By
– August 16, 2012
“Most Jews visit Israel as pilgrims.” With this in mind, Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, a distinguished professor, author, and editor of the series My People’s Prayer Book, has laid out a program that will enrich any trip to Israel.
Drawing on his vast knowledge of liturgy, history and literature, Rabbi Hoffman guides visitors in plumbing the spiritual significance of some 25 destinations in the Holy Land. For each destination, Rabbi Hoffman briefly describes the site in material to be read before the visit, provides readings for the trip to the site, and — most significantly — deepens the visit with prayers and blessings to be recited at the site. Space is left for the visitors’ personal response to each of the destinations.
In following Rabbi Hoffman’s outline, visitors will make both a spiritual and personal journey — to history, to their people, “to the place where it all began.” Index to places and occasions for which prayers are provided, illustrative maps, notes.
Maron L. Waxman, retired editorial director, special projects, at the American Museum of Natural History, was also an editorial director at HarperCollins and Book-of-the-Month Club.
