Customer Reviews

Seyder Tkhines: The Forgotten Book of Common Prayer for Jewish Women

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Despite a degree in Hebrew and Jewish Studies, I must confess I knew nothing about the "Seyder Tkhines" - mystical, passionate prayers written in Yiddish by women for women as long ago as the seventeenth century. Indeed, I was not aware that such a bounteous number of widely used prayers, for women only, ever existed in Jewish history.

These (tragically) long-forgotten Tkhines are the subject of Devra Kay's fascinating book. I can't believe this section of Jewish social history has been so neglected - perhaps a reflection of the patriarchal nature of modern Judaism. It's interesting to note Kay's unearthing of these prayers coinciding with the new surge of interest in Jewish mysticism - Kaballah. I'm sure Madonna and Britney would find Kay's book as intriguing as I did!

Through the "Seder Tkhines", Kay gives us new insights into a turbulent time in European Jewish History.

Both erudite and accessible, Kay's book is a revelation. Just one request for Devra Kay - could we now have a collection of the original Tkhines, complete with tranlations, in time for my wife's Chanukah present this year?!

The 17th Century was a violent time also. Disease was a real menace across Europe. Wars were almost incessant. Governments were shaken. For the Jewish communities it was even worse. Pogroms murdered and pillaged them in Eastern Europe.

In the midst of that time book publishing was flourishing, Female writers and also publishers were busy. They were putting forth books of prayer in Yiddish; for women were not supposed to learn Hebrew. Seyder Tikhines is one of these, bringing light to women's spiritual daily life. Women also were writing books to help one another live a full and good life. Jewish Publication Society has done a good service in bringing these out now.

This is a beautifully written book with so much insight into the times that it was written. The prayers are about women for women.

and are beautiful in their simplicity.

If you are interested in history culture and times of Jewish women, and want a prayer book that although was written for the 16th century Jewish woman, This is an excellent book for our time as well. Devra Kay is knowledgeable and has done an excellent job of putting together this wonderful volume.

My wife loves this book!