From one of the world's most famous and respected rabbis—"a practical explanation of Jewish worship from a spiritual slant" (Detroit Free Press). For both the novice and for those who have been engaged in prayer for years, here is the one guide needed to practice Jewish prayer and understand the prayer book. From the origins and meaning of worship to a step-by-step explanation of the daily prayers to the reason you're not supposed to chat with your friends during services, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz answers many of the questions likely to arise about Jewish prayer. Here are chapters on daily prayer; Sabbath prayer; prayer services for the holidays; the yearly cycle of synagogue Bible readings; the history and makeup of the synagogue; the different prayer rites for Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Yemenites, and other cultural/geographic groupings; the role of the rabbi and the cantor in the synagogue; and the role of music in the service.

An insightful and illuminating guide to Judaism's basic tenets and practices. The Essential Guide to Jewish Prayer and Practices offers a more profound understanding of Judaism-for practicing Jews and non-Jews alike-by explaining the key concepts of Jewish thought, including the sanctity of human life, Judaism's concept of God, and the role of the Torah in guiding Jewish spiritual life. Judaic studies scholar Andrea Lieber introduces readers to the form of Jewish prayer-the structure of Jewish worship and the different kinds of prayers that make up Jewish liturgy. • The perfect guide for Jewish spirituality for affiliated and non- practicing Jews as well as people of other faiths • Provides essential knowledge of the meaning of the Torah and the rituals of worship and prayer

This engaging and informative book provides an introduction to the liturgy of the Siddur--the Jewish prayerbook. More than a "how-to" guide, this resource deals with basic issues for the modern worshiper, the historial compilation of the Siddur, and much more.

Experience the living taste of prayer in your heart, the deep and gentle glow of prayer in your soul. "Many who live their lives as Jews, even many who pray every day, live on a wrapped and refrigerated version of prayer. We go to synagogue dutifully enough. We rise when we should rise, sit when we should sit. We read and sing along with the cantor and answer 'Amen' in all the right places. We may even rattle through the prayers with ease. We sacrifice vitality for shelf-life, and the neshomeh, the Jewish soul, can taste the difference." —from the Introduction This fresh approach to prayer is for all who wish to appreciate the power of prayer’s poetry and song, jump into its ceremonies and rituals, and join the age-old conversation that Jews have had with God. Reb Zalman, one of the most important Jewish spiritual teachers in contemporary American Judaism, offers you new ways to pray, new channels for communicating with God and new opportunities to open your heart to God’s response. With rare warmth and authenticity, Reb Zalman shows you: How prayer can engage not just spirit, but mind, heart and body Meditations that open the door to kavanah, the focus or intention with which we pray How to understand the underlying “deep structure” of our prayer services How to find and feel at home in a synagogue How to sing and lead niggunim, the simple, wordless tunes that Jews sing to get closer to God and more

A collection of blessings, poems, meditations, and rituals presented in English and Hebrew offers a traditional perspective to weekday, Sabbath, and New Moon festival observances.

TRADITIONS is a treasure chest of ancient, traditional, and modern Jewish blessings positioned between two strong currents of reader interest--an enthusiasm for recovering the lost wealth of Judaism and the universal quest for invigorating our daily lives with simple spirituality. Illustrated with stunning modern and archival photography of historical artifacts, religious symbols, and practical elements.

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