This beautiful volume, which would make a wonderful gift book for both Bat Mitzvah girls and women of all ages, presents 28 prayers and meditations recited by women, with illuminations by Israeli artist Enya Tamar Keshet. The artwork is inspired by the 15th-century Lisbon workshop of Hebrew manuscript illumination. The prayers, both traditional and modern, are rendered in exquisite calligraphy by Sharon Binder (whose work has previously graced the JOFA Journal). They include Tefillat Chana, prayers for candlelighting and the taking of hallah, devotions to be recited at a wedding by both the bride and the mother of the bride, and prayers connected with pregnancy and childbirth. Also included are a prayer for agunot and a prayer to be recited by a woman before engaging in Torah study. Particularly beautiful is a Ladino devotion to be said before going to bed, originating from the Jewish community of Crete.
Brief explanations of the texts add greatly to the book. In her introduction, Keshet thanks Dr. Joel Wolowelsky for his help in choosing the texts and writing the instructive explanations. The illuminations and decorations throughout the book are creative and diverse (see page 55 of the Journal for a reproduction from the book). For instance, the page illustrating “Gott fun Avraham,” traditionally attributed to R. Levi of Berdichev and recited by many women on Saturday night, presents in micrography, text from prayers said at the conclusion of Shabbat —in the shape of a spice box, its fragrance in the form of blessings surrounding it and flowing upward.