Before printing presses were invented, books of prayer were handwritten and often beautifully and intricately adorned. Covers and inside pages featured initials and small illustrations conveying the stories within the texts. Prayer books were so costly, that only the very wealthy and members of the clergy owned them.

Printing presses made it possible for every congregant to hold a book of reverent words in hand while calling to the Almighty. Congregation B’nai Moshe members have valued the beloved Silverman Sabbath and Festival Prayer Book (the little black one!) since we began using it in 1960 yes, for over 48 years!

We are now at a pivotal moment when we will make our own history, creating a Shabbat siddur by us, for us and one that will be us. This too marks a moment when you can become inscribed in the future of your synagogue by literally becoming a permanent part of this proud history.

By creating a more user-friendly Siddur, Congregation B’nai Moshe is making the access to prayer and to Torah easier and more universal. In addition we are giving members the opportunity to show their support for the Jewish love of learning.

This new Siddur will guide our members through the beauty of Shabbat with enhanced text and the same welcoming, participatory, and spiritual services on which our synagogue has historically been built.