Prayer is an important concept in Jewish culture. Whether it’s asking for mercy on the soul of a deceased family member or offering praise to YHWH, it represents contact with a Deity. As such, praying the right way is a duty for every believer. A prayer book helps to facilitate this. When looking for prayer books and other resources for your spiritual guidance, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah has such resources in stock. From books encouraging meditation like the Siddur to those that promote a better understanding of the Mishnah, you can find a rich body of helpful material here.
The Concept of the Goddess in Judaism
While YHWH is the most prominent deity in Judaism, there are references to others, particularly goddesses. Key among such goddesses is Asherah. This ancient goddess, incorporated by many Jewish people into their daily worship, was a mainstay of the Canaanites. After Canaan’s conquest, many Israelites sought to have Asherah as part of their worship. Asherah is closely associated with a sacred tree. From the opinions of many ancient Israelites, subsequent generations of Jewish people have carried the concept of Asherah. Many of them have been worshipping her as much as YHWH.
Shekhina: The Divine Feminine
The word ‘Shekhina’ derives from the Hebrew word meaning ‘to dwell.’ It represents an aspect of God that people can experience. Given its feminine connotation, it has come to represent the feminine aspect of God—God the mother, nurturer, or protector. While not explicitly mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, there are several references to it. While Jewish mystical literature is largely responsible for the general acceptance of the feminine divine concept, Shekhina has come to symbolize God’s presence among the believers of Judaism.
Prayers in Judaism
As mentioned, invoking God’s presence is crucial in Judaism worship. Prayer is one key aspect of this invocation. It’s crucial to remember that many aspects of Judaism are inextricably linked to the history and way of life of the Jewish people. For example, Chasidism was a Jewish religious movement in the 12th century in Germany. It combines principles like austerity with overtones of Jewish mysticism, including Shekhina.
Fully understanding the concept of prayer and the importance of prayer books requires familiarity with some terms. These include:
i)Talmud: This is a collection of ancient Jewish religious teachings. The term Talmud means “learning.” Even though it expresses the opinions of numerous rabbis over the centuries, it is considered sacred.
- ii) Torah: The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is divided into three parts, i.e, the Nevi’im (Prophets), Ketuvim (writings), and the Torah. Strictly, the Torah refers to the five books. These include:
-Bereishit(Origins or Genesis)
– Shemot. This means “the road out” or exodus
– Vayikra. This means the “law of Levites”
– Bamidbar (Census)
– Devarim. This means “second law”
Torah can also mean the general teachings of Judaism.
iii) Midrash: It is a series of commentaries on Tanakh and the Talmudic literature.
- iv) Amidah: An important Jewish prayer that is recited as the worshipper faces Jerusalem.
- v) Targum: This is an Aramaic paraphrase or interpretation of Jewish scriptures. It was not intended to carry equal weight as the Tanakh. However, this rule was not always followed. Many parts of targum texts are now considered of equal authority with the Tanakh.
- vi) Siddur: This is the classic Jewish prayer book, containing the liturgy of all ordinary and Sabbath prayers.
Getting the Goddess Prayer Book
All liturgy that alludes to or references Shekhina or Asherah constitutes the Goddess prayer book. A collection of such prayers can be found in one of several sources.
You can find the Goddess prayer book in the following ways:
1) Your Local Synagogue
Many synagogues are awash with numerous copies of religious books, from the Siddur to the Talmud. You can also find the Goddess prayer book that praises Asherah and the divine feminine (Shekhina). Additionally, the rabbi at such a synagogue is an invaluable source of information. They can direct you where to find specific Goddess prayer books that may not be available at the synagogue.
2) A Jewish Museum
Usually, a Jewish museum will have numerous mementos about the history of the Jewish people. While you can expect to see themes depicting things like the Holocaust, expect to find the Goddess prayer book, given that Jewish history is inextricably linked to numerous aspects of Judaism.
3) A Jewish Community Center
This is a social and fraternal organization that offers a wide range of activities for Jewish people in a particular city. However, it is also a place to access Jewish literature, like the Goddess prayer book, given that its predecessor was the Young Men’s Hebrew Association (YMHA). At the very least, you can be directed to bookstores that offer such literature in a particular city.
4) Online
The internet now gives access to just about anyone to purchase literature of their choice. You can order the Goddess prayer book from online stores or private sellers.
5) Jewish Organizations
Chabad is an example of a Jewish organization. It is a dynasty, part of a Jewish religious movement that has very strict beliefs per Hasidism. You can expect to find literature like the Goddess prayer book in their liturgical collection.
All in all, the Goddess prayer book can be found in many Jewish places of worship, whether as a single compilation or as part of another prayer book. While such a book may incorporate excerpts from the Talmud, the Midrash, or the Torah, it all alludes to the feminine divine in the general scheme of things.
