New siddur blends Reform and Liberal traditions

A Hertfordshire rabbi has produced a new siddur for Friday night services intended to cater for both Reform and Liberal commmunities.

Its creator, Radlett’s Reform Synagogue’s senior rabbi Paul Freedman, said that he hoped it reflected the best elements from each tradition.

The creation of the new prayerbook reflects the activities of Radlett Reform Synagogue and Stevenage Liberal congregation, which, for the past couple of years, have come together to celebrate festivals and socialise under the umbrella of North Herts Progressive Jewish Community.

At the same time, the Reform and Liberal movements are preparing for unification to form Progressive Judaism.

The new siddur includes Hebrew, English and transliteration, making it accessible to all congregants, said Rabbi Freedman.

“Over the last couple of years, our two synagogues have worked together to create North Herts Progressive Jewish Community, with a varied programme of activities for our combined membership living in the area, as well as attracting those who aren’t yet affiliated to either,” he explained.

“Social activities based around the Jewish festivals have been popular and an obvious opportunity for collaboration. When we have come together for Friday night services and a chavurah (shared) supper, it  seemed like the perfect opportunity to develop something new – like our own prayerbook – that would be shared.”

A congregant who attended the first service to use the siddur told organisers it was "what I have dreamed of. I’m learning prayerbook Hebrew and your line-by-line [transliteration] is perfect.”

Rabbi Freedman is an experienced liturgist, who co-edited the new Reform High Holy Day machzor, published last year.