THE NEW REFORM PRAYER BOOK. With so much of our attention focused on Israel, we need to keep in mind the condition of Judaism here in the United States. An article in The New York Times about the new reform prayer book, offers a clue:

There are four versions of each prayer laid out on a typical two-page spread. (Since the book is read back to front, the right page is read before the left one). On the right page is the prayer in Hebrew, the transliteration of the Hebrew prayer into phonetical English, and a more literal translation. On the left-hand page is a more poetic translation of the prayer, followed by a metaphorical or meditative passage reflecting on the prayer, sometimes by a well-known writer like Langston Hughes or Yehuda Amichai.

Rabbis who prefer to lead a more traditional service can choose a prayer from the right-hand side of the page, while those who prefer a more alternative approach can choose from the left side.

“This is a way of having the best of both worlds,” said Rabbi Peter S. Knobel, president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis...

Knoble is being modest--what makes him think there are only 2?

[Hat tip: Hot Air Headlines]

Technorati Tag: Reform Judaism.