The Siddur of Rabbi Jacob Emden: From Commentary to Code

Abstract

One of Emden's most significant works was his commentary on the Siddur. He began composing this work in the Fall of 1744 (2) and feverishly devoted himself to it for close to three years. The first volume ('Amudei Shamayim) was completed on the first day of Hannukah 1746 (3) and the second one (Sha'arei Shomayim) some eight months later, at the end of August 1747. (4) Although the enormous pressure Emden felt to complete this work forced him to abridge his remarks, delete various comments and prayers, and structure his presentation very differently than the four-fold division he had originally intended to use, (5) it remains an important contribution to the area of Jewish liturgy. It is also quite significant because it dearly reflects the diverse intellectual interests of its author. Emden the halakhist, exegete, mystic, liturgist, historian, grammarian and philologist all stand fully revealed in this highly influential and multifaceted work. (from Introduction).