Religious denominations have learned that rewriting their prayer books can result in rebellions from their worshipers, both those wedded to tradition and those hoping for dramatic change.<\/p>\n
Now the nation\u2019s largest Jewish movement, Reform Judaism, is preparing to adopt a new prayer book that was intended to offer something for everyone \u201d\u201d traditionalists, progressives and everyone else \u201d\u201d even those who do not believe in God.<\/p>\n
The changes reveal a movement that is growing in different directions simultaneously, absorbing non-Jewish spouses and Jews with little formal religious education while also trying to appeal to Jews seeking a return to tradition.<\/p>\n
Traditional touches coexist with a text that sometimes departs from tradition by omitting or modifying some prayers and by using language that is gender-neutral. References to God as \u201cHe\u201d\u009d have been removed, and whenever Jewish patriarchs are named \u201d\u201d like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so are the matriarchs \u201d\u201d like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. The prayer book took more than 20 years to develop and was tested in about 300 congregations. Its release has been delayed for a year because the initial printed product was shoddy, said people involved with the project. But the book is expected to be released in about a month \u201d\u201d too late, however, for the High Holy Days, which begin Sept. 13.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt reflects a recognition of diversity within our community,\u201d\u009d said Rabbi Elyse D. Frishman, the editor of the prayer book. \u201cWe have interfaith families. We have so many visitors at b\u2019nai mitzvah ceremonies that I could have a service on Shabbat morning where a majority of people there aren\u2019t Jewish,\u201d\u009d she said, referring to bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies on Saturday mornings.<\/p>\n