In the second post, we looked at the baggage we often bring to Jewish prayer which can inhibit our ability to get the most out of it.This week we’ll explore how to find deeper spirituality in Jewish prayer, and some practical suggestions for finding a proper prayer book that’s right for you.

Finding a Siddur

Most people do not realize that one should shop for a Siddur the same way one shops for a Bible. With so many different versions and styles, it is important to not settle on the first one you find, or to settle for the one your local community uses. Rather, for your own private devotions it is important to find a Siddur that most speaks to you. After all, it is called a “prayer book” for a reason. If your Siddur does not move you spiritually, and inspire you to new levels of prayer, there is a problem.

It is also a good idea to have two or three different versions. Just as one should study the Bible from different versions, so should one recognize that same richness in variety when it comes to the Siddur. Not all prayer books are created equal. What speaks to you may not speak to someone else. And what moves you at one moment may not at another. So mix it up to keep up the spontaneity and freshness.

So many people pray only from one type of Siddur. Either because they are caught up in a mindset that says, “this is the most authentic prayer book,” or because they are simply not aware of the numerous versions of prayer books. It is important to remember there is no one way to be Jewish. Jewish life is actually broader then we often consider. As such, there are also prayer books that reflect these variations.

In my first post on Jewish prayer I mentioned my preference to daven from Sim Shalom, the Conservative prayer book because of its traditional approach, yet consideration of matters of social justice and egalitarianism. At other times I prefer Artscroll’s complete Hebrew version.

And yet, there are other times when I’ll flip open the new Reform prayer book, Mishkan T’filah, for its rich spiritual and inspiring commentary, or the new Koren Siddur, with its rich progressive Orthodox commentary by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks.

When it comes to the Siddur … think bigger! In an effort to get people to think beyond Artscroll (which is also a great Siddur), there are a number of other Siddurim also worth considering.

Other Helpful Suggestions

Baby Steps: Incorporate Jewish prayer into your life a little at a time.

For example:

• Pray the Modeh Ani when you wake up, and pray the Shema when you go to bed.
• Try to pray an abbreviated Shacharit (morning) service once a week … and build from there.
• If you are Jewish, go to a morning minyan at a local synagogue that’s user friendly to familiarize yourself with the Siddur, and allow the melodies and words to become familiar to you.

If you are a congregational leader:

• Do an occasional learner’s minyan
• Make liturgy accessible. Experiment a little. Try new melodies to make it engaging. Who said liturgy has to be slow and boring? At one time, the melodies we now consider “traditional” were new and daring.
• Visit area synagogues and observe how they make liturgy user friendly.
• Give brief and inspiring explanations before prayers (don’t do the same explanations every week, that’s the antithesis of inspiration!)
• If your community uses a prayer book, call out page numbers regularly.
• Involve the music/”worship” leader in discussions of incorporating liturgy into your service.
• Experiment with new seating arrangements: take the leadership off the bimah and set them on the floor. Put everyone in a circle. It makes prayer a communal experience, not a spectator sport.

A Few Recommended Resources

-The Synagogue Survival Kit – by Jordan Lee Wagner

-To Pray as a Jew – by Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donnin

-First Steps in Hebrew Prayer – by Dr. Danny Ben Gigi (also comes with a CD)

-The Book of Blessings – by Marcia Falk

*There are also a number of websites which offer liturgical help.

Jewish prayer is what you make of it. It can either be dry and boring; or alive, spiritual, and empowering. Jewish prayer should be understood as participation in a sacred drama, a reliving of Israel’s history, and participation in heavenly worship.

As we approach the High Holidays, let’s delve deeper and reach higher. Through Jewish prayer we have an opportunity to encounter G-d as our people have done for thousands of years.

“G'mar chatima tova – May you be sealed for a sweet New Year!”