I am a prospective convert, and recently obtained a copy of the Reform prayer book (Gates of Prayer.) I find that the prayer book would be relatively difficult to use on a daily basis compared to a more traditional siddur (the Artscroll, for example.) Do most Reform Jews daven Sacharit, Minchah, and Maariv? If so, are they using more traditional siddurim? Will the new Mishkan Tefillah be more conducive to daily prayers?
My rabbi mentioned that most of his congregants likely do not own a siddur. Is this common throughout the reform movement?I found Rabbi Sue Levy's response fascinating (check out her expert profile) and intriguing. At first she offers a practical answer about the siddur differences between Shabbat and the weekday. She adds the following caveat :
I think your rabbi is absolutely right that most Reform Jews do not own a siddur. It is a sad commentary, but for many Reform Jews spirituality is something that they find in synagogue once a week or not at all.
I think there are many people who call themselves Christians who compartmentalize in pretty much the same way, although the church with which they are affiliated might wish otherwise.
This has not been my experience or impression (as well I am not one to generalize about large groups of people and Jews specifically). Whether this siddurim are dusty on a top shelf or strangely unfamiliar is probably a fact for most unaffiliated Jews regardless of their denominational affiliation - but what's with the thesis about compartmentalizing of spiritual life for Reform Jews? (tangential recommended article, Is Prayer for Activists?).
What are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts?
