Jewish Liturgy: Supplements and Recitations - Einzelansicht

Jewish Liturgy: Supplements and Recitations

Eli Reich

In the Siddur (the prayer book), we find, in addition to the fixed and regular prayers, additional texts that are meant to be read, recited, prayed, and meditated upon. Furthermore, we find prayers printed outside of the prayer book, to be said outside the house of prayer, yet at moments of prayer. In this course we shall explore the nature of these texts, by asking, for example: Are all of them prayers? How do these texts differ from other prayers? Why are they in the prayer book, and how did they get there? Are they obligatory?

This course requires no prior knowledge. Primary sources will be given in English and Hebrew, and academic texts in English.

Course requirements: Active participation in class discussions based on preparation of reading assignments. Brief writing exercises and presentations. Three page final essay. Final exam.