On Doubt and Prayer (Part 2)
Jan 29, 2014 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Dan Savage offers a reflection on prayer that is both humorous and poignant, noting that, as a self-identified “lapsed Catholic,” he prays only when he feels his life is in danger (in planes and when driving with his partner), and then never follows up, making him “not only an ingrate, but also a hypocrite” (see full video). Perhaps this is an updated version of the old adage, “There are no atheists in foxholes.”
Read More
On Doubt (Part 1)
Jan 22, 2014 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
There are many texts found in the siddur that are not easily planted in our mouths, minds, hearts, and souls. For example, how might a person say with integrity, “My God, the soul You have given me is pure” (Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays, 4), while intellectually struggling with the existence of soul, and beset by uncertainty about the presence of God in the world?
Read More
Shabbat Eve (Part 3): “Sit in the Dark, or Light Candles”
Jan 15, 2014 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Lighting candles at home (and in some synagogues) is a deeply rooted practice among the Jewish people all over the world. A pair of candlesticks is often identified as among the most precious (Jewish) possessions of a family, and many people speak of the sense of ethereal peace that descends upon a household (or community) as the flames of the candles come to life and the blessing is chanted.
Read More
Shabbat Eve (Part 2): Shabbat Angels—Blessings or . . .
Jan 9, 2014 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
“Shalom aleikhem” is a traditional greeting exchanged upon encountering a friend or acquaintance, and also the opening phrase of the familiar song chanted around the Shabbat table before Friday night kiddush (Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat, 13, 309).
Read More
Shabbat Eve (Part 1): Metaphors of Marriage
Dec 16, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Many are familiar with the custom of chanting the last chapter of Proverbs (Eishet Hayil; A Woman of Valor) as part of the ritual for those gathered around the table for Shabbat dinner on Friday night.
Read More
God’s Service: Atarah (Crown) or Tircha (Burden)?
Dec 12, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Rabbinic sources deal not only with the texts of Jewish liturgy, and the occasions and times at which they are to be said. Our Sages from the earliest times engaged with what we might call “ritual process” or, more informally, the experience of “sitting in shul.” From most ancient times until the day before yesterday, there has been debate and discussion about how to go about this—where to sit, in what language to pray, how many people to “call up,” how long should the Torah reading be, and how long is “too long”—even for the most beautiful and soulful worship?
Read More
Texts and Songs—“First Fruits” Journey into Shabbat
Dec 4, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Let us look at the journey of Shabbat liturgy, a journey of text and music. The formal liturgy of Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat, the Friday evening service) begins with a series of six psalms (Pss. 95–99 and 29) followed by Lekha Dodi. A generation ago, almost all siddurim and services began with “Lekhu neranena . . . ” (the opening of Psalm 95), perhaps preceded by a reading or devotional prayer.
Read More
First Word: “Thanks—Modeh”
Nov 27, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
I recall learning Hebrew at the breakfast table from my polyglot father, who spoke 10 languages, saying “todah” (thanks) or “todah rabbah” (thank you very much) as occasion demanded—which in England it did a lot. The formality of prayerful English kept hidden from me the extent to which giving thanks (thanksgiving) fills our liturgy, literally from the very first word.
Read More
