Commitment and Observance
Commitment and Observance
Enhancing Religious Observance
- "For the People of the Book: Perek Yomi"
A daily Torah study program, which invites participants to read a chapter of Tanakh per day. For further information, contact Dr. Morton Siegel, ext. 2234
- "Luah 5762"
Written by Kenneth Goldrich, this joint project of the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue contains the order of prayers, blessings and readings for the synagogue and home table for the year. Formatted for easy use, this liturgical calendar is in English, with pages indicated for Sim Shalom but easily used with any Siddur. A new Luah will be published each year.
To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- "Rediscovering the Art of Jewish Prayer"
Directed to Jews who want to enhance their ability to pray, this booklet by Rabbi David Golinkin presents theological and other approaches to why we pray.
Cost: $4.00.
To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- Standards for Congregational Practice
Standards related to various aspects of synagogue activity that are binding on all affiliated congregations. Published by the Committee on Congregational Standards. Text appears in this Directory.
Contact Rabbi Moshe Edelman, Department of Congregational Standards, ext. 2205, for questions or additional copies.
- Holidays
A packet of nine leaflets includes: "Selihot: Some Reflections," "Making the New Year Sweet," "Tashlikh: Casting Our Sins Away," "Welcoming Guests: Ancient Custom/Modern Lesson," "Hanukkah: Rekindling the Internal Light," "Hanukkah: The Gift of Giving," "Tu B'Shevat: Celebrating Nature's Bounty," "Eat Drink and Be Holy: The Holiday of Purim," "Keeping the Story Alive: Questions and Reflections for the Seder Table," "Yom Ha-Shoah," and "Counting the Omer and Making Each Day Count."
Cost: $5. (One free copy of each is available for the synagogue to reproduce. Also available at no charge, "Welcome Back" "Courtesy & Civility," "A Blessing on Your Head," and "Living Together Jewishly."
To order, contact the Department of Public Affairs, ext. 2601.
- Sukkot Building and the Mitzvah of the Sukkah
Plans for building a sukkah and encouraging others to do so. No charge for single copies. To order, contact the Department of Congregational Programming, ext. 2206.
- "Make a Lulav Shake"
A campaign to spread the knowledge and observance of the mitzvah of lulav and etrog throughout the Conservative Movement. This joint project of the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue utilizes music, humor, posters and a variety of programs. A starter kit is available.
Contact the Education Department, ext. 2500, for additional information.
Kashrut
- "Keeping Kosher: A Diet for the Soul"
A newly-revised edition of "The Jewish Dietary Laws: Their Meaning for Our Time" by Samuel H. Dresner. Includes a newly-revised guide based on "A Guide to Observance" by Seymour Siegel and David M. Pollock.
Cost: $7.90. To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- "Mazel Tov! Your Wedding"
A brochure designed to explain, in clear language, why the wedding meal should be kosher. Published by the Committee on Commitment and Observance.
Cost: $.35 each, plus 75 cents postage; packets of 10, $3.50, including postage. For information on ordering, contact the Education Department, ext. 2500.
- "Mazel Tov! Your Child's Bar and Bat Mitzvah"
A brochure designed to explain, in friendly language, the importance of kashrut at the meal celebrating this event. Published by the Committee on Commitment and Observance.
Cost: $.35 each, plus 75 cents postage; packets of 10, $3.50, including postage. For information on ordering, contact the Education Department, ext. 2500.
Shabbat
- "A Treasury of Shabbat Inspiration"
An anthology, edited by Rabbi Sidney Greenberg, of sources rich in wisdom, representing a broad spectrum of Jewish thought, expressing the joy and meaningfulness of Shabbat.
Cost: $9.95. To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- "Oneg Shabbat: Prayers and Blessings for the Shabbat Home Table"
This booklet, edited by Joseph F. Mendelsohn, provides detailed guidance on how to perform the Shabbat table rituals and includes explanations about their meaning. Each Hebrew blessing is accompanied by a translation and transliteration.
Cost: $3.50. To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- "The Learner's Minyan, Just Do It!"
A handbook designed to help you plan your own Learner's Minyan. First copy free, additional copies are $3.50 each.
To order, contact the Department of Congregational Programming, ext. 2205.
- "Torah Sparks"
A discussion guide for weekly Torah readings. Contains an outline and several themes developed for direct participation of congregants for Sabbath Morning Services or in study groups. Easily reproducible.
Cost: Annual subscription, $45. To order, contact the Department of Services to Affiliated Congregations, ext. 2612.
- "The Friday Night Home Shabbat Program"
This material provides direction to congregations on developing a program in which members host other congregants for a taste of Shabbat. Includes model letters, invitations, etc. Also available: a camera-ready booklet with the Friday night home table service. Published by the Committee on Commitment and Observance.
To order, call the Education Department, ext. 2500.
Tefillin (See Education: Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Tefillot
- "Higher and Higher (L'ayla L'ayla): Making Jewish Prayer Part of Us" by Steven M. Brown
A complete examination of Jewish prayer. Deals with issues such as why people pray, the languages of prayer, the history of prayer and the structure of the Siddur. Includes an analysis of individual prayers.
Cost: $8 each (bulk prices available upon request). To order, contact the Book Service, 1 (800) 594-5617.
- (See also publications under "Shabbat," above.)
- "Minhah Moments"
An attractive, wallet-sized minhah prayer pamphlet has been prepared for use by individuals. Contains complete Hebrew text and English prayer.
Cost: $6 for 10 booklets. To order, contact the Department of Services to Affiliated Congregations, ext. 2612.
