Testimonials
This easy-to-read bencher contains lovely nongendered translations of the Hebrew, excellent explanations of many of the prayers, and alternatives to the traditional liturgy that will be inviting to many kinds of families. Judith Plaskow Author of Standing Again at Sinai: Judaism from a Feminist Perspective The main advantage of L'chu N'ra·n'nah is that the Hebrew, translation, and transliteration all match up -- so that no matter which one one is reading, everyone is truly on the 'same page!' Yael Richardson From BZ on Jewschool: When we have simchas (celebrations) — weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc. — we tend to put a lot of effort into making sure all the details of the day are just right. But it’s important to think not only about the experience of the day itself, but about the things that will last far into the future. That’s right, the benchers. Long after the food has been digested and the flowers are dead, these little books of blessings and songs will adorn the Shabbat tables of your friends and relatives around the world week after week, and they’ll think about you and your simcha each time. So it’s important to choose a bencher that reflects your values and that your family and friends will want to continue using. And that’s why, when I get married this summer, we’ll be using L’chu N’ran’nah (Let Us Sing). L’chu N’ran’nah has something for everyone. In addition to the full Hebrew text, the entire bencher is translated (referring to God in gender-neutral language) and transliterated. For those who want to navigate easily between the Hebrew, English, and transliteration, there is a line-by-line three-column layout like the purple siddur. For those who like to sing, a wide range of songs are included, from Kol Mekadeish Shevi’i to Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu. For those of a scholarly bent, the foonotes provide citations to many of the biblical and rabbinic references in the Shabbat zemirot. For those looking for alternatives to the traditional liturgy, the bencher provides four alternative versions of birkat hamazon. For those looking for alternatives within the traditional structure, the bencher provides many options, including two different versions of the “harachaman” for peace between the children of Sarah and the children of Hagar (or is it between the children of Isaac and the children of Ishmael?). BZ Adapted from a review posted to JewSchool, May 4, 2009. This Bencher forges an uncommon bond between worshiper and word. The editors of L'chu N'ran'nah have (as in prior noteworthy liturgical works) set a new standard for appreciating the rich mosaic of configurations that make up today's Jewish home (single adults, single parents, gay/lesbian couples, etc). At the same time, they balance a scholarly adherence to traditional text with appealing alternative forms of devotional expression. L'chu N'ran'nah warms a new rapport with Judaism's blessings that is sure to stir hearts, awaken minds, and launch spirits. Rabbi William Hamilton Congregation Kehillath Israel, Brookline, MA Finally! A truly great bencher. At once thoughtful and scholarly, informative and open-minded, poetic and accessible. An emblem of Judaism as the havurah movement has sought to present it. A bencher 'mit ale mayles,' Yiddish for 'having every good quality you could think of.' Yishar koah to its editors! Art Green Rector of the Rabbinical School, Hebrew College, Newton, MA This new “bencher” is a model product of Havurah Judaism: lovely in appearance, clear but eloquent in language, true to the traditional texts but ready to depart from them when appropriate, rich with alternative models for celebration, thanks, and prayer. For those familiar with Shabbat and holiday customs, this book will offer a wonderful combination of beauty and completeness. For those who wish to learn, this book will offer hours and hours of pleasure and growth. Yishar kochachem to the authors! Bob Goldenberg Professor of History and Judaic Studies at Stony Brook University, New York We appreciate the fact that there is this beautiful bencher that has everything we are looking for, from translation to transliteration to gender-neutral vibe to the commentaries, beautiful Hebrew -- it's all great! Sue Parker Gerson CAJE Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Director & FMAMS Regional Director, Denver, CO Even with all the benchers out there, L'chu N'ran'nah is both a welcome and lively addition to our Jewish traditions of blessing and song. It is aesthetically pleasing with thoughtful translations, lovely illustrations, excellent transliterations, and informative introductions to both prayers and songs. The footnotes are an added feature that provide a fount of information. Todah! Ellen Band Director of Worship and Celebration Congregation Kehillath Israel, Brookline, MA Our synagogue (the Germantown Jewish Centre) has been waiting to purchase a new set of 'birkat books' and we were delighted when we saw 'Let us Sing/L'chu N'ran'nah.' The book is beautifully produced, it stands out for its distinctive size and graphic look, four column format, thoughtful commentary and layout and gender sensitivity. Our congregation hosts multiple minyanim and this book should serve us all for many years to come. The book will be a major enhancement to our shared meals and I expect that individuals will seek it out as well for home use. Rabbi Leonard Gordon Germantown Jewish centre Philadelphia, PA This is a lovely and accessible compilation of rites and songs. The clear layout and line by line translation and transliteration will help users of many backgrounds find their ways. Refreshingly, this song- and blessing-book presumes egalitarianism while treasuring a traditional legacy. The thoughtful rendition of the liturgy and the range of creative and progressive options will earn this book a home in many homes. Jonah Steinberg Associate Dean of the Rabbinical School and Director of Talmudic Studies, Hebrew College, Newton, MA |
