B’nai Israel has been using the new prayer book Mishkan T’filah for over a month now. The prayer book looks different, feels different, and is Hebrew opening only. That’s a lot of change all at once. Many of you have embraced that change and continue to, as it is still a work in progress.
The feedback we have heard has been almost all positive from those who have used the book thus far. We know there are some of you who have not experienced the new book yet. Please come to services and try it out. You never know… you might like it.
Did you know that there are large print and shabbat only versions on the cart in the back of the sanctuary?
The options we are now given to choose from speak to a much wider audience. I personally find that the alternate translations provided speak to me much more than the translations in Gates of Prayer. Sometimes I will read one of those instead of reading along with the congregation (sorry Rabbi!).
We would love to read you book reviews of Mishkan T’filah. Share your thoughts with the congregation and post a comment. We would like to know what you like and what you don’t like.
I asked a few people to send me their comments about the prayer book before I posted this on the blog. Here is some of the feedback I received:
A.M. wrote:
When I first saw the prayerbook I was afraid that I would rely on the transliterations instead of trying to read the Hebrew. However, I found that I can glance over only when I am having difficulty with a particular passage,therby making it easier for me to read the entire prayer.
D.L. wrote:
I am enjoying our services even more lately. With the new prayerbook I find the English more meaningful to my life and thoughts. The new music sets a good mood.
I like that it reads right-to-left — the traditional direction of Jewish books. When we joined Bnai Israel last summer, I had a hard time getting used to the left-to-right prayer book. Kept turning the pages the “wrong” way.
I like the layout and typeface of the new book, but it’s non-linear framework will take some getting used to.
The abundance of transliteration makes me wander away, too often, from the Hebrew text. I want to keep my Hebrew sharp; I find myself working hard to avoid the English transliteration.
The new prayer book is also formidable size-wise. I notice its significant weight. Maybe it’ll help us all build bicep strength.
Thank you to the Prayerbook Committee and all who have blessed us with this wonderful new book!
I have been attending Reform Jewish services all my life but now feel so much more connected to the flow of the service thanks to the new book. I particularly enjoy the large print edition!
I like that it reads right-to-left — the traditional direction of Jewish books. When we joined Bnai Israel last summer, I had a hard time getting used to the left-to-right prayer book. Kept turning the pages the “wrong” way.
I like the layout and typeface of the new book, but it’s non-linear framework will take some getting used to.
The abundance of transliteration makes me wander away, too often, from the Hebrew text. I want to keep my Hebrew sharp; I find myself working hard to avoid the English transliteration.
The new prayer book is also formidable size-wise. I notice its significant weight. Maybe it’ll help us all build bicep strength.