Waking Up

"To anyone unfamiliar with the synagogue service, the prayers and rituals may seem like a 'confusing hodgepodge of activity.' Wagner provides a simple, detailed, and thorough road map for navigating the service and understanding its structure and content.  He assumes no prior knowledge, explaining such basics as clothing and decorum, when to arrive at services, how to lift a Torah and what greetings to use.  The book grew out of a lengthy orientation letter Wagner wrote to a friend who was preparing to attend a traditional service... his informal, encouraging tone make this an engaging, reader-friendly introduction.  He breaks down the service piece by piece and transforms the reader's picture of it from an 'amorphous blob' to a highly structured diagram. Explanations of pronunciation, customs, architecture, who's who in the service and the nature of prayer help set the stage for specific explorations of each prayer.  Interpretations are worded so as to be acceptable to the spectrum of Jewish philosophies and denominations.  Extensive notes follow each chapter, and a cross-reference to selections in the most commonly used prayer books fleshes out this carefully crafted primer, which is perfect for Jews rediscovering their own traditions, Jews by choice and others who wish to participate in Jewish events."

Paul Kaplan, reviewer

Wagner has written a clear and easy-to-read guidebook on the Jewish synagogue experience for the Jewish or non-Jewish individual who would like some beginning lessons and insight into what goes on when Jews gather to pray in a congregation. The chapters are devoted to such topics as synagogue customs and features, the structure of the worship experience, the siddur (Jewish prayerbook), individual prayers, and the public Torah (biblical) reading... Wagner's work has an open, enthusiastic, and warm-hearted approach... Wagner's book is a good choice for most public libraries serving a diverse clientele.

In an effort to counter the confusion and isolation often experienced by a novice synagogue-goer, as well as by many who regularly attend synagogue, The Synagogue Survival Kit offers introductions and instructions for all aspects of the synagogue experience.  Always mindful of the sophisticated adult reader with little or no Jewish background, Jordan Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains, in a non-dogmatic way, the practices, vocabulary, objects, and attitudes that one can expect to find in any synagogue. 

The author originally set out to write an "orientation letter" for a non-Jewish friend interested in attending a synagogue service.  The letter developed into a lengthy document, was later circulated among interested members of his congregation, and eventually gained a reputation, which prompted him to expand the original "letter" to its current form.  Wagner hopes the book will inform the wide variety of people who may have the occasion or desire to attend a synagogue despite their inexperience.  

The book begins with the most basic aspects of feeling comfortable in synagogue, such as how to dress, when to stand and when to sit, and handling a prayerbook. It goes on to discuss some material elements of Jewish worship, such as wearing a head covering during prayer, the organization of the sanctuary, and the significance of ritual objects like the mezzuzah and the Torah ark.  Hebrew and Yiddish vocabulary is also provided, including both meaning and pronounciation, so the reader can be confident using the terms appropriately.  The focus then turns to the prayer service, including an in-depth exploration of the major Jewish prayers to help the beginner take part, rather than just "follow along".  An appendix of page numbering in the most popular prayerbooks for Friday night and Saturday morning services also helps worshippers to navigate the service.  

Wagner's discussions are intended to appeal to the widest possible audience; accordingly, translations from the Hebrew liturgy are rendered with a delicate balance between traditional interpretations and modern sensibilities, and the author is conscious throughout to address the differences in custom between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform congregations.  The significance and history of each ritual, property, and prayer is explained in the hope that the reader will learn to both participate and appreciate the central Jewish experience of communal worship.  

Have you ever wanted to attend a traditional Jewish service but were intimidated because you were afraid you couldn't follow what was going on? Or have you ever felt totally lost at a service with no one to turn to for help? Then The Synagogue Survival Kit  may be for you.

Jordan Lee Wagner takes the reader step by step... Don't understand why you stand up here or sit down there? Why certain prayers are said aloud and others silently? This book explains it all.

The book first took seed about five years ago when a non-Jewish friend who wanted to explore Judaism asked Wagner to explain the service...

The result is a remarkably thorough book. It starts well before the service begins, with proper dress and the layout of the synagogue...

The book works because Wagner knows what questions newcomers to synagogues are likely to ask.

