Who by Fire, Who by Water

The most controversial prayer of the Jewish New Year-what it means, who wrote it, why we say it.

Over forty contributors who span three continents and all major Jewish denominations examine Un'taneh Tokef's theology, authorship, and poetry through a set of lively commentaries. Men and women, scholars and rabbis, artists and poets trace the history of Un'taneh Tokef and connect the prayer to its biblical and rabbinic roots. They wrestle with the personal and community impact of its deeply moving imagery, probe its haunting message of human mortality, and reflect on its call for sanctity, transformation and renewal.

Prayers of Awe: A multi-volume series designed to explore the High Holy Day liturgy and enrich the praying experience for everyone-whether experienced worshipers or guests who encounter Jewish prayer for the very first time.

Contributors:

Merri Lovinger ArianRabbi Tony Bayfield, DDRabbi Sharon BrousDr. Marc BrettlerDr. Erica BrownRabbi Ruth Durchslag, PsyDRabbi Edward FeinsteinRabbi Elyse D. FrishmanRabbi Andrew Goldstein, PhDDr. Joel M. HoffmanRabbi Delphine HorvilleurRabbi Elie KaunferRabbi Karyn D. KedarDr. Reuven KimelmanRabbi Lawrence KushnerRabbi Noa KushnerRabbi Daniel LandesRabbi Ruth Langer, PhDLiz LermanRabbi Asher LopatinCatherine MadsenRabbi Jonathan Magonet, PhDRabbi Dalia Marx, PhDRuth MessingerRabbi Charles H. Middleburgh, PhDRabbi Rachel NussbaumRabbi Aaron Panken, PhDRabbi Or N. RoseRabbi Marc Saperstein, PhDRabbi Sandy Eisenberg SassoRabbi Jonathan P. Slater, DMinRabbi Brent Chaim SpodekRabbi David SternRabbi David A. Teutsch, PhDRabbi Gordon Tucker, PhDDr. Ellen M. UmanskyRabbi Avraham WeissRabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, DDDr. Ron WolfsonRabbi David J. WolpeRabbi Daniel G. ZemelDr. Wendy Zierler