Pray

Reforming Jewish Liturgy

Modernity has caused Jews of every ideology to relate differently to the content of their prayers.

Prayer in Medieval Jewish Mysticism

The masters of Kabbalah ascribed radically new meaning and importance to traditional practices of prayer.

‘Awake, Awake, Miriam the Prophetess’

Selections from two tehines (women's prayers)

Tehines: Women’s Prayers

Not part of the fixed liturgy, women used these prayers to commemorate special holidays and special times in their lives.

Fixed Prayer and Spontaneity

Reconciling the experience of repeatedly praying from an established text with the need for prayer to come from the heart.

Deuteronomy 6:4–The Shema

While the Shema has been seen as a declaration of absolute monotheism, it has other meanings in its biblical and liturgical contexts.

Music and Jewish Prayer

Music in Jewish worship can be high art or popular song, by solo expression or with group participation.

Prayer, Music & Liturgy

Overview of Prayer Music and Liturgy. Jewish Prayer Music. Jewish Praying.

The Cantor’s Role Then and Now

Cantors today, as in the past, must balance the demands of tradition with the evolving needs of a community.

Beyond Prayer Words

Liturgical texts are only the external, observable part of the experience of prayer, which should lift up the soul.

Hebrew and Prayer

Praying in Hebrew, even in when the language is unfamiliar, can have an emotional impact.

Synagogue Architecture Requirements

Jewish law may make no requirements or restrictions about architectural form, but one prominent 18th century rabbi issued a warning about copying the styles of the rich and famous.