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Explore our RA bookstore, articles on Exploring Judaism, teshuvot of the Committee on Jewish Law & Standards (CJLS), our Tzedek Center, holiday guides, and more.
Additional Piyyutim for Use on the Yamim Noraim
Although Mahzor Lev Shalem contains many more piyyutim than was true of the previous RA mahzor, several rabbis, cantors, and lay leaders have requested three additional piyyutim.
Home Observances: Shabbat
One-page sheets containing Shabbat rituals and blessings for the home.
Psalms of the Jewish Liturgy: A Guide to Their Beauty, Power & Meaning
July 24, 2024
Miriyam Glazer
ISBN 0-916219-31-3
Pages: 260
In this study of the psalms of the Jewish liturgy, Rabbi Miriyam Glazer brings these well-known psalms alive. She focuses on each psalm's pathos, power, richness of imagery, and spiritual...
Our Haven and Our Strength: The Book of Psalms
July 24, 2024
Martin S. Cohen
ISBN: 0-916219-22-4
Pages: 504
Throughout the generations, the Book of Psalms has been a perennial source of inspiration and solace for the Jewish community. Our Haven and Our Strength: The Book of Psalms, featuring the...
The Unfolding Tradition: Philosophies of Jewish Law
August 10, 2012
Elliot N. Dorff
ISBN: 0-916219-29-1
Pages: 300
The Unfolding Tradition: Philosophies of Jewish Law analyzes the biblical and rabbinic roots of Jewish law as interpreted by leading rabbis of the Conservative movement. The book includes...
Siddur Lev Shalem: Anticipating the First Fruits
October 17, 2013
By Ed Feld, senior editor, Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat & Festivals As a kid, I watched my grandfather close a siddur after davening and then kiss it. It never ceased to be startling – our family was not generous with kisses, they were...
From Silverman to Lev Shalem: The Evolution of the Conservative Siddur
October 17, 2013
By Carol LevithanThe October 1945 issue of Conservative Judaism featured an article by Rabbi Robert Gordis -- “A Jewish Prayer Book for the Modern Age” -- based on the paper he presented at the 45th Annual Convention of the Rabbinical Assembly...
From Sim Shalom to Lev Shalem
October 16, 2013
By Carol Levithan
Nearly 40 years after Robert Gordis wrote about the Silverman siddur in Conservative Judaism, Jules Harlow – the editor of Siddur Sim Shalom – weighed in on the subject of continuity and change, the forces shaping any...
RA Shocked and Saddened by Clashes at Western Wall
May 10, 2013
NEW YORK – In the wake of rioting by extreme, ultra-Orthodox segments of the Israeli population, resulting in violence against women seeking to pray according to their understanding of Jewish tradition and in accordance with Israeli law, Gerald...
New CJLS Teshuvot Passed
October 22, 2013
The Committee on Jewish Law and Standards met last week at the USCJ centennial in Baltimore. Three new teshuvot were passed. Jeremy Kalmanofsky, "Participating in the American Death Penalty" HM 2:1.2013 Mayer Rabinowitz, "Manual for...
A Prayer for Oklahoma
May 21, 2013
By Abby Jacobson, Emanuel Synagogue, Oklahoma City, OK Lord our God, we stood before You just a week ago to receive the Ten Statements of Your Torah. We stood, as though with our ancestors, and listened to the Torah reader chant descriptions of...
Friday Night with First Fruits: Suggestions from the Editor
October 28, 2013
Edward Feld, senior editor of Siddur Lev Shalem, offers some guidance for using the siddur.Kabbalat ShabbatThe Kabbalat Shabbat service has historically been one of the most fluid components of Jewish prayer, as well as an inspiration for great...