Inviting God In

God stands near us just waiting to be let in. Wary? Rabbi Jeff Salkin will move you to race to the door with newfound awareness and joy!
—Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman, Rabbi Emerita, Barnert Temple, and editor of Mishkan T’filah: A Reform Siddur

Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin has spent his rabbinic life seeing things deeply and differently, and then communicating in a way that makes readers sit up and take notice. He is at his best in this exceptional introduction to liturgy and prayer—an old topic that comes newly to life with thoughtful metaphors, compelling anecdotes, and the author’s deep and abiding love for Judaism.
—Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College, and editor of My People’s Prayer Book

Thank you Rabbi Salkin! By way of warmth, wit, and wisdom, the riches of Judaism—its prayers and rituals—have been opened up for a new generation. Whether you are a b’nei mitzvah student or family, a lifelong Jewish learner, or a searching soul, this beautifully written volume will open up the tradition and your heart.
—Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, PhD, Senior Rabbi, Park Avenue Synagogue, and author of For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today

Rabbi Salkin—a thoughtful Jewish leader, an experienced writer, a prominent speaker for liberal and progressive Judaism, a columnist and podcaster, and perhaps more than anything else an efficacious and dedicated educator—has created a meaningful tool for understanding Shabbat prayers.…I am sure that everyone who dedicates time to this precious gem, no matter their knowledge and experience, will be tremendously enriched by it.
—From the foreword by Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD, Professor, Hebrew Union College, and author of From Time to Time: Journeys in the Jewish Calendar

Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin has done two things in this book, both of which are remarkable achievements. The first is that he has written a commentary on the Friday night and the Shabbat morning service in a lighthearted style that will capture the attention of young people. … The second thing that Rabbi Salkin has done in this book is write a close and careful commentary on the Shabbat services that deals with the issues that adults face when they come to the synagogue, such as what is the purpose of prayer, and why do we need to pray with other people, and why must we use the words in the book instead of praying from the heart. These are real issues, and Rabbi Salkin tackles each one with care and sensibility.

—Rabbi Jack Riemer, author of Finding God in Unexpected Places