All the World: Universalism, Particularism and the High Holy Days (Prayers of Awe, 5) Hardcover – August 5, 2014

This is the fifth informative volume edited by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman that focuses on Jewish High Holiday prayers, the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Many Jews recognize that these prayers are very important because of their history and content, although they know neither. Rabbi Hoffman collected several dozen rabbis and scholars who explain the prayers. The prior books focused on Un’taneh Tokef, Kol Nidre, Ashamnu and Al Chet, and Yizkor. This volume contains articles written by thirty-seven rabbis and scholars of all Jewish denominations, men and women. The book is divided into five parts: universalism and particularism, views from philosophy and literature, the impact of “all the world,” the liturgy, and interpretations.Among much else, the chapters discuss why be Jewish, universalism and particularism, the Jewish golden rule, being a “light unto the nations,” is there one true religion, hope, repentance, what we can all believe, and one contains some significant High Holiday prayers in the original Hebrew with new translations and explanatory notes.For example, Rabbi Jack Riemer discusses the three Uv’khen prayers, tells us why they remind him of the three-time repetition of the Beatles song, “Let it be, let it be, let it be,” and explains the three-part vision of the prayer: that all the world unite to serve God in love, the Jewish people be restored the dignity it deserves, and wickedness disappear so that the wicked can become good. Dr. Erica Brown focuses on v’khol ma’aminim, “everyone believes,” and the impact that the list of beliefs has upon congregants with more liberal ideas. Rabbi Andrew Goldstein discusses Israel Zangwill’s Victorian rhyme that used to be sung in liberal synagogues in his youth, and tells us why the payer is no longer recited. Rabbi Jonathan Magonet explains why many High Holiday prayers speak about “we” and “they” and not “me.”Anyone reading the many articles will learn much about the holiday prayers and about Judaism generally.

A great collection of essays that have relevance all through the year. But I would say that because one opf them is by me!