From the Desk of Rabbi Batsheva Meiri - Congregation Beth ...

If you’ve not attended our Family Services in a
while, you are missing a treat. Dedicated at the
Family Service on February 4 th were our new
siddurim: Mishkan T’filah Shel Mishpachah or
“Shelter of Prayer for Families.” These full-color,
illustrated prayer books were researched, designed
and created by the talented members of the Family
Services Siddur Committee under the capable
leadership of Karla Diamond. Complete with
pictures so touching and vibrant they speak
compellingly to children and adults alike, this
family siddur is sure to become the standard by
which others are judged, and one our children will
remember long into adulthood.
In early summer of 2009, Ellen Chelmis, Geri
Garfinkel-Gershon, Pam Hecht and Karla met
together with a vision of a more inclusive family
service, guided by a siddur that would engage
children, youth and adults alike. They dug through
their bookshelves for interesting stories, anecdotes,
beautiful pictures and meaningful prose. They
debated midrashim, layouts, translations, and
transliterations. They reviewed selections to
include as alternate readings, responsive texts,
explanations of the service, and of related
traditions. Each selection was thoughtfully
designed to stimulate a child’s interest and wonder
of the prayers.
This was a collaboration of many: Original pieces
were written by Karla and Ellen; Zoe Kaplan, Abe
Kaplan, and Karleigh Ring also collaborated on an
original work. Amanda Diamond-Ring and
Preston Diamond were essential in evaluating the
content. For instance, did it offer something for
everyone? Were the passages and art appropriately
stimulating for different ages? Did it flow both
from an auditory and visual standpoint? Over and
over they perused the pages, adding, taking away,
correcting, suggesting.
New Family Service Siddurim
Rabbi Meiri provided guidance for the project, and
shared many reference works and children's siddurim
from her collection. The committee worked closely with
her to ensure the siddur was user-friendly and met the
spiritual needs of the congregation. In an almost
extraordinary endeavor, Rabbi patiently read through
version after version, making suggestions and
corrections.
Cantor Deb added music to the service. She sifted
through her enormous collection of religious music to
identify child-friendly, lively tunes for traditional songs,
and offered them up in English, Hebrew and
transliteration. The committee also relied on her
suggestions, edits and corrections.
The first prototype was prepared in time for Zoe Kaplan's
Bat Mitzvah in September 2009. This early black and
white edition enabled the committee to see how the
siddur worked in service, gather comments, and
incorporate many thoughts and ideas of the congregation.
Representing congregational youngsters, Karleigh and
Asher Ring were asked for their thoughts on the writings
and the art. Changes were made based on many of their
impressions. The numerous iterations of editing and
proofing were arduous, and as many congregants will
deduce, managed during Karla’s taxing health challenges.
Finally, with Kevin Diamond’s assistance, Mishkan
T’filah Shel Mishpachah was printed in full-color and
spiral bound in time for its debut in February.
We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all
those who helped bring this incredible prayer book to
fruition. Clearly, it has been a project that reflects the
committee’s and clergy’s deep commitment to our
Temple and our children. As stated in the opening pages,
it is a work of inspiration and love. We are truly
indebted. Thank you so much, Karla!
Join us for "K'tanim"
A Shabbat Morning Experience for Young Children
K’tanim, our Shabbat service for very young kids (5 and under)
will take place on Sat., April 30 th , at 10:00 AM.
Contact Geri Garfinkel at gerigarfinkel@yahoo.com for more information.
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Debbie Cooper