A new edition of this in-depth study of the Shabbos prayers. With wisdom and insight, the author weaves together the words of the Sages, bringing to light the holiness and the special quality of the Shabbos day and its prayers. This book answers questions such as: Why do we console mourners after Lechah Dodi? Why do we read Shir Hashirim before Shabbos? Why do we study Pirkei Avos from Pesach to Rosh Hashanah? The answers are sophisticated and thought-provoking, drawing upon the words of commentators and Torah authorities throughout the generations.
Profoundly rooted in Jewish tradition, Gates of Prayer has become the standard liturgical work for the Reform Movement. This prayerbook contains a variety of services for weekdays, Shabbat and festivals, Israeli Independence Day, Holocaust Remembrance Day and Tisha Be-av. Also contains special readings, meditations and 70 songs complete with transliterations.
selected Biblical and Talmudic passages that would evoke and articulate ones deepest religious feelings, to convey the sublime outpouring of the heart and inspire the cleaving of the soul to G-d. At the same time, they include texts that express the basic truths and tenets of Judaism, from elementary moral and ethical values to the highest concept of Monotheism as proclaimed in the Shema. Volume one provides a profoundly illuminating commentary on the morning, afternoon and evening prayers, on Grace After Meals and the Prayer Before Retiring to Bed. A comprehensive introduction explores the deeper, often mystical, content of the daily prayers. Volume two is devoted to the Shabbat prayers. A short yet incisive Introduction explores the unique nature of Shabbat. Shabbat and Festivals are days of spiritual rest and regeneration, when everyone has the opportunity to take an unhurried contemplative approach to prayer. The Shabbat and Yom Tov prayers will assume a new and rich dimension in the light of this comprehensive study. The two-volume reissue of this classic work has been completely redesigned beautifully ensconced in a gift-worthy slipcase. Volume two includes additional previously unpublished material, including short essays on Sefirat HaOmer, the Festivals and High-Holiday prayers, Tashlich and Kapparot, Blessing of the New Moon, Eiruv Tavshilin, the Priestly Blessing, Shoshanat Yaakov, Akdamot and Pidyon Haben. "The deeper content of the familiar Siddur (prayer book) is sadly unfamiliar to the average layman," says Kehot editor Rabbi Avraham D. Vaisfiche. "For the individual eager to gain a deeper understanding of our sacred prayers, MY PRAYER, opens new vistas in how the Siddur is a source book of Jewish ethics and basic concepts of Judaism."
