The reform of Jewish liturgy, or how the (un)traditional becomes traditional

Abstract

The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the rabbinical organization of the Reform movement in the United States, is in the process of publishing the final version of Mishkan T'filah, The New Reform Siddur or prayer book for weekday prayers. This prayer book has been produced by an editorial committee whose members belong to the CCAR; its editor in chief is Rabbi Elyse Frishman. Before embarking on an analysis of this new siddur, some introductory remarks about Jewish prayer and liturgical reform in general.