Abstract
The most memorable prayer of the Jewish New Year―what it means, why we sing it, and the secret of its magical appeal. Through a series of lively commentaries, over thirty contributors―men and women, scholars and rabbis, artists and poets, spanning three continents and all major Jewish denominations―examine Kol Nidre's theology, usage, and deeply personal impact. They trace the actual history of the prayer and attempts through the ages to emend it, downplay it and even do away with it―all in vain. They explore why Kol Nidre remains an annual liturgical highlight that is regularly attended even by Jews who disbelieve everything the prayer says.