Temple Jeremiah is now using the new Reform prayer book, Mishkan T'filah, The Tabernacle of Prayer. See Rabbi Paul Cohen's article to learn more about the importance of introducing this prayer book into our worship liturgy.

The temple dedicated Mishkan T'filah at its worship service on February 8, 2008.

Additionally, Temple Jeremiah was one of 230 congregations across the country to participate in the piloting of this prayer book. For eleven consecutive Friday evening services commencing December 20, 2002 and continuing through February 28, 2003, congregants used a draft of this new prayer book for our worship services. The members of the Committee on Spiritual Life, along with our clergy, filled out a questionnaire and survey form at the conclusion of the piloting period.

This was an exciting opportunity to enhance the experience of worship and approach our Shabbat services with fresh new liturgy to complement the traditional words and music that are so beloved.

Many people have asked what drove this project. There were many factors leading to this endeavor, one of which was the issue of language. When The Gates of Prayer was first published in the early 1970's, we were just becoming familiar with the feminist critique that questioned the use of male pronouns in reference to God and the omission of the matriarchs in liturgy. The prayer book, at best, is intended to reflect contemporary theology. This new project attempts to synthesize meaningful language with words that will not only move us in worship but allow us to profess what we as Reform Jews believe about God and the world.