Entering Jewish Prayer: A Guide to Personal Devotion and the Worship Service

by Reuven Hammer

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805210224
Publisher:	Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/03/1995
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

REUVEN HAMMER earned his rabbinical ordination and a doctorate in theology at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He lives and teaches in Jerusalem.

Editorial Reviews

"Anyone who wants to make use of the traditional prayerbook  especially meaningful would do well to acquire this magnificent commentary. [It] will add to one's appreciation of one of Judaism's most prized treasures—its liturgy."
—Emanuel Rackman, Chancellor, Bar-Ilan University

"Reuven Hammer has achieved brilliantly and with great success what many had thought impossible—an inspirational guide to Jewish devotion wedded to impeccable scholarship."
—Louis Jacobs, author of Hasidic Prayer

"A useful and enlightening account of the meaning of Jewish prayer. It should be read by all who want to speak to God in the language of Jewish tradition."
—Arthur Hertzberg

"A thoughtful, helpful book that will open the hearts and minds of many Jews to finding new meaning in the traditional prayer."
—Harold S. Kushner

"Those who already know how to pray will find this book enhances their knowledge of the service. For those to whom the service is one vast mystery, it will open the door to greater understanding and spirituality."
—Deborah E. Lipstadt, Emory University

"Accessible and thoughtful . . . a wonderful place for the beginner to start."
—David Teutsch, President, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College

From the Publisher

Hammer, a rabbi who now lives and teaches in Jerusalem, clearly discusses various aspects of Jewish prayer: its forms, history, prayerbooks, and daily order. He covers both Sabbath and holiday prayers, as well as prayers of mourning. Presenting Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform options, he offers practical advice about private prayer and about choosing a synagogue and prayerbook. He addresses issues of sexist language and the exclusion of women from many traditional formulas. Throughout, he encourages the development of deep spirituality. Highly recommended both for Jews and non-Jews.

Library Journal