Entering Jewish Prayer: A Guide to Personal Devotion and the Worship Service

by Reuven Hammer

This engaging and informative book provides an introduction to the liturgy of the Siddur--the Jewish prayerbook. More than a "how-to" guide, this resource deals with basic issues for the modern worshiper, the historial compilation of the Siddur, and much more.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Religion, Judaica, Nonfiction, Prayer, Philosophy

350 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 1994

Reviews

[Ferndk]

Extremely boring and dry. Will make you adverse to jewish prayer.

[Cora Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and thorough. Answered questions that I didn't even know that I had about Jewish liturgy and prayer. 4 stars because it was a tough read- it's best to approach this the same way one would approach a biology textbook. Don't just try and read it in big chunks and sittings, take your time, it's a lot.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clearer, more exponential outline of Jewish prayers than I've ever encountered anywhere. The discourse informed the reade4r rather than bragged on the author.

[Simcha York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entering Jewish Prayer provides a good exploration of the history and meaning of Jewish prayer. Rabbi Hammer's book begins with a discussion of the purposes and functions of prayer and then moves on to offer a history of the development of prayer and the synagogue, and the composition of the siddur. The book then provides a discussion of the prayers themselves, including individual chapters on both the shema and the amida.

My only real gripe about this book is that, while it does quote extensively from the liturgy, it provides only the English translations for the various blessings and prayers, requiring any reader who wants to follow Hammer's discussions along with the prayers in the original Hebrew and Aramaic to keep a siddur on hand.

Overall, however, the book is an insightful and well-researched look at the practice and halakha of both private and communal prayer.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off with this one because it was recommended, and I think maybe I set it up for failure by having too high hopes. The theology and order is sound (it's based on order of service, so it's logical and a good reference), but was really just not wowed by the writing style. Also, author admits to the huge issue of strongly gendered language…except that he only mentions it in the last chapter AFTER he's done it himself throughout. Good book for reference/history, and I'll probably try to acquire it for such, but in general it didn't wow me at all.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book when I was trying to expand my knowledge of Judaism and its prayers, recommended to me by my rabbi when I mentioned that while I knew how to pray as a Catholic, I didn't know how to pray as a Jew. The author gives you an historic background to where each prayer came from and how it relates to the current form of Jewish service. An excellent read and resource.

[Ben Kintisch · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had a Hammer, I'd daaven in the morning....

Ever wonder what's going on in a synagogue service beyond the "left side" English translation? Hammer is at once erudite and accessible, and provides great insights for new and experienced pray-ers.

"May you read this book and be blessed, amen."

[Zach Zysman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction into the history and meaning of Jewish Prayer. Easy read. Recommended!

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as intro as I thought it would be, but VERY informative.

[Ellie Woodward]

One of those books I will keep going back to.