In an effort to counter the confusion and isolation often experienced by a novice synagogue-goer, as well as by many who regularly attend synagogue, The Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services offers introductions and instructions for all aspects of the synagogue experience. No matter what kind of synagogue you attend, the roadmap is the same. Some synagogues may read certain prayers in English translation rather than the original Hebrew or replace some traditional prayers with newer versions, but the service will still touch on the same topics in the same order for the same reasons. If you know the structure of the traditional service, you can readily find your place in any other one. The Synagogue Survival Kit maps the complete traditional service structure and points out the changes commonly encountered in different congregations in an effort to counter the confusion and isolation often experienced by novice synagogue-goers and regular attendees, alike. Always mindful of the sophisticated, adult reader with little or no Jewish background, Jordan Lee Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains the practices, vocabulary, objects, and attitudes that one can expect to find in any synagogue.
Many new to attending synagogue services feel confused and isolated, unsure of what the different parts of the service mean and how to participate. Whether you are a Jew by choice, a Jew rediscovering your religious traditions as an adult, a non-Jew participating in life-cycle events with Jewish friends, or a Jew who attends synagogue regularly and wishes to better understood the meaning of the services and synagogue customs, The Synagogue Survival Kit: A Guide to Understanding Jewish Religious Services can help.

Jordan Lee Wagner clearly and comprehensively explains all aspects of the synagogue experience. Wagner starts with practical issues to help the synagogue newcomer fit in (what to wear, customary greetings and responses, how to handle a siddur, or prayer book), moves to an explanation of synagogue customs (wearing a kipa or tallis) and synagogue features (such as the Ark and the Eternal Light), and ends with a detailed and non-dogmatic explanation of the different sections of Jewish services.