A guide to the High Holidays prayers

(My Jewish Learning via JTA) - The High Holidays prayer book, or machzor, emphasizes the themes of the Days of Awe - introspection and repentance.

Rosh Hashanah as the opening day of a court trial

"The great shofar is sounded. A still small voice is heard. This day, even the angels are alarmed, seized with fear and trembling as they declare: 'The day of judgment is here!'"

In a loud and trumpeting voice, the cantor describes the shofar's blast, then softly and gently describes a "still, small voice." This poignant line from the musaf ("additional") service sets a tone for the High Holidays. It...