Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services

Many new to attending synagogue services feel confused and isolated, unsure of what the different parts of the service mean and how to participate. Whether you are a Jew by choice, a Jew rediscovering your religious traditions as an adult, a non-Jew participating in life-cycle events with Jewish friends, or a Jew who attends synagogue regularly and wishes to better understood the meaning of the services and synagogue customs, The Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services can help.

Jordan Lee Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains all aspects of the synagogue experience. Wagner starts with practical issues to help the synagogue newcomer fit in (what to wear, customary greetings and responses, how to handle a siddur, or prayer book), moves to an explanation of synagogue customs (wearing a kipa or tallis) and synagogue features (such as the Ark and the Eternal Light), and ends with a detailed and non-dogmatic explanation of the different sections of Jewish services.