New Members – New Siddur

Arguably, the prayerbook is the most influential text in Jewish life.  It touches Jews on a more regular basis than Torah, Talmud, or Codes of Law; it has always added and incorporated the deepest sentiments of Jewish life in every age; and with its rhythm and music it engages us as a cohesive community.  It is altogether appropriate that 35 years since Gates of Prayer and almost 70 years since the old Union Prayer Book was revised that there should be another revision reflecting the changing trends in the American Jewish community.

Mishkan T’filah ingeniously reconciles trends that seem to go in opposite directions at once. There is a continuing trend to embrace more and more Tradition; and at the same time Reform won’t back down from being more inclusive both with gender language and to the “interfaith” compositions of our congregations.  There is a revived interest in Hebrew, yet an admission that the language can be intimidating.  So it is that the editorial committee has provided a 2-page format to mix traditional and innovative modes, and has provided transliterations to be more welcoming, yet encouraging a deeper Hebrew vocabulary.  Case in point:  the book’s very title announces a “Reform Siddur”, not “prayerbook”, presuming you can easily make these connections and in the process become more Jewishly literate.

There is much more to recommend the tremendous effort and process that preceded this new juncture in our movement’s history.  A wide spectrum of rabbinic and lay input was solicited, and B’nai Tikvah was one of many pilot congregations around the country.  The Cantor and I now have much exploring to do to understand the options, the service flow, and memorize new page numbers. But we will be ready to unveil the new siddur at the New Members’ Shabbat, Friday January 18th at 7:30 pm.

How appropriate to open the new siddur, the binding force of community, as we widen our span and welcome the most recent additions to our community!