Mishkan T'filah is coming to PTS! That’s right, we're getting a new prayer book sometime in 2008.
Mishkan T'filah is a wonderful new siddur published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR Press), and is being adopted by Reform Jewish congregations all over the country.
Many members of PTS, as well as Rabbi Feder and Cantor Reich, had the opportunity to worship with Mishkan T’filah at the URJ Biennial in December 2007. Since then, we’ve formed a study group, which met during the spring, and it enthusiastically (and unanimously) recommended adoption of the new prayer book at PTS. This recommendation is supported by Rabbis Feder and Ettlinger, Cantor Reich, by our Religious Practices Committee, and by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees.
Here’s where we are:
Money has already been raised to purchase hundreds of copies of Mishkan T’filah for Shabbat, as well as a smaller number of Mishkan T’filah for Weekdays and Festivals. We’ll also be buying some large-print editions, and special editions for our religious school.
We have already placed an order with CCAR Press. Due to very high demand, however, the books are backordered. We don’t know for certain when we’ll receive our Mishkan T’filah prayer books.
We’ll keep you advised as we learn more!
About Mishkan T'filah
Mishkan T’filah includes services for Shabbat (in one volume) and weekdays and festivals (in a separate volume). The new prayer book reflects the diversity of Reform Judaism:
Broad selection of readings including beloved passages from our Reform liturgical tradition and great poetic writings from throughout Jewish history
Faithful, elegant translations
Contemporary, gender-inclusive English
Theological and stylistic diversity
Extensive commentaries, source notes and usage guides
More than 100 contemporary and traditional song texts
Innovative design and color
We're very excited that Mishkan T'filah is coming to PTS!
So, Mishkan T'filah refers to our becoming closer to G-d through prayer and song. It's a beautiful sentiment, and reflects our worship at Peninsula Temple Sholom.
Our Evolving Prayer Books
Mishkan T'filah is the fifth prayer book for the North American Reform Movement.
1857: The Minhag America prayer book predated most other aspects of Reform Judaism in the U.S.
1892: The Central Conference of American Rabbis brought out the Union Prayer Book. The UPB was extensively revised in 1922 and 1941.
1975: Gates of Prayer (pictured) was introduced, with more than 10 variations of different services. This book is often referred to as "Gates of Blue."
1989: A revision of the Gates of Prayer was published. Much smaller than the "Gates of Blue," the new "Gates of Gray" was more gender-inclusive. This is the prayer book currently in use at PTS.
Mishkan T'filah is coming to PTS! That’s right, we're getting a new prayer book sometime in 2008.
Mishkan T'filah is the fifth prayer book for the North American Reform Movement.