Sybil Kaplan, reviewer
"Do you know a Jew by choice or potential Jew by choice?  A Jew by birth, now an adult, rediscovering his or her tradition?  A Russian Jew deprived of his or her heritage?  Others who may not have learned about prayer as children?  If you can answer yes to any of these questions, buy this book and give it as a gift because it will undoubtedly be treasured."

reviewed by Seth Rogovoy

Don't let the awkward title --- with its shades of "prayer for dummies" --- divert you from this valuable book.  It is written with dignity and care, and while it is very accessible, it is by no means patronizing or new-agey, as one might think.  It doesn't presuppose that one needs a "survival kit" to be in the synagogue; rather, it describes in simple terms what's going on there, what's expected of those who attend, and how you can get more out of your time there.  Like Donin, it has a how-to aspect to it, with chapters on "Fitting In," "Synagogue Customs" an "Synagogue Features," as well as detailed explications of the various elements of the worship service.  It is particularly good at charting out the differences in the three daily services (morning, noon, and evening) and the Shabbat services.

by Dov Peretz Elkins 

"This is a wonderful book to give to serious people who are not familiar with the synagogue service.  It is extremely comprehensive, and takes nothing for granted.  Novice worshippers will be able to find answers to almost every question they can think of, including matters of clothing and decorum, bringing children, a suggestion not to bring food, what time to come, etc.  There is an amusing note to non-Jews that suggests that they arrive about a half hour "late" lest they be among the few worshippers who come on time.  The author knows our synagogues, doesn’t he?

The book focuses in many instances on traditional Jews, but is careful to include customs in other congregations as well.  Thus, the book should not be viewed as limited to any particular denomination.  Most of it includes historical and content explanations of the prayers, which is applicable to everyone.

There are chapters on synagogue customs, including explanations of the kipa, tallit, tefillin, tzedakah box; material on synagogue features such as the architecture, the ark, the bima and amud, the rabbi, the menorah and Eternal Light, and other decorative motfis.  Many chapters cover concepts of worship, fixed liturgy, minyan, standing and sitting, women’s role (the differences between traditions are explained), and a chapter on the general structure of the liturgy.

The main section of the book contains chapters on each of the major segments of the formal liturgy, such as Sh’ma, kaddish, p’sukay d’zimra, the Amidah, the Torah Reading (this is especially helpful for newcomers to understand all the nuances of an aliyah, lifting and tying the Sefer Torah, the use of Hebrew names, etc.), and the concluding hymns.

Rabbis have long waited for a book like this to give to people who often sit through long services without a clue as to what is happening. It will go a long way to solving that problem, and providing people with a good solid reference book to finding meaning while attending daily, festival and Shabbat services. It can also serve as an excellent adult education text."

"seraphim" (review at Epinions.com and Ebay.com)

Pros:  
A great introduction to the faith, many details are included, good for secular Jews planning on returning to religious practice or people who are "rusty" in their observance
Cons:
Not an advanced guide, simply a primer.

I purchased this book for a friend that was interested in Jewish faith and culture.  I was planning on taking her first to a Reform service and then to an Orthodox one.  I felt that it was only fair of me to give her a few lessons on dos and don'ts myself, but I also thought that a book that covered the basics would be an important learning tool for her so I made the trek to my local Judaica store (at the time, Tree of Life Books in Wedgwood - a very Jewish area of Seattle).  They recommended this book, and also that I read it to make sure that my Schul's traditions were covered in the book's scope.  As it turned out the coverage for the very Orthodox traditions isn't great but it's an excellent beginning.

This book gives a wonderful introduction to the structure of Jewish services, and the historical reasoning behind this liturgical structure as well as describing the common features and fixtures of a Jewish Synagogue along with their historical and religious contexts.  It describes the basis for the liturgies themselves and it gives the common prayers and describes them in detail as well.  There is even a chapter towards the beginning of the book on "fitting in"which I found to be a wonderful addition to newcomers and visitors to Synagogue services since a lack of confidence that they are fitting in is quite common - this is really helpful.

All in all I would say that this book is a great place to start for anyone interested in the Jewish faith, and I plan on buying another copy for myself in case any other friends or family members who are not Jewish express such an interest.  It is a great addition to any library (personal or public) and I highly recommend it because of the friendly and informal tones used in his descriptions and explanations.  This book is written as an explanation between friends, and not as a lecture from teacher to pupil which I feel makes it even more appropriate for persons showing initial interest in Judaica.

Discriminating Consumer; 5 stars; Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2016; Verified Purchase

This is THE Go To manual for understanding the synagogue. Have used it for years. Wish there were an update for the newer siddurim. Recommend to all adult students.