The Siddur

What is the purpose of a prayerbook?  Do we need someone else to tell us how or what to pray? No, the human soul knows how to speak to God.

            A prayerbook brings us into community, and allows us to join our prayers together.  Furthermore, the prayerbook binds us to our people, linking our prayers to those of Jews throughout history and around the world.

            This Siddur is full of voices--modern and ancient, Hebrew and English. There are prayers here which are originally found in the Torah, and others that were composed by Ezra the Scribe and the earliest rabbis.  Others date from the Middle Ages, and you will also find contemporary commentaries and poems written by members of our own Jewish community.  None of these prayers can possibly speak to each of us, all in the same way.

            In a typical worship service at Congregation B’nai B’rith, we will sing some of the prayers, read others, and allow a fair amount of time for silent reflection.  Leaf through the Siddur.  Find the passage, or phrase or even single word that speaks to you.  Stop there and allow your soul to wander freely.  You may find yourself returning to your childhood, or in Jerusalem, or deep within your own heart, or in heaven.  This is prayer.

            Don’t feel that you always have to “keep up” with the service.  We are sitting together, singing together, keeping each other company. But each one of us is traveling our own inner journey.  In communal prayer, we are alone with God, together.

            The purpose of this book, ultimately, is to help us open our hearts. Use the book...if it helps.  If not, then close the book, and pray.