• The translations reflect the Hebrew as closely as possible and allow the congregant who has begun to learn Hebrew to correlate the translation with the original. When the Hebrew text is jarring, which it sometimes is, the English translation does not attempt to smooth over the difficulties, since to do so might deprive the reader of important thoughtful experiences. As the Hebrew is prose-poetry, the translations convey a strong sense of that in their cadences, in their forms, and in their usages.

• Transliterations have been included for all passages recited by the congregation and those where the prayer leader joins the congregation.

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• A highlight of the new mahzor is the systematic inclusion of kavvanot (meditational readings) and alternative translations. These have been chosen from an exceptionally wide variety of sources: from leading Conservative thinkers, historical sources, poets from throughout the Jewish world, and more. As such, they are a book-within-a-book, inspiring and enlightening companions for the prayer experience.

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