A Jewish Woman's Prayer Book (Hardcover)

by Aliza Lavie (Author)
Key Phrases: ffteenth century, thirteen attributes, Holy One, Fanny Neuda, Holy Temple (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A beautiful and moving one-of-a-kind collection that draws from a variety of Jewish traditions, through the ages, to commemorate every occasion and every passage in the cycle of life, including:

Special prayers for the Sabbath, holidays, and important dates of the Jewish year
Prayers to mark celebratory milestones, such as bat mitzva, marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth
Prayers for companionship, love, and fertility
Prayers for healing, strength, and personal growth
Prayers for daily reflection and thanksgiving
Prayers for comfort and understanding in times of tragedy and loss

On the eve of Yom Kippur in 2002, Aliza Lavie, a university professor, read an interview with an Israeli woman who had lost both her mother and her baby daughter in a terrorist attack. As Lavie stood in the synagogue later that evening, she searched for comfort for the bereaved woman, for a reminder that she was not alone but part of a great tradition of Jewish women who have responded to unbearable loss with strength and fortitude. Unable to find sufficient solace within the traditional prayer book and inspired by the memory of her own grandmother’s steadfast knowledge and faith, Lavie began researching and compiling prayers written for and by Jewish women.

A Jewish Woman’s Prayer Book is the result—a beautiful and moving one-of-a-kind collection that draws from a variety of Jewish traditions, through the ages, to commemorate every occasion and every passage in the cycle of life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. This elegant, inspiring volume includes special prayers for the Sabbath and holidays and important dates of the Jewish year; prayers to mark celebratory milestones, such as bat mitzva, marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth; and prayers for comfort and understanding in times of tragedy and loss. Each prayer is presented in Hebrew and in an English translation, along with fascinating commentary on its origins and allusions. Culled from a wide range of sources, both geographically and historically, this collection testifies that women's prayers were—and continue to be—an inspired expression of personal supplication and desire.

About the Author

Dr. Aliza Lavie is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bar-Ilan University in Israel. She is also a presenter and editor of television programs on Jewish culture. She lives in Natanya, Israel.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (December 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385522746
• ISBN-13: 978-0385522748
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,184 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Women and Judaism
  #8 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks
  #63 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Jewish Life

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Jewish Woman's Prayer Book" A must read!, February 13, 2009

By	Richard Wissoker (Lexington MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Don't let the title "A Jewish Woman's Prayer Book" stop you from buying this book. Normally that title would describe a book that is used to follow during a daily or Shabbat prayer service. But this is not a "prayer service" book. This is an intensive study by Dr. Lavie to uncover women's prayers to fit all manners of situations over the centuries: prayers written by women, prayers in ancient and modern books that were often recited by women. Many of the prayers were not previously incorporated into prayer books, rather they were handed down through the generations from mother to daughter. It is important to note that this book of women's prayers has meaning also for men and impacts the lives of Jews and non-Jews. This powerful book is a must read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful collection of prayers for life cycle events, March 15, 2009

By	Brenda (Dover, MA) - See all my reviews

This is a beautiful book to add to anyone's Judaic collection. It is written in both Hebrew and in English. I purchased copies as gifts for some special women in my life. No matter how observant the readers are, they will be moved by the poetic beauty, historic commentary, and inspiration of the prayers that apply to many life cycle events.

5.0 out of 5 stars Maximizing Prayer, February 19, 2009

By	Michael Hirsch (Kochav Yair, Israel) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought three copies--for my wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. All three are using it regularly. Plus, they are strongly recommending it to others.
A wonderful addition to any woman's religious texts/sources.