In an effort to counter the confusion and isolation often experienced by a novice synagogue-goer, as well as by many who regularly attend synagogue, The Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services offers introductions and instructions for all aspects of the synagogue experience. No matter what kind of synagogue you attend, the roadmap is the same. Some synagogues may read certain prayers in English translation rather than the original Hebrew or replace some traditional prayers with newer versions, but the service will still touch on the same topics in the same order for the same reasons. If you know the structure of the traditional service, you can readily find your place in any other one. The Synagogue Survival Kit maps the complete traditional service structure and points out the changes commonly encountered in different congregations in an effort to counter the confusion and isolation often experienced by novice synagogue-goers and regular attendees, alike. Always mindful of the sophisticated, adult reader with little or no Jewish background, Jordan Lee Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains the practices, vocabulary, objects, and attitudes that one can expect to find in any synagogue.
About author
Jordan Lee Wagner — 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.
Contents
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
Reviews
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
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.
