To follow up on Chava Lerner’s response to Rabbi Nachbar’s query about Tefilla curriculum and resources, I would like to share briefly why the Koren Ani Tefilla Siddur is an excellent resource for High school Tefilla education.
The commentary, written by Rabbi Dr. Jay Goldmintz, is divided into different sections, each designed to help the user connect to the text in a direct and personally meaningful way. Biur Tefilla helps in gaining a thorough understanding of the text and context of the prayers. Iyyun Tefilla explores the deeper meaning behind the tefillot, taking a broader approach to the text. Hilkhot Tefilla ensures that one is aware of the ritual requirements surrounding the mitzva to pray. But the real unique educational element of this siddur is the section of commentary after which the siddur takes its name: Ani Tefilla. The expressed aim of the Ani Tefilla sections is to encourage connection to the tefillot in a direct and personal way. It is hoped this will be achieved through encouraging the user to consider the prayers in an experiential way through inspiring and thought-provoking quotes and narratives, as well as through a process of personal creative thinking. Other creative and unique educational elements in the siddur include several appendices such as “Frequently Asked Questions†about tefilla, Some Suggestions for Enhancing One's Kavana, Authors cited and a bibliography, and thought questions for each aliya of Kriat Hatorah.
We are particularly proud to announce that the siddur has just been awarded the 2014 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD in the category of Modern Jewish Thought and Experience.
I am also excited to advise you that the Shabbat edition of the Koren Ani Tefilla Siddur is now available. The Shabbat edition has all the same educational features, with the commentary also written by Rabbi dr. Jay Goldmintz.
The Ani Tefilla siddur is part of a Tefilla Education vision that includes four siddurim, from Kindergarten through to 12th grade and beyond. Presently available is the Koren Children’s Siddur and the Ani Tefilla siddurim. Forthcoming are the Koren Youth Siddur (immanent launch date March 2015) and a siddur designed for middle school grades (estimated launch date early 2016).
Please get in touch for more information.
Daniel Rose Ph.D.
Director of Educational Projects
Koren Publishers Jerusalem
www.korenpub.com
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2015 02:50PM by mlb.
