Where did the italics go?

In our previous prayer books, the italics were the secret code–or not so secret for those in “the know”–that indicated congregational response. The regular print was for the service leader, the italicized print for the congregation to read. Everyone knew their parts. No one crossed the line except by embarrassed error or by specific invitation.

In our new machzor (High Holy Day prayer book) Mishkan HaNefesh, the italics are gone. There is no indication as to when the congregation should join in. The question is: does that silence them or give them more voice?

Traditional Jewish prayer is largely communal. Individuals may daven at their own pace, but all begin and end at the same time. The invention of using italics actually silenced the Jews in the pews in a way (there are also fewer pews these days but that for another time) and, like a script, indicated what voices would be heard when.

I hope that the disappearance of italics is the invitation to join our voices together. Let us all join in whether in Hebrew or English, spoken or sung. Let our community reflect our worship and our worship reflect our community: My house shall be a house of prayer for all people. (Isaiah 56:7).