The language of Kol Nidrei, chanted in Jewish congregations just before Yom Kippur, is complex, obscure, and legalistic. Yet it continues to fascinate. Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, professor of liturgy at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, has edited a new collection of essays titled All These Vows: Kol Nidre. Those who want to prepare for Yom Kippur by understanding the reasons for the lasting fascination with Kol Nidrei should read the first half of this book—but may want to stop before the second half.
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