has, upon the whole, been closely followed.
Thanks are due to the Rev. Dr. H. Adler, Dr. Friedlander and Mr. I. Abrahams, for many valuable suggestions as well as for much assistance while the book was passing through the press.
The copyright of the book is vested in the Jewish Association for the Diffusion of Religious Knowledge.
London, Tammuz, 5650 – July 1890
KNOWN AFFECTIONATELY AS THE “Singer’s Siddur” after the Rev. Simeon Singer who produced the first edition in 1890, the Authorised Daily Prayer Book has reflected the minhag and practice of the United Synagogue and most Ashkenazi Synagogues in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for almost 120 years.
However the expectations and requirements of the community have changed over time. Producing a Siddur is very complex, and this edition more than most. It is in fact four works – Hebrew, translation, commentary and rubrics – that run in parallel channels. This fourth edition, with its completely new translation and commentary, and carefully redrafted rubrics, accompanied by innovative design layout and typeface, will, we believe, reflect the approach and needs of the modern Jew.
The Chief Rabbi has enriched this Siddur with his profound scholarship, erudition and vision, and we cannot adequately express our appreciation for his overwhelming contribution. His completely new translation and insightful commentary will undoubtedly enhance wide understanding of our prayers.
The Siddur was developed following extensive consultation and community wide research throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The names of those who contributed directly to its development are recorded below.
In addition, we benefited greatly from the views of a very wide cross-section of the community. We were also fortunate to receive numerous detailed submissions, from Rabbis and laymen alike, reflecting the love and enthusiasm with which people view the Singer’s Siddur. To all of them, we offer our grateful thanks.
I had the honour to chair the main Singer’s Prayer Book Committee, consisting of Rabbis Mordechai Ginsbury and Ephraim Mirvis, Geoffrey Hartnell, Vice President of the United Synagogue, Simon Goulden, Community Services Group Director of the United Synagogue, and Josephine Wayne, who acted as secretary. While this edition was in gestation, we met frequently, resolved the direction in which it would develop, and were closely involved in many of the detailed decisions.
We would like to express our appreciation to the many talented professionals who applied their skills to the production of this Siddur.
Rabbi Doniel Golomb produced the Hebrew text and special typographical enhancements.
The Rev. Michael Binstock gave the benefit of his deep knowledge and experience during many hours of meticulous development work.
Raphaël Freeman of Jerusalem Typesetting was responsible for the superb design, typesetting and layout and his knowledge, care and expertise can be seen on every page.
Sorelle Weinstein painstakingly edited the English text with great expertise under tremendous time pressures.
Ian Metcalfe of Harper Collins gave invaluable help and support throughout, particularly in the technicalities of production and binding.
Syma Weinberg of the Office of the Chief Rabbi gave constant and pivotal encouragement as the work progressed.
However, this siddur would not have appeared, without the total dedication of Simon Goulden, who bore the main
burden of the difficult and demanding work. His absolute and selfless commitment to the project drove it through to completion.
I also wish to express my thanks to my successors as President of the United Synagogue, Peter Sheldon and Dr. Simon Hochhauser; to its Chief Executive Rabbi Saul Zneimer; and to those who served as Trustees during the period that this edition was being prepared.
Everard and Mina Goodman offered to become patrons and benefactors at the outset of the work on this new edition. Everard’s constant encouragement and enthusiasm for the Singer’s Prayer Book has been invaluable and inspirational; in addition to which, he has continued throughout to provide many useful, practical suggestions and has been a full partner in the work. To them both I express our sincere thanks.
The new Hebrew font designed by Nadav Ezra of Fontbit will facilitate the accurate pronunciation of prayers in the Modern Hebrew accent. It features an enlarged kamatz katan (
For all of us engaged in the project, the production of this new edition of the Singer’s Siddur has been a tremendous labour of love. Anglo-Jewry has a long and glorious history, with its own traditions and distinctive approach. Minhag Anglia, the liturgical custom and practice of our community, is our proud heritage. We believe that this new edition of the Authorised Daily Prayer Book will not only restore Anglo-Jewry’s pride in its own liturgy, but will enable future generations with devotion and clarity to approach the Almighty, “Shome’a Tefillah – He who listens to prayer.”
ELKAN D. LEVY
Chairman of the
Singer’s Prayer Book
Publication Committee
Ellul 5766 / September 2006
SCHOLARS’ GROUP
Dayan Yonason Abraham
Dayan Ivan Binstock
Rabbi Raymond Apple
Rabbi Philip Ginsbury
Rabbi Doniel Golomb
Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris (
USERS’ ADVISORY GROUP
Anthony Angel
Barry Bloombaum
Paul Faiman
Geoffrey Hartnell
Ivor Katz
Ashley Leboff
Rabbi Dovid Lewis
Alan Mitchell
Gerald Normie
