The Synagogue Survival Kit

The Synagogue Survival Kit

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 offers introductions and instructions for all aspects of the synagogue experience. Always mindful of the sophisticated adult reader with little or no Jewish background, Jordan Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains, in a non-dogmatic way, the practices, vocabulary, objects, and attitudes that one can expect to find in any synagogue.From Publishers WeeklyTo anyone unfamiliar with the synagogue service, the prayers and the rituals may seem like a "confusing hodgepodge of activity." Wagner provides a simple, detailed and thorough road map for navigating the service and understanding its structure and content. He assumes no prior knowledge, explaining such basics as clothing and decorum, when to arrive at services, how to lift a Torah and what greetings to use. The book grew out of a lengthy orientation letter Wagner wrote to a friend who was preparing to attend a traditional service. Although the material he has set out to explain is sometimes quite cumbersome, his informal, encouraging tone make this an engaging, reader-friendly introduction. He breaks down the service piece by piece and transforms the reader's picture of it from an "amorphous blob" to a highly structured diagram. Explanations of pronunciation, customs, architecture, who's who in the service and the nature of prayer help set the stage for specific explorations of each prayer. Interpretations are worded so as to be acceptable to the spectrum of Jewish philosophies and denominations. Extensive notes follow each chapter, and a cross-reference to selections in the most commonly used prayer books fleshes out this carefully crafted primer, which is perfect for Jews rediscovering their own traditions, Jews by choice and others who wish to participate in Jewish events.Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.From Library JournalWagner 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. The chapters are devoted to such topics as synagogue customs and features, the structure of the worship experience, the siddur (Jewish prayerbook), individual prayers, and the public Torah (biblical) reading. Each chapter has a notes section with citations from Jewish literature and ideas for further study, and there are cross references to popular prayerbooks. Like previous books on Jewish prayer, e.g., Hayim Donin's To Pray as a Jew (1980; Basic Bks., 1991. reprint) and Reuven Hammer's Entering Jewish Prayer (LJ 3/1/94), Wagner's work has an open, enthusiastic, and warm-hearted approach. Libraries holding either Donin's or Hammer's title may pass on this one. Still, Wagner's book is a good choice for most public libraries serving a diverse clientele.?Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa District Lib., Ill.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.ReviewWagner 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. (Publishers Weekly)Perfect for Jews redis