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Reuven Kimelman

The Hidden Poetry of the Jewish Prayerbook

In his unique journey through the Jewish Prayerbook, Prof. Kimelman brings together both a historical and a literary perspective on the main texts of most contemporary siddurim. This journey takes you from Mah Tovu and other introductory prayers through the Shema and Amida liturgies, to the Shabbat service. Each lecture brings to life both the complex meanings of these beautiful texts, and the literary techniques through which these meanings come to life.

Throughout the journey, the historical background, the poetical beauty, and the spiritual significance of the liturgy are highlighted by posing three questions: what is said, how is it said, and why is it said. Through the prism of these three questions, Professor Kimelman analyzes the content of the liturgy, thus showing how historical issues, literary considerations and ideological factors converge to illuminate the full meaning of the Siddur text.

Contents

Mah Tovu – A Psychological Introduction to Prayer Adon Olam – A Theological Introduction to Prayer Morning Blessings – An Understanding of the Body-Soul Relationship Ashre – A Thematic Introduction to the Liturgy The Shema – 1st Paragraph – The Three-Fold Love Relationship to the Divine The Shema – 2nd and 3rd Paragraphs – Integrating Compliance with the Commandments and Redemption The Shema – The Second Blessing – Revelation as Divine Love The Shema – Opening Blessing – Creation and Divine Sovereignty The Shema – Closing Blessing – Redemption and Divine Sovereignty The Amida – Introduction and Blessings 4-7 The Amida – Blessings 8, 9 and 10-16 The Amida – Blessings 1-3 The Amida – Blessings 17-19 The Amida – Kedusha The Amida – Role and Choreography Ein Keloheinu, Aleinu and the Kaddish – Closing Prayers Kabbalat Shabbat – Lekhah Dodi The Distinctiveness of the Shabbat Service


— "An intellectual and spiritual feast."

Rabbi Dr. Yitz Greenberg
Author, Frm. Pres. of Jewish Life Network

— "To be able to partake of this liturgical treat you should not neglect"

Rabbi Sandy Seltzer
Frm. Assoc Dean of Hebrew College

— "A privilege and extraordinary opportunity for everyone. Run to take this course!"

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin Author of Jewish Literacy

— "An indispensable addition to the literature on Jewish liturgy"

Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, President of Hebrew Union College

— "The material is rich, the mindmaps amazingly helpful, and understandings thick"

Joel Lurie Grishaver, Creative Chair, Torah Aura Productions


To purchase the audio coursebook at the regular price, simply CLICK HERE.

However, before you rush to place your order, I suggest you register for this No-Cost Tele-Webinar and take advantage of the Promotional Offer available only for registrants. Remember, registration is at No Cost!


How Can One Be Commanded to Love God?
The Answer of the Shema

A No-Cost Teleseminar with Prof. Reuven Kimelman


Hi,

How many times have you said or heard the Shema in your lifetime? A few? Hundreds? Thousands? Maybe even tens of thousands... But what does it really mean?

  • Why has the Shema become the center piece of Jewish liturgy?
  • How do the 6 words of the Shema, the 6 words of the blessing formula (Barukh Ata Adonai Eloheinu Melekh HaOlam), and the 6 words of the Rabbinic insert (Barukh Shem K'vod Malkhuto l'Olam va'ed) relate to each other?
  • What is the literary meaning of the opening verse "You shall Love" is, and how it relates to the rest of the Shema's first paragraph?
  • Does the Shema really command us to love?
  • What does the oneness of the divine has to do with love?

If the Shema has been puzzling to you or even if you think you know it well, we invite you to a session recorded live with Brandeis Professor and Master Teacher Reuven Kimelman.

In 90 minutes, you will not only get a better understanding of the symphony we call the "Jewish liturgy" and its poetry, but also get the what, why and how to listen to, or even better recite the Shema with a greater understanding of the poetics of this inspiring text.

To access the replay, simply...

Register Now

When you arrive at the registration page by clicking the Register Now button above, you will be asked to simply enter your first name, your email address, and what is YOUR most puzzling question about the first paragraph of this pivotal text of the Jewish liturgy, the Shema. Once you entered all three, simply click on the "Here is My Question, Reuven" button and you'll be guided through the rest of the registration.

If you've ever had the pleasure to attend any of Dr. Kimelman's live teaching, you already know how rich, insightful and fun they are. If you haven't, you are in for a real treat. Either way, give it a try by registering now!

Enjoy,

Sergiu S. Simmel
Founder and President
Our Learning Company LLC


Reuven Kimelman

How Can One Be Commanded to Love God?

The What, How and Why of
The First Paragraph of the Shema

In this tele-webinar we will explore questions such as:

  • What does the whole Shema mean?
  • What is the rhetorical structure of the Shema?
  • Why is the Shema verse the centerpiece of the liturgy?
  • Why did the Shema once demand a minyan?
  • Why was the Shema once split?
  • Why does the Shema re-enact?
  • Where does the Rabbinic insert come from?
  • Why did the Rabbis insert it after the first verse?
  • What other well-known liturgical phrase has the same six-word structure of the Shema verse?
  • Why is the next verse focused on love?
  • What does lev really mean?
  • What does nefesh really mean?
  • What does me’od really mean?
  • How does verse 6 relate to verse 5?
  • How does verse 7 relate to verse 5?
  • How do verses 8 & 9 relate to verse 5?
  • How is the entire paragraph an integrated literary piece?
  • Does this first paragraph of the Shema answer a What or a How?

... all in 90 minutes. So...

Register Now

And there is more...


Audio Coursebook Cover

The Promotional Offer

During the live Tele-Webinar, and only for registered participants, we made a Special Offer many took advantage of. That Special Offer was available only for a very limited period of time (48 hours from the live event), and only for registered participants. Unfortunately, that period has long passed.

 

However, you can still get the same packege of learning materials at a Promotional Offer great discount. To find out what and how, you need however to first...

Register Now