will find much of interest, but they will not find discussions of, for example, feminist language for God. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: A Guide to Jewish Prayer (Hardcover) This is a largely a how-to book written by a Jew for primarily a Jewish audience. The primariy focus is on the order of prayer as used through the use of a Siddur. I found the background to why certain traditions exist interesting (my primary motive for reading it), but found the many chapters devoted to what order certain aspects are performed on what occasions taxing. In fairness, this is primarily because I'm not Jewish, not because of the writing. However, for the Jewish person wondering why they do certain things at certain times, this book will prove to be very educating. I did find the discussion of how the certain traditions relate to the Bible or the Torah a bit lacking, since the text largely is devoted to syntax and order of the tradition, not the reasons. In summation, for a Jewish reader, this book will prove to be extremely helpful for your studies. For the non-Jewish reader, unless you are scholarly this may not be the best choice for you.