Synagogue Survival Kit - by Jordan Lee Wagner (Hardcover)

About the Book

Many new to attending synagogue services feel confused and isolated, unsure of what the different parts of the service mean and how to participate. Whether you are a Jew by choice, a Jew rediscovering your religious traditions as an adult, a non-Jew participating in life-cycle...

Book Synopsis

Many new to attending synagogue services feel confused and isolated, unsure of what the different parts of the service mean and how to participate. Whether you are a Jew by choice, a Jew rediscovering your religious traditions as an adult, a non-Jew participating in life-cycle events with Jewish friends, or a Jew who attends synagogue regularly and wishes to better understood the meaning of the services and synagogue customs, The Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services can help.

Jordan Lee Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains all aspects of the synagogue experience. Wagner starts with practical issues to help the synagogue newcomer fit in (what to wear, customary greetings and responses, how to handle a siddur, or prayer book), moves to an explanation of synagogue customs (wearing a kipa or tallis) and synagogue features (such as the Ark and the Eternal Light), and ends with a detailed and non-dogmatic explanation of the different sections of Jewish services.

Review Quotes

Have you ever wanted to attend a traditional Jewish service but were intimidated because you were afraid you couldn't follow what was going on? Or have you ever felt totally lost at a service with no one to turn to for help? . . . Then The Synagogue Survival Kit may be for you.


This user-friendly road map to traditional (Orthodox) services is for readers new to the faith or recently affiliated. Although other books show how a person can live in a more Jewish way daily, this is a guide to worshiping with greater ease. A synagogue teacher and administrator for 20 years, the author brings together what he has learned in a clear and helpful pathway. The book breaks down the complexity of services, the central ideas of each prayer, and objects and symbols in the synagogue. It offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of traditional services and is respectful of other practices. There is a helpful pronunciation guide and an index. Recommended for public, academic, and congregational libraries.


To anyone unfamiliar with the synagogue service, the prayers and the rituals may seem like a 'confusing hodge-podge of activity.' Wagner provides a simple, detailed, and thorough road map for navigating the service and understanding its structure and content....Perfect for Jews rediscovering their own traditions, Jews by choice and others who wish to participate in Jewish events.



Wagner has written a clear and easy-to-read guidebook on the Jewish synagogue experience for the Jewish or non-Jewish individual who would like some beginning lessons and insight into what goes on when Jews gather to pray in a congregation.

About the Author

Jordan Lee Wagner lives in Newton, Massachusetts, with his wife and children. He is an officer of his synagogue and an active volunteer in outreach. Mr. Wagner has served several congregations as administrator, and has taught in Jewish day schools at all levels.