REUVEN HAMMER earned his rabbinical ordination and a doctorate in theology at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He lives and teaches in Jerusalem.
Anyone who wants to make use of the traditional prayerbook especially meaningful would do well to acquire this magnificent commentary. [It] will add to one's appreciation of one of Judaism's most prized treasures--its liturgy. --Emanuel Rackman, Chancellor, Bar-Ilan University Reuven Hammer has achieved brilliantly and with great success what many had thought impossible--an inspirational guide to Jewish devotion wedded to impeccable scholarship. --Louis Jacobs, author of Hasidic Prayer A useful and enlightening account of the meaning of Jewish prayer. It should be read by all who want to speak to God in the language of Jewish tradition. --Arthur Hertzberg A thoughtful, helpful book that will open the hearts and minds of many Jews to finding new meaning in the traditional prayer. --Harold S. Kushner Those who already know how to pray will find this book enhances their knowledge of the service. For those to whom the service is one vast mystery, it will open the door to greater understanding and spirituality. --Deborah E. Lipstadt, Emory University Accessible and thoughtful . . . a wonderful place for the beginner to start. --David Teutsch, President, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College