Welcome to Mahzor Lev Shalem

The publication of Mahzor Lev Shalem, the new prayerbook for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is an extraordinary event for the Conservative movement. This mahzor represents the synthesis of the fruits of historical scholarship and a far-reaching spiritual vision, thus linking study and prayer. Mahzor Lev Shalem offers myriad opportunities for an inspirational engagement with the liturgy through traditional and contemporary readings, probing commentary, and a beautiful, prayerful translation that faithfully renders the Hebrew.

Mahzor Lev Shalem was composed and edited with a conscious awareness of the diverse backgrounds and expectations in each of our communities and, as such, it promises to open doors for every congregant. For the congregant who is familiar with the tefillah, the mahzor’s running commentary presents both a historical overview and insight into the meaning of prayers. For the congregant who doesn’t know Hebrew, the English translations are close to the meaning of the original and the transliterations are plentiful. For the seeker who comes to services looking for meaning and direction, the mahzor’s rich ­assortment of readings includes classic piyyutim that appear in Conservative publications for the first time; Hasidic stories and reflections; and quotes from Abraham Joshua Heschel, Martin Buber, contemporary Israeli and American poets, and leading rabbis in the Conservative movement and beyond. And with abundant readings that focus on spiritual issues and tikkun olam, Mahzor Lev Shalem speaks to the contemporary concerns of our congregants. Yet the feel of the book is entirely traditional, and so truly represents the best of the Conservative movement. This combination of all these elements—the classical and the contemporary, the historical and the spiritual—speaks to the rich diversity of our communities and promises to be inspiring and relevant for years to come.

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