The How and Why of Jewish Prayer- for Men & Women (728 pg. hard cover 6 x9 ) A new comprehensive guide to Jewish prayer, answering the how and why of Jewish Prayer in a user-friendly and in-depth format . The guidelines and essential information contained in this book are intended not only for the newcomer to the synagogue, but to the regular worshipper who wants to make prayer more meaningful. The aim of this book is to give both men and women a basic familiarity with the synagogue service and with the movements and actions associated with Jewish prayer. This volume will open the door to a new understanding of the role of prayer as an uplifting journey in communing with one s Creator. Hopefully this book will not only answer such questions but will ease entry into synagogue life and enable more active participation in the daily and Shabbat Minyan. This Halachic guidebook to prayer, is a veritable encyclopedia packed with useful information . A blockbuster book, almost encyclopedic coverage . The book answers questions about prayer postures, gestures and positions, when to stand, when to sit, when and how to bow, when it is permitted to speak, communal versus private prayer and much more. As a primer for Tefillah, it s a comprehensive, copious and rigorous work. It contains historical backdrops and short vignettes relating to a host of commentators and commentaries on Tefillah. Chapter headings include: The Purpose of Prayer Are Prayers Answered? Keva vs. Kavanah Fixed vs. Spontaneous Prayer Mechanics of Prayer Postures & Gestures Concept of Time Order of Prayers for Daily, Sabbath & Rosh Chodesh Services Pronunciation, Emphasis and Interruptions Latecomers Guide Torah Reading Kaddish G-d s Many Names Symbolism Anthropomorphism, Imagery & Gender and many others.
 
I began writing a guidebook on Jewish Prayer for returnees to Judaism in 1996. It evolved from my teaching notes during many years of working with “Ba-alei Teshuva” (returnees to Judaism) initially among many Israelis at the Sefardic Center of Mill Basin and with returnees to Judaism in other Orthodox synagogues in New York and New Jersey.  Being multilingual (Hebrew , Yiddish, Russian ,English and a smattering of French) was invaluable.