Winner—National Jewish Book Award!
“The prayer book is our Jewish diary of the centuries, a collection of prayers composed by generations of those who came before us, as they endeavored to express the meaning of their lives and their relationship to God. The prayer book is the essence of the Jewish soul.”
This stunning work, an empowering entryway to the spiritual revival of our times, enables all of us to claim our connection to the heritage of the traditional Jewish prayer book. It helps rejuvenate Jewish worship in today’s world, and makes its power accessible to all.
Framed with beautifully designed Talmud-style pages, commentaries from many of today's most respected Jewish scholars from all movements of Judaism examine Birkhot Hashachar from the perspectives of ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, as well as feminist, halakhic, Talmudic, linguistic, biblical, Chasidic, mystical, and historical perspectives.
This fifth volume in the series examines the complexities of personal and public prayer in Birkhot Hashachar, the blessings and readings surrounding each act of awakening. The Morning Blessings begin the daily service by establishing our right to stand before God in all our imperfect humanity. Vol. 5 helps us to understand how this collection of short prayers and a call to study recognizes each new day: we awaken as individuals but quickly affirm our role in the covenant with God.
Vol. 5—Birkhot Hashachar (Morning Blessings) features the traditional Hebrew text with a new translation that lets people know exactly what the prayers say. Introductions explain what to look for in the prayer service, and how to truly use the commentaries to find meaning in the prayer book. Commentaries from eminent scholars and teachers from all movements of Judaism examine Birkhot Hashachar from the viewpoints of ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, as well as a myriad of other perspectives.
Even those not yet familiar with the prayer book can appreciate the spiritual richness of Birkhot Hashachar. My People’s Prayer Book enables all worshipers, of any denomination, to create their own connection to 3,000 years of Jewish experience with the world and with God.
Praise for the My People’s Prayer Book, Volume 5: Birkhot Hashachar (Morning Blessings)
"Wonderful.... Clear [and] easy to understand."
—Binghamton (NY) Reporter
Praise for the My People’s Prayer Book series
"Nothing like [this series] exists anywhere.... A lifelong resource."
—HUC–JIR Chronicle
"Perspectives from ancient rabbis and modern-day theologians ... transform what is said by rote in shul into a deeply spiritual experience."
—Ottawa Jewish Bulletin
"An outstanding addition to the literature of Jewish life.... The reader can discover levels of meaning that seldom have been available to the laity. This series offers the possibility of a renewed appreciation of Jewish prayer."
—Church & Synagogue Library Association
"A spectacular series of commentaries on the Siddur which makes it come alive in a way that no other companion book of study can possibly do. A must for every serious Jew."
—Jewish Media Review
"[This series] is like exploring the molecular structure of a diamond to discover why the gemÂ’s surface glitters with such brilliance."
—Jewish Book World
"An unparalleled creative exercise in its field.... The opportunities for learning and personal and spiritual growth ... [are] almost limitless."
—Liberal Judaism
