Jason Aronson, Inc.
Pages: 370
•
Trim: 6¼ x 9
978-0-7657-0968-4 • Hardback • December 2012 • $55.00 • (£42.00)
978-0-7657-0973-8 • eBook • December 2012 • $52.00 • (£40.00)
Jordan Lee Wagner lives in Newton, Massachusetts, with his wife and children. He is an officer of his synagogue and an active volunteer in outreach. Mr. Wagner has served several congregations as administrator, and has taught in Jewish day schools at all levels.
Acknowledgments
Preface
Following the Service
Pronunciation
The Siddur
The Synagogue
Fitting In
Synagogue Customs
Synagogue Features
Jewish Worship
Congregational Prayer
The Structure of Jewish Services
The Amidah Section
The Sh’ma Section (K’riyat Sh’ma)
The Kaddish
The Praise Section
The Torah-Reading Section (K’riy-at Hatorah)
The Closing Section
The Preliminary Morning Service
Appendix A: How to Put on T’Fillin
Appendix B: Concordance of Siddur Page Numbering
Index
About the Author
This user-friendly road map to traditional (Orthodox) services is for readers new to the faith or recently affiliated. Although other books show how a person can live in a more Jewish way daily, this is a guide to worshiping with greater ease. A synagogue teacher and administrator for 20 years, the author brings together what he has learned in a clear and helpful pathway. The book breaks down the complexity of services, the central ideas of each prayer, and objects and symbols in the synagogue. It offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of traditional services and is respectful of other practices. There is a helpful pronunciation guide and an index. Recommended for public, academic, and congregational libraries.
— Booklist
Wagner has written a clear and easy-to-read guidebook on the Jewish synagogue experience for the Jewish or non-Jewish individual who would like some beginning lessons and insight into what goes on when Jews gather to pray in a congregation.
— Library Journal
Have you ever wanted to attend a traditional Jewish service but were intimidated because you were afraid you couldn't follow what was going on? Or have you ever felt totally lost at a service with no one to turn to for help? . . . Then The Synagogue Survival Kit may be for you.
— Jewish Advocate
To anyone unfamiliar with the synagogue service, the prayers and the rituals may seem like a 'confusing hodge-podge of activity.' Wagner provides a simple, detailed, and thorough road map for navigating the service and understanding its structure and content....Perfect for Jews rediscovering their own traditions, Jews by choice and others who wish to participate in Jewish events.
— Publishers Weekly