What does our new Machzor tell us and how many of the Rabbis, Cantors and Educators do I know who contributed?

This year at Lakeside Congregation we used Mishkan Hanefesh from CCAR Press for all of our t'filot. One of the first things that I did with this Machzor was to look up all the Rabbis, Educators and Cantors that I know.  I can say I know my fair share as well as some of the editors. As we gather every year at Rosh Hashanah with most of my family we talk about services, sermons and this year abut the new Machzor. 

Mishkan HaNefesh

 My father was excited to see passages from Langston Hughes and Immanuel Kant.  I loved to see Rabbi's I knew quoted as well as Debbie Friedman Z"L. It was apparent to me then that this prayer book spoke to different people in a myriad of ways.  

I have always loved the High Holy day liturgy and this year my experience was enhanced with this Machzor.  It is set up just like Mishkan T'filot with traditional prayers on the even numbered pages and the more interpretive resources on the odd numbered pages.  You can read the forward in Mishkan HaNefesh to get the whole picture of what each type of page means and represents.

I love the drop down bar on each page which tells us WHERE in the service we are and I love the addition of transliteration for all of the prayers in Hebrew.  When transliteration first came out I didn't think I would be a fan but as a  frequent service attender I appreciate how much more participation we have in all of our t'filot with the transliteration on each page.

Art for Mishkan HaNefesh

There is also fascinating art in the Machzor and it made me think of many different visions and I found an article on the artist Joel Shapiro which informs us the art was made entirely from wood prints.  I encourage you to read more about the art and artist.  

I was fascinated that one group had thought to put in the notes for their poem, or perhaps the editors did this their website.  Water Women's Alliance.  According to their website: 
    

"WATER is a global network, an educational and spiritual space, a center for dialogue on feminism, faith, and justice. We connect activists, religious leaders, students, scholars, and allies who are using feminist religious values to create social change."

             

I was wondering why they put their website in the notes, what will happen in 100 years if we still are using this prayer book and there is not website.  My Rabbi reminded me that there will probably will another edition by then and I can't help thinking that more organizations will want their website in the notes.  I can't be the only one who is looking at the notes in Mishkan HaNefesh.  Right?  


Enjoy your High Holy days and I hope you have a minute to look at Mishkan HaNefesh even if your community does not use it.  It is a beautiful and peaceful resource which I look forward to using over the years.  

I wish one and all an easy fast and I am quite excited to see the new Mishkan for Yom Kippur.  G'mar Chatimah Tovah, may you be inscribed in the book of life!

#BlogElul 16 Pray

I do believe that there is no wrong place to pray and this summer I did a blog post about just that when I was at OSRUI. You can in a small community, in a large community just by yourself,  If you are not feeling well in mind or body you can ask other people to pray with you of for you.  You can sing, play an instrument or listen to other singing.  I know I always feel calmer and happier after praying.  There are many studies which tell us that if you pray regularly it will improve your health.

Being in the month of Elul as we are to prepare for the High Holy Days what a great time to start praying with Religious and Hebrew school beginning this week.  Come and try out our Tfilah, service at the beginning of Religious school and don't forget our Friday night services.  We also have Torah study and t'filah on Shabbat morning!

Praying at camp and getting ready

I love praying with my community whether that be at Lakeside or camp.  I love singing the old tunes I know and more importantly learning new tunes that keep me and I believe everyone on their toes.  I hope to see my Lakeside chevre this week either Friday Night at Pot-Luck Shabbat, Sunday morning at the opening of Religious School or Tuesday for Hebrew school.







We are also praying this week for the safety of our friends in Florida and hope they will be kept out of harms way. As we gathered supplies for Hurricane Harvey I hope we will not have to do the same for Irma but we are prepared.

Photo Credit: Rabbi Phyllis Sommer