Welcoming a New Siddur / Beginning a New Tradition
By Linda Holtz

Revering tradition while continually welcoming fresh perspectives on prayer, Temple Beth El clergy and lay leaders introduced worshippers to an exciting change as a compelling new Siddur, Mishkan T’filah, was introduced to the congregation in January, 2010, replacing the existing Gates of Prayer.

A landmark publication from the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) Press, Mishkan T’filah is the first new prayer book in more than 30 years that has been specifically written for the North American Reform Movement. Mishkan T’filah offers worshippers spiritual renewal and stimulating opportunities for learning by juxtaposing on each of its two-page spreads a combination of text and rabbinical writings. (Click here for a sample.)

Thoughtfully and consistently designed to maximize congregational involvement, this Siddur displays customary prayers, faithful translations and transliterations on each right-hand page. To the left are interpretations and alternative prayers and readings. On the bottom of each page, scholarly and spiritual commentaries can be found. A rubric on each top right page allows the reader to effortlessly follow the order of the service. An additional 100 sacred and contemporary song texts have been included in this Siddur.  

Mishkan T’filah comes in several versions. Temple Beth El purchased an additional 50 of the full version to add to our existing collection, and purchased 750 of the somewhat smaller Shabbat only version. The committee believed that the smaller version, because of its lightness and ease of handling, would be more appreciated by members. In addition, Temple Beth El has ordered a set of new Torah Commentaries to replace volumes which are worn.

The process of developing Mishkan T’filah, which began in the middle of the 1990s, is considered to be the most democratic of any such Jewish writing project of its kind. The product of a collaborative initiative, Mishkan T’filah brought together representatives from the North American Reform Rabbinate as well as a strong and active constituency of laypersons. It also marks the first time in Jewish history that a woman has edited an official denominational Siddur. Charged with this monumental task was Rabbi Elyse Frishman. 

From 1999 through 2006, the Siddur went through meticulous editing, after which Mishkan T’filah was printed. From its first release the new Siddur was heralded for its modern, gender-inclusive language and inspirational music. Mishkan T’filah offers diverse approaches to prayer in a new format – offering a variety of choices within a single context to meet the diverse needs of Reform congregations throughout North America.

Click HERE for more information about how you can honor or remember a loved one by dedicating a new Siddur. 

Click HERE to see a sample of the bookplate.