What it is about
This week on the “What Matters Now” podcast, hosted by deputy editor Amanda Borschel-Dan, we hear from the editors of the inspiring new prayerbook, “Az Nashir – We Will Sing Again: Women’s Prayers for Our Time of Need.” This remarkable anthology, created in response to the traumatic events of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, is a collection of prayers written by women for women. It provides deep connections to faith and empowerment during challenging times. The project is spearheaded by editors Shira Lankin Sheps, Anne Gordon, and Rachel Sharansky Danziger and is published by The Layers Press, an imprint of The SHVILLI Center.
Why it matters
“Az Nashir” is more than just a prayerbook; it is a testament to the enduring spirit and strength of Jewish women. The editors have curated this work to revive and celebrate the historical tradition of Jewish women crafting prayers and liturgical expressions in their native languages. The bilingual Hebrew-English composition of the book ensures accessibility and connection for a wider audience, bridging generations and fostering unity. Notably, the book includes “visual prayer”—thirty vivid illustrations by female artists, further amplifying its message of resilience and hope.
The intrigue behind the creation
In a discussion at The Times of Israel’s Jerusalem office, editors Sheps, Gordon, and Danziger shared the motivations that fueled their ambitious endeavor. Their goal was to voice the prayers relevant to the current times, offering solace and strength to women facing myriad adversities. The incorporation of diverse artistic expressions serves to deepen the reflective experience, making it meaningful for readers and resonating with the hearts of women around the world.
The voices shaping tomorrow’s tradition
In celebrating and amplifying the prayers of women, “Az Nashir” reinforces the cultural and religious narrative that champions the integral role of women in Jewish spiritual life. As we discover what matters now, this anthology stands as a potent symbol of empowerment and faith, a guide through tribulations, and a hopeful beacon for better days. By doing so, it ensures that the women’s voices echo as powerfully tomorrow as they do today.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.