Books

Chicago Sinai Union Prayer Book, Volume I

The Union Prayer Book was the most beloved and recognized Reform Jewish prayer book of the twentieth century. It expressed the classical ideals of Reform Judaism eloquently and poetically, and it spoke to those comfortable praying primarily in the English language. It conveyed the timeless principles of American Reform Judaism, including religious liberalism, humanitarianism, rational faith, and a profound commitment to social justice. At the same time, this prayer book was firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, preserving the structure and essential blessings of the traditional Siddur.

Although this prayer book served the needs of virtually all Reform congregations for several generations, it was replaced in 1973 by the Gates of Prayer, which was significantly more traditional and complex. In the near future, Gates of Prayer will be placed by Mishkan Tefilah, which lacks many of the well-known readings and classical liberal ideas of the Union Prayer Book.

Mindful of our commitment to a liberal interpretation of Judaism and sensitive to the needs of our diverse community, which includes many interfaith families and people who are not conversant in Hebrew, Chicago Sinai Congregation undertook the creation of an updated version of the Union Prayer Book. Under the editorship of Rabbi Michael Sternfield, a committee was formed which spent four years in study and effort to produce a unique, elegant, spiritual and substantial new prayer book. While preserving and strengthening the liberal and classical reform ideas of the Union Prayer Book, we took into account the two great epochal events of modern Jewish history, namely the Holocaust and the state of Israel. In addition, we acknowledged the great social changes of the twentieth century which affected Jews, and all people, and which could not have been anticipated by the Union Prayer Book. The heightened awareness brought about the by the women’s movement, the concern for the inclusion of gays and lesbians, the welcoming of interfaith families, and the civil rights movement all of had an impact on Reform Judaism. In addition, the Union Prayer Book’s Elizabethan English, which seemed arcane to many young Jews, was replaced by contemporary English grammar and usage.

The Chicago Sinai Union Prayer Book offers a bold, creative and liberal worship option for American Jews. For more information or to order copies, please contact the Temple office at 312-867-7000.

Click here for the Introductions to the Chicago Sinai UPB by Rabbis Michael Sternfield and Howard Berman.