Jewish Prayer Books Shopping Guide
One of the most powerful and meaningful ways to connect with the Divine and to carry on Jewish tradition is through prayer, known in Hebrew as tefillah. Over the centuries, rabbinic authorities have compiled Jewish prayers into the codified versions we know today - many of them based on Biblical texts or ancient Jewish poetry.
Naturally, some of the most renowned Orthodox Jewish prayer book publishers are in Israel, and our store carries dozens of tefillah volumes from the Holy Land for every occasion. Whether you're comfortable praying in Hebrew only or prefer a translated Hebrew-English edition, we have options in both, as well as various editions with different types of commentaries and Ashkenazi as well as Sephardi versions.
Learn more below about different types of Jewish prayer books, as well as some of our favorite recommended editions:
Siddur - Prayer Book
A siddur is a traditional prayer book with all the daily prayers, whether for regular weekdays or shabbat or both. Our siddurim come from acclaimed Israeli publisher Koren and make for the perfect companion to your private prayers as well as synagogue services, featuring easy-to-follow instructions, insightful commentary from renowned rabbis and Jewish thinkers, and a clear and stylish formatting. We have options in Hebrew and Hebrew-English, with many of the editions available in both Ashkenazi and Sephardi versions, and even a special volume for those who follow the Moroccan tradition.
❤︎ We love the super-popular Koren Sacks Siddur for Shabbat and Festivals as well as the masterful Koren Shalem Siddur appropriate for weekdays, shabbat, and holidays.
Mahzor - Holiday Prayer Book
A mahzor is a special prayer book for a holiday that requires additional prayers, such as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. These often feature more than just the standard prayer services, but also additional readings and commentary, a guide to holiday-specific laws, and the relevant tractate of the Mishna (Oral Law). Our mahzorim are likewise the works of the famous Koren Publishers Jerusalem, with full-size as well as easy-to-carry compact versions and both Ashkenazi and Sephardi editions.
❤︎ We love the Koren Sacks Yom Kippur mahzorim with versions for both Ashkenaz and Sepharad prayer rites, and this set of mahzorim for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Three Festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
Tehillim - Psalms
Tehillim volumes are compilations of the Biblical Psalms, traditionally believed to have been composed by King David and beloved for their poetic lyricism and deep expressions of faith. It is customary to recite these as a form of prayer, and many people over the centuries have found comfort, inspiration, and a special Divine connection through the Psalms' sacred words. There are also compact editions of Tehillim that make great Jewish party favors for special events, or on-the-go aides for the Jewish traveler as part of a keychain or car hanging.
❤︎ We love this convenient mini Book of Psalms keychain for prayer and protection on the go, as well as the Koren Steinsaltz Tehillim with commentary and explanations by renowned scholar Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz zt"l.
Birkonim/Benchers - Grace After Meals Books
Known in Hebrew as birkonim and in Yiddish as benchers, these convenient prayer booklets feature Birkat HaMazon, the Grace After Meals prayer traditionally recited after a full meal, with variations for weekdays, shabbat, and holidays. Benchers often also include traditional shabbat songs, the kiddush sanctification prayers for shabbat and holidays, and the havdalah prayer ritual for the end of shabbat. Many people keep compact sets of these to pass out to guests at meals, and they may come in small editions that are easy to carry for meals outside the home.
❤︎ We love the Koren Shir Zion bencher set featuring stunning photos of the Land of Israel by renowned photographer Yehoshua Halevi, and the Koren Birkon Mesorat Harav with commentary of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt"l and convenient English translations.
Children's Prayer Books
Our store also carries prayer book editions made specially for children, with engaging illustrations and explanations and a focus on the most important and age-appropriate prayers. From the most basic versions for beginner readers to full volumes that engage curious pre-teens, these children's siddurim are an excellent way to pass on your Jewish tradition and instill prayer habits in your young loved ones. They also make meaningful gifts for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or the start of a new school year.
❤︎ We love this "My First Siddur" prayer book, perfect for introducing young children to the most important Jewish prayers, and the Koren Youth Siddur in Hebrew/English with explanations and commentary to engage older elementary and middle school students.
Women's Prayer Books
Special women's prayer books are a tradition going all the way back to the Middle Ages, and are still favored by some women today. They feature distinct, women's-only prayers composed to reflect the needs of girls and women from birth to Bat Mitzvah, wedding to pregnancy, and parenthood to mourning. A women's prayer book is a meaningful companion for all the milestones and lifecycle events in a woman's life, as well as everyday occasions to connect with the Divine in a unique way.
❤︎ We love the beautifully designed In Her Voice: An Illuminated Book of Prayers for Jewish Women, featuring illuminated manuscripts by contemporary Israeli artist Enya Tamar Keshet and both traditional and modern Hebrew prayers along with English translations.