Machzor

An analysis of some of the prayers recited on the day before Rosh Hashanah.

One of the most poignant moments of the High-Holiday prayers is the recital of the liturgical poem, Unessanneh Tokef. What is its significance? Who composed it, and under what circumstances?

The High Holidays are often approached with fear, but a closer look reveals an inner core of divine intimacy along with human empowerment and illumination.

One of the worlds oldest prayer books, housed in an Oxford library, provides new insight into the history of Jewish prayer.

Seeking to gratify G-d, King David pleads that his freewill offerings be reciprocated with Torah teachings. To appreciate Rashi's take, we frame his words with the classic commentaries, yet still come up short. Reaching across Scripture for kindred “give-...

King David rejoiced in “G-d's word,” the meaning of which incorporates three possibilities: guarantee, wisdom or covenant. A range of commentary is employed to better understand what these ideals represent, and why this particular verse was selected to he...

This third installment of our series continues to delve into deeper meanings of the premier liturgical insertion into the Amidah’s opening. The third “Uv’Chen of the special prayer injected into the blessing of Kedusha (Sanctification), requests a better ...

In the pre-shofar acrostic arrangement, verse 122nd of Psalm 119, which begins with the letter Ayin, completes the word Kra. Here, calling himself G-d's servant, King David pleads for sublime surety. Midrash Tehillim‘s comments seem to be the foundation f...

This class continues our profound analysis of the opening High Holiday liturgical insertion into the Amidah structure. We now examine the second Uv’Chen, which further sets the tone of the special prayerful formula that heralds the new year. Our initial p...

A profoundly insightful presentation about the meanings and motifs of the first major addition of High Holiday liturgy injected into the carefully structured Amidah (a.k.a. Shemoneh Esrei), “Uv’Chen.” First we frame the location of this unusual insertion;...