The very name of the Rabbinical Assembly’s new Mahzor—Lev Shalem—already describes the great contribution it will make to the worshipping community. Used by Solomon in a prayer of dedication for our First Temple in Jerusalem, the phrase evokes images of a person who comes to worship bearing a desire to integrate his or her life experiences into a meaningful unity, and who is further shaped by worship into a person of even greater wholeness. This mahzor does not present a liturgical fait accompli to moderns who may not find that package easy to befriend. Instead, it artfully convenes a meeting on each page among three principals: our traditional liturgy, reflections and comments spanning millennia of pietists, poets, and pursuers of truth, and the 21st century Jew, standing in the moment and yearning to find wholeness in prayer. Produced wisely, with excellent layout and reflecting intelligent choices of material, it will enrich the Days of Awe for the settled and the seeking alike. I look forward to having it as my own companion for years to come.

A beautiful, lucid, inspiring work—a wonderful contribution to our spiritual lives.

If you are seeking to pray in the fullness of tradition without sacrificing the blessings of contemporary insights and diversity, if you long for poetry that grounds you in the rich soil of Torah while letting your heart soar, then grab hold of  Mahzor Lev Shalem. The poetry, wisdom, warmth, and welcome found on its pages reverberate with the love of the Ancient Blessing One and the spiritual harvest of the Children of Israel

From the first page to the last, whether reading a meditation or kavanah, a comment or explanation, this Mahzor has the feel of a “page turner.” One simply wants to see what is on the next page.  The Hebrew and English fonts are clear and beautiful. Much thought has been put into this mahzor and the inclusion of piyyutim from other Jewish rites and sources provides the opportunity to see our prayers in a fresh light. The clear and insightful explanations of the prayers and customs on every page will give even the least initiated davener a deep understanding of how Jews pray. I look forward to having the opportunity to use this Mahzor in the near future.  Kol Hakavod!