The most controversial prayer of the Jewish New Year—what it means, who wrote it, why we say it.
Over forty contributors who span three continents and all major Jewish denominations examine Un'taneh Tokef's theology, authorship, and poetry through a set of lively commentaries. Men and women, scholars and rabbis, artists and poets trace the history of Un’taneh Tokef and connect the prayer to its biblical and rabbinic roots. They wrestle with the personal and community impact of its deeply moving imagery, probe its haunting message of human mortality, and reflect on its call for sanctity, transformation and renewal.
Prayers of Awe: A multi-volume series designed to explore the High Holy Day liturgy and enrich the praying experience for everyone—whether experienced worshipers or guests who encounter Jewish prayer for the very first time.
Contributors
Merri Lovinger Arian
Rabbi Tony Bayfield, DD
Rabbi Sharon Brous
Dr. Marc Brettler
Dr. Erica Brown
Rabbi Ruth Durchslag, PsyD
Rabbi Edward Feinstein
Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman
Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, PhD
Dr. Joel M. Hoffman
Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur
Rabbi Elie Kaunfer
Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar
Dr. Reuven Kimelman
Rabbi Lawrence Kushner
Rabbi Noa Kushner
Rabbi Daniel Landes
Rabbi Ruth Langer, PhD
Liz Lerman
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Catherine Madsen
Rabbi Jonathan Magonet, PhD
Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD
Ruth Messinger
Rabbi Charles H. Middleburgh, PhD
Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum
Rabbi Aaron Panken, PhD
Rabbi Or N. Rose
Rabbi Marc Saperstein, PhD
Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Rabbi Jonathan P. Slater, DMin
Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek
Rabbi David Stern
Rabbi David A. Teutsch, PhD
Rabbi Gordon Tucker, PhD
Dr. Ellen M. Umansky
Rabbi Avraham Weiss
Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, DD
Dr. Ron Wolfson
Rabbi David J. Wolpe
Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel
Dr. Wendy Zierler
The most controversial prayer of the Jewish New Year-what it means, who wrote it, why we say it. Thought-provoking and inspiring discussions from a wide range of perspectives on all aspects of this prayer that defies easy understanding.
