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 Arian • Rabbi Tony Bayfield, DD • Rabbi Sharon Brous • Dr. Marc Brettler • Dr. Erica Brown • Rabbi Ruth Durchslag, PsyD • Rabbi Edward Feinstein • Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman • Rabbi Andrew Goldstein, PhD • Dr. Joel M. Hoffman • Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur • Rabbi Elie Kaunfer • Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar • Dr. Reuven Kimelman • Rabbi Lawrence Kushner • Rabbi Noa Kushner • Rabbi Daniel Landes • Rabbi Ruth Langer, PhD • Liz Lerman • Rabbi Asher Lopatin • Catherine Madsen • Rabbi Jonathan Magonet, PhD • Rabbi Dalia Marx, PhD • Ruth Messinger • Rabbi Charles H. Middleburgh, PhD • Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum • Rabbi Aaron Panken, PhD • Rabbi Or N. Rose • Rabbi Marc Saperstein, PhD • Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso • Rabbi Jonathan P. Slater, DMin • Rabbi Brent Chaim Spodek • Rabbi David Stern • Rabbi David A. Teutsch, PhD • Rabbi Gordon Tucker, PhD • Dr. Ellen M. Umansky • Rabbi Avraham Weiss • Rabbi Margaret Moers Wenig, DD • Dr. Ron Wolfson • Rabbi David J. Wolpe • Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel • Dr. Wendy Zierler