PRAYER IN JUDAISM

Addressed to the intelligent layman, this study of prayer in Judaism is based on two convictions: that a religion is best understood through its forms of devotion; and that many of the prayers of Judaism have universal significance. Both assumptions are well supported by this study. After a carefully documented historical survey of the development of Jewish prayer from prophetic times into the modern era, the author proceeds to offer fresh translations of Judaistic prayers and accompanying exposition of their meanings. The selections range from a study of ten of the Psalms through the Daily and Sabbath prayers of the Prayers Book, the Prayers for the Days of Awe, and Prayers of Out Time. The author brings to his task a thorough scholarship, drawing upon well known Jewish and Gentile expositors, and a warm sense of devotional appreciation. The volume should be of value to scholars, students, and the individual lay reader seeking to his own religious understanding and practice.