22 June 2008
the Elusive Two Page Spread
26/06/08 09:29
Shabbat, June 20, 2008:
Introduction to Mishkan Tefillah, Session II:
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Elusive Two Page Spread
by Rabbi Schwartz
As soon as you open this new siddur (prayer book), you will realize just how very different it is. The look of the pages creates an entirely new prayer experience while maintaining and, in some cases, deepening our use of traditional words and rituals. That combination of innovation and conservation is the hallmark of our Reform Jewish tradition.
But to use this siddur most effectively and creatively, we have to introduce ourselves to its features. In some ways, it may remind you of a page of Talmud. If you have studied Talmud at some point or even just opened up a book and looked at it with a quizzical eye then you know the strange configuration of its words. Talmud has a core text in the center which is surrounded by paragraphs of texts that seem to create a maze of sections which change in font size and style. As you become more immersed in the study of Talmud, you learn to start with that core and work your way out. You focus on those pieces of the maze that assist you in growing your understanding and mastery of the central discussion.
In perusing Mishkan Tefillah, you will also notice that there are margin notes surrounding the central texts. Every two facing pages become a prayer unit. Although the core prayer is not in the center, it does take up a regular place as the very first section on the right page of the spread. There you will find the Hebrew prayer with its transliteration immediately to its left. Fluent Hebrew readers need not look at the transliteration but those seeking to develop their reading skills will be able to better move from the Hebrew over to the transliteration to check their accuracy and to build their speed. Non Hebrew readers can fully participate in every prayer because every prayer is now transliterated. Thus we become a more unified congregation.
Following the page down the right and over to the facing left page, you will first find a close, modern English translation following by one or more creative English readings which are inspired by the theme of the prayer. Even if we are reciting the Hebrew, you may choose to read any of the English and so enhance your spiritual experience. As we begin the use of the siddur, I will generally instruct the congregation that when we read the English as a congregation, we will use the same “placed” selection throughout the service. That means that during that particular evening’s service, we will only read the English paragraph that is placed first (or the next week second or third or fourth) on the two page spread. This should assist us in staying somewhat organized but a little confusion is good for the soul!
On the side margins of the right and left pages, you will find an English and Hebrew index of our location within the structure of the service. You will be able to see what prayers we have already recited and what is next to come. This will give congregants a greater mastery of the service structure and also allow you to better guess at just how much longer the service might continue. Of course, the length of the rabbi’s sermon and the quality of the cantor’s voice can always complicate your predictions. Finally, there are words of explanation about each prayer at the bottom of the pages. These short teachings give us insight into the deeper meaning of our liturgy. Prayer is always about moving from the kevah, our obligation to recite structured prayers into the enriched experience of kavannah, praying from hearts filled with understanding and intention. Many congregants will leave every service having learned something new about a prayer and ready to return to worship with a renewed sense of conviction and commitment.
COMING THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 27:
“Just the Facts: How Can We Use this New Book for Spiritual Growth?”
Introduction to Mishkan Tefillah, Session II:
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Elusive Two Page Spread
by Rabbi Schwartz
As soon as you open this new siddur (prayer book), you will realize just how very different it is. The look of the pages creates an entirely new prayer experience while maintaining and, in some cases, deepening our use of traditional words and rituals. That combination of innovation and conservation is the hallmark of our Reform Jewish tradition.
But to use this siddur most effectively and creatively, we have to introduce ourselves to its features. In some ways, it may remind you of a page of Talmud. If you have studied Talmud at some point or even just opened up a book and looked at it with a quizzical eye then you know the strange configuration of its words. Talmud has a core text in the center which is surrounded by paragraphs of texts that seem to create a maze of sections which change in font size and style. As you become more immersed in the study of Talmud, you learn to start with that core and work your way out. You focus on those pieces of the maze that assist you in growing your understanding and mastery of the central discussion.
In perusing Mishkan Tefillah, you will also notice that there are margin notes surrounding the central texts. Every two facing pages become a prayer unit. Although the core prayer is not in the center, it does take up a regular place as the very first section on the right page of the spread. There you will find the Hebrew prayer with its transliteration immediately to its left. Fluent Hebrew readers need not look at the transliteration but those seeking to develop their reading skills will be able to better move from the Hebrew over to the transliteration to check their accuracy and to build their speed. Non Hebrew readers can fully participate in every prayer because every prayer is now transliterated. Thus we become a more unified congregation.
Following the page down the right and over to the facing left page, you will first find a close, modern English translation following by one or more creative English readings which are inspired by the theme of the prayer. Even if we are reciting the Hebrew, you may choose to read any of the English and so enhance your spiritual experience. As we begin the use of the siddur, I will generally instruct the congregation that when we read the English as a congregation, we will use the same “placed” selection throughout the service. That means that during that particular evening’s service, we will only read the English paragraph that is placed first (or the next week second or third or fourth) on the two page spread. This should assist us in staying somewhat organized but a little confusion is good for the soul!
On the side margins of the right and left pages, you will find an English and Hebrew index of our location within the structure of the service. You will be able to see what prayers we have already recited and what is next to come. This will give congregants a greater mastery of the service structure and also allow you to better guess at just how much longer the service might continue. Of course, the length of the rabbi’s sermon and the quality of the cantor’s voice can always complicate your predictions. Finally, there are words of explanation about each prayer at the bottom of the pages. These short teachings give us insight into the deeper meaning of our liturgy. Prayer is always about moving from the kevah, our obligation to recite structured prayers into the enriched experience of kavannah, praying from hearts filled with understanding and intention. Many congregants will leave every service having learned something new about a prayer and ready to return to worship with a renewed sense of conviction and commitment.
COMING THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 27:
“Just the Facts: How Can We Use this New Book for Spiritual Growth?”