Filling Words with Light: Hasidic and Mystical Reflections on Jewish Prayer »

Jewish mystics teach that every word a person utters in prayer should radiate light. Even the letters of the words of prayer carry sparks of the Divine that yearn to join together in holiness.

In Filling Words with Light Lawrence Kushner and Nehemia Polen lead readers through the traditional prayer book, offering fresh insights and meditations that bring their words to life. Written for beginners and advanced readers alike, this accessible spiritual companion provides a window into the liturgy for worshipers of all backgrounds.

Presence

This book, co-authored by a Reform rabbi and an Orthodox rabbi, offers a rich and inspiring collection of interpretations, reflections and teachings on Jewish liturgy. From the morning prayers and blessings, to the Torah service, and culminating in the Shabbat liturgy, Filling Words with Light is a wonderful resource for Jews and people of other faith traditions who seek to deepen their experience of daily and weekly liturgical prayer. I had the "wonder-full" experience of attending a Saturday morning Shabbat service while reading this book, and being graced with a feeling of newness and excitement as I prayed the liturgy that has been so familiar for so long. Filling Words with Light truly illuminated the prayers, and in doing so, brought a sense of exhilaration and delight to the words, the service, and my personal experience of God and of communal prayer. This book will be both useful and delightful for spiritual directors, directees, clergy teachers and others who guide seekers on their prayer journey, especially those who are drawn to mystical teachings and practices.