Judaism and Hebrew Prayer New Perspectives on Jewish Liturgical History [Paperback]

A scholarly but readable guide to the history of Jewish prayer from biblical times to the modern period.Tracing the origins of Hebrew prayer among the Jews, this study explains how the first volumes of formal Jewish liturgy emerged. It describes the leading rites and personalities of medieval Jewish worship as well as the responses of various interpretations of Judaism in the modern world.Tracing the origins of Hebrew prayer among the Jews, this study explains how the first volumes of formal Jewish liturgy emerged. It describes the leading rites and personalities of medieval Jewish worship as well as the responses of various interpretations of Judaism in the modern world.This study traces the origins of Hebrew prayer among the Jews and explains how the first volumes of formal Jewish liturgy emerged. It describes in a lively and thought-provoking manner the leading rites and personalities of medieval Jewish worship and explains how the various interpretations of Judaism in the modern world have responded in their own way to the challenge of dialogue with the divine. Existing theories are challenged and new theories offered, and the result will make liturgical research accessible to modern readers.1. On Jewish liturgical research; 2. The biblical inspiration; 3. The early liturgy of the synagogue; 4. Some liturgical issues in the Talmudic sources; 5. How the first Jewish prayer-book evolved; 6. Authorities, rites and texts in the Middle Ages; 7. From printed prayers to the spread of pietistic ones; 8. The challenge of the modern world; 9. A background to current developments; Bibliography; Index. Judaism and Hebrew Prayer is sure to be the standard text on the subject for years to come... Hebrew Studies ...Dr. Reif's book is a contribution that can help cure the affliction of ignorance of our precious and sustaining liturgy on all levels. Jewish Book World This will remain for many years the definitive guide to Jewish liturgical development....indispensable lM