Picture a Siddur That is Also A Coffee Table Book

That's the Nehalel beShabbat siddur! Yes, it's a beauty!! I know that it came out a few years ago, and now there's one for weekdays, but since I had to choose which to review, I asked for the Shabbat one.

I generally give away the books I get to review, and I felt that the Shabbat one would be more suitable. But when they put out one for the Jewish Holidays and if they offer it to me, I'll probably keep it, since I do need a good Holiday one.

The Nehalel beShabbat siddur is gorgeous, easy to use and follow. The davening instructions are clear enough for someone not very experienced in Jewish Prayer. I also consider the English translation excellent.

And even though I was afraid that the exquisite photos would be too distracting, I did manage to doven from it on Shabbat. I took it to shul with me, and friends sitting nearby insisted on taking a look. It's that irresistible.

I guess you can call it a "labor of love" by Michael Haruni, his friends and staff. I went through all of the names listed and discovered that I even know some of them.

Conception and development of Nehalel, as well as its new English translation, are the work of Michael Haruni. Haruni’s academic research background in Philosophy led him to examine the nature of kavanah (the directing of thought) in prayer. He is the creator of the innovative Nevarech bencher, while his stage plays, especially The Stonemason and STa”M, have explored the relation between faith and identity. He lives in Jerusalem with his family.

Not only would the Nehalel beShabbat siddur be a wonderful gift to give someone else, but it would certainly be a wonderful gift to give yourself. Enjoy! For purchase information, click here.

Title: Nehalel beShabbat
Editor/Translator: Michael Haruni
Publisher: Nevarech, distributed by Urim & Ktav
Pub Date: January 31, 2013
ISBN: 978­9655556575, hardcover, 681 pages, $29.95

Jewish Israeli Holiday Special!

This is a book I won't give away!

I generally give away the books I get to review once I'm finished reading and reviewing them, but my new, beautiful Koren Mahzor for Yom Ha'atzmaut & Yom Yerushalyim is staying with me!

The Koren Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mahzor is the first-ever English-Hebrew prayer book for Israel’s national holidays. It includes complete services for Israel’s Independence Day and Jerusalem Day according to the practices established by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The mahzor features a moving introduction by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, translation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, commentary by Rabbi Moshe Taragin and Rabbi Binyamin Lau, and a unique collection of essays by other leading scholars in the world of Religious Zionism. Optional prayers such as Hallel and Al-HaNissim are shaded and include extensive notes that explain the halakhic debates surrounding their recitation. 

Not only is this new Koren sensation complete and easy to read, but it's full of fascinating essays including one by my favorite Tanach (Bible) teacher, Dr. Yael Ziegler.

Hallel on Israeli
Independence Day,
Shiloh Mishkan (Tabernacle)
Synagogue, 5775, 2015

In Shiloh we doven the complete Holiday service including the Hallel with a blessing, according the psak, rabbinic decision of the Shiloh Chief Rabbi Elchanan Bin-Nun, whose brother Rav Yoel also has an essay included in the Machzor.

Besides the prayers for Israeli Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, there is also a section for Memorial Day. Yes, this is the complete package and perfect gift for yourself and others.

Even if you don't need this very first bilingual Mahzor for Yom Ha'atzmaut & Yom Yerushalyim for the English when you are praying you will enjoy the essay section. It is a very valuable addition to one's home library. And certainly congregations of English speakers, here in Israel or abroad, that hold Prayers on Israeli Memorial Day, Independence Day and Jerusalem Day should have this Machzor available.

I received it after Independence Day but look forward to praying from it on Jerusalem Day, G-d willing.

ISBN	9789653016651
Author	Jonathan Sacks
Pages	281
Size	Standard 5.3x8.5
Language	Hebrew/English
Binding	Hardcover
Nusach	Ashkenaz