Chicago Sinai Union Prayer Book, Volume II
Editor's Introduction
Throughout the history of Reform Judaism in the United States never have
there been prayer books more beloved than the Union prayer Book, Newly
Revised, and the Union Prayer Book II, Newly Revised, published in 1940
and 1945 respectively, by the Central Conference of American Rabbis. These
prayer books were the successors to two earlier editions, the primary source
for which was
Dr. David Einhorn's Olath Tamid.
Both volumes of the Union Prayer Book (UPB) expressed the classical ideals of Reform Judaism eloquently and poetically. These prayer books were intended for those who wished to worship primarily in the English language, and particularly in the American environment. Their language was both timeless and inspirational. Embodied in the text were the principles of the American Reform, movement, including: religious liberalism, humanitarianism rational faith, and a profound commitment to social justice. At the same time, these prayer books remained firmly rooted in Jewish tradition. The essential Hebrew prayers and blessings, from the traditional Siddur and Machzor, were reflected in their texts.
Although these prayer books served the needs of virtually al' Reform congregations for nearly two generations, they were officially replaced by the Gates of Prayer and the Gates of Repentance, in 1973 and 1978, two new and significantly more traditional prayer books. Not all Reform congregations embraced the new prayer books, some preferring instead the dignity and beauty of the UPB'S.
Nevertheless, we recognized that in several significant ways, the UPB's
were in need of major revision. Published in 1940 and 1945, they appeared
before the two great epochal events of modem Jewish history had shaped
the consciousness of world Jewry, namely the Holocaust and the establishment
of the State of Israel. Any contemporary Jewish prayer book needed to deal
with these two watershed events. In addition, the great social changes
of the second 'hall of the twentieth century which affected Jews, and all
people, could not have been anticipated by the Union Prayer Books. The
heightened awareness brought about by the women's movement, the concern
for the inclusion of gays and lesbians, the strong trend towards intermarriage,
the civil rights movement, and advances in racial equality: all have had
an undeniable impact on Reform Judaism. Also, the UPB's use of Elizabethan
English, which was common to most English-speaking congregations in the
past, seemed arcane, and no longer appropriate.
For all these reasons, and several others, it was decided that the time
had come to create new prayer books, still rooted in classical Reform Judaism,
still faithful to the eloquence of the Union Prayer
Book. After years of intense preparation, involving both rabbis and
many dedicated lay people, we offer this High Holy Days prayer book, the
companion volume to the already published prayer book for Sabbath, week-days
and the Festivals. For those who have grown up with the Union Prayer Book-,
there will be much that is familiar and also quite a bit that is new. We
have striven to preserve the grace and poetry of the UPB by building upon
the past, not replacing it. We have also added a new element which we believe
will enhance the worship experience, namely the extensive transliteration
of most of the Hebrew prayers, using the contemporary Hebrew pronunciation,
thereby enabling those who do not read Hebrew to participate in liturgical
elements that previously have been mostly inaccessible to them.
Although the language is both gender-neutral and contemporary, there is one exception which must be noted. The beloved twenty-third Psalm ("The Lord is my Shepherd...") has been preserved in its cherished wording. Also, the Kaddish prayer, known by heart to so many Jews, is transliterated both into contemporary and Ashkenazic Hebrew.
There are also a number of innovations which are unique to this prayer book. There are three Torah readings provided for Rosh Hashanah: the traditional story of the binding of Isaac, the narrative of the creation of the universe, and finally, the revelation at Mount Sinai. We have blended together the translations from the Jewish Publication Society's Tanach with the exciting new translation by Everett Fox of The Five Books of Moses, published by the Soncino Books, which was based on the monumental German translation of the Bible by Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig. The Fox translation very closely reflects the cadence and poetry of the Hebrew Bible.
In offering the Union Prayer Book 11-Sinai Edition we hope that, like its predecessors, this volume will provide inspiration to a new generation of worshippers. We hope that many will discover within its pages a fresh approach to the ideals of Reform Judaism and an added awareness of the beauty and the importance of our faith for those embarking upon the twenty-first century. We feel blessed to have participated in the development of this prayer book and pray that many will cherish it when expressing the presence of God in their lives.
Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield
The High Holy Days Experience
From the Perspective of Reform Judaism
One of the most distinctive dimensions of the High Holy Days in our tradition is that among the major observances of the Jewish calendar, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are experienced primarily in the Synagogue. Whereas most of our Festivals are celebrated mainly in the home, with family gatherings and ritual ceremonies, these "Days of Awe" are shared in the temple, as a congregation, through the Worship Service. Consequently, for most of us, the Prayer Book takes on the central role in our impressions and perceptions of this most sacred season of the year.
The development of the liturgy of the New Year and Day of Atonement over the centuries has reflected this singular importance. Mindful of the reality that these particular Services were a highlight of most people's religious lives-and for many in the modem world, their primary encounter with formal worship- the Holy Days Prayer Book has emerged as a virtual "intensive course in Basic Judaism." All of our faith's major spiritual ideals and ethical teachings are reflected in this rich tapestry of prose and verse. Many of the most important texts of the Bible and later Jewish literature are highlighted in these prayers and readings.
The effect of the full cycle of Services for these two sacred days, both evening and morning, can be a powerful experience for the sensitive, attentive worshipper. For the knowledgeable, committed Jew, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can be an inspiring reaffirmation of personal faith and a continuing cycle of Jewish celebration. And yet, even for those whose faith is less defined, or whose connection might be somewhat ambivalent, these observances can be deeply meaningful. The complex levels of emotional stirrings, the intellectual challenge and the aesthetic interplay of language and music, all have the potential to be a compelling and renewing encounter with our tradition. The cadence of familiar words and phrases ... the strains of ancient and well-loved melodies ... the experience of community ... are all elements that combine to touch so many people of varying degrees and styles of personal spirituality, in many significant ways.
For Reform Judaism, this counterpoint of emotion and intellect, so inherent in our experience of the Holy Days, is a primary focus. Whereas this season might otherwise be perceived as a time of nostalgic memories and vaguely felt cultural ties, our Reform Prayer Book squarely confronts us with the deeper meanings and life-transforming challenges that these observances are meant to embody. Throughout the course of the development of the Union Prayer Book over the past century, the timeless themes of repentance and renewal - have been expressed in contemporary readings that reflect these ancient concepts in fresh new ways. Characteristically, our liberal Jewish liturgy echoes an essential spiritual humanism. Our interpretations of the traditional texts focus on the distinctive Jewish ideal of the Covenant--our partnership with God in the ongoing process of Creation. Our worship calls us not only to offer heartfelt repentance to God, but also to seek active renewal and reconciliation in our own lives and relationships. Teshuvah means not only penitence and the petition for Divine forgiveness... it also embraces a return to the best within ourselves and one another...
As the sun sets on Yom Kippur afternoon, and the shofar is sounded for the last time, all of this volume's inspiring words and majestic music will inevitably fade into memory. And yet they will have enduring meaning if each of us strives to integrate the ideals and values they so eloquently proclaim, into our daily lives throughout the year... in the phrase of Kol Nidre, "from this Day of Atonement until the coming Day of Atonement..."
We of Chicago Sinai Congregation offer this new version of our beloved Union Prayer Book in the hope and prayer that this volume will be a meaningful resource in our experience of the timeless ideals of the High Holy Days observance. We have sought to retain the best of Reform Judaism's distinctive worship traditions, enhancing them with a greater response to the concerns and perspectives of our contemporary culture. In striving for this balance of continuity and change, this effort is clearly grounded in the great historical legacy of our past, while seeking to inspire us as we face the spiritual challenges of the future.
As we join together in reaffirming our faith and love of God, our devotion to our Jewish tradition, our sense of community with one another, and our commitment to working for justice and peace in the world, may this new guide to our Holy Days worship empower and sustain us on our way!
Rabbi Howard A. Berman