Jewish Prayer Book

This prayer of thanksgiving is recited on festive Jewish holidays.

It helps to know what lies behind the muted bindings and the denominational labels of today's wide array of possibilities.

An affirmation of God’s singularity, its daily recitation is regarded by traditionally observant Jews as a biblical commandment.

The internal and external structure of this carefully-crafted Psalm serves to reinforce its theme of praising God as the caring, divine ruler of all creation.

Different versions and parallels from classical sources and manuscripts provide an interesting perspective on this controversial blessing.

The Torah reading in most synagogues is inaccessible, the author says, and needs to be "livened up" through the use of drama and performance art.

The Torah is taken out during prayer services on Shabbat, Mondays and Thursdays.

The blessings that conclude the Amidah's center section emphasize God's redemption of Israel.

The structure of these three blessings reflects the historical progress from creation to revelation to redemption.