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Exploring Mishkan T’filah-A Reform Siddur: February 2008

Our new prayer books, Mishkan T’filah, have arrived and we are already using them on Friday nights at 6:15 and Saturday mornings at 10:30. Each month we will print a different passage in The Window to help you explore the power of the prayers and poetry of this wonderful prayer book of our Reform Movement.

V’ahavta

Note: The Hebrew text and a faithful translation of the v’ahvtah (the words from Deuteronomy 6, verses 5-9) are found on page 36. This interpretation by William Berkowitz is found on page 37 and reflects the ancient challenge in our modern world.

Love your God, with every heartbeat,
with every breath,
with every conscious act.
Keep in mind the words I command you today.
Teach them to your children,
talk about them at work;
whether you are tired or you are rested.
Let them guide the work of your hands;
keep them in the forefront of your vision.
Do not leave them at the doorway of your house,
or outside your gate.
They are reminders to do all of My mitzvot,
so that you can be holy for God.
I am Adonai your God.
I led you out of Egypt to become your God,
I am Adonai your God!

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