The Expanded Artscroll Siddur ; Wasserman Edition (Ashkenaz) (ArtScroll (Mesorah))

I have used prayer books from "The Gates of Prayer" to "Siddur Sim Shalom" and have always been left wanting. I never got the sense that other siddurim were including everything that was required, and I was concerned that some prayers seemed to have been changed editorially to fit some ideological or political purpose.When I discovered the ArtScroll series of books, I knew I had finally found my lifelong prayer book.But I was WRONG because ArtScroll recently updated this siddur as the "Wasserman Edition," and it's even better! What's very convenient is that the page numbers in the Wasserman Edition match the page numbers in the previous edition for the most part, so I don't get lost using the new book in synagogue.The best part of the siddur is the numerous commentaries and explanations throughout. If you ever wanted to know WHY certain prayers were said and HOW to say them correctly, this is the prayer book for you!I'm especially thrilled that Megillas Esther and Ruth are now included in the book.Please note that ArtScroll also has a similar siddur that's especially for women (Amazon product #142260036X for the blue one; I couldn't find the full-size white one which my wife prefers). Since there are a lot of time-bound mitzvot that women aren't required to perform, this siddur helps guide women better. There are also different introductions and commentaries that explain why women are so elevated in Judaism whereas men are required to pray so much!

Be aware that there are several different editions. I received the pocket edition which is four by six inches very easy to carry around but very difficult to read especially for anyone with glasses, then there is the standard edition which most people get. And there is also a leather addition which is just the standard addition leather bound naturally much more expensive. They all have the same excellent content as pointed out by other reviews.An additional note on the pocket addition also know as the student edition there is an additional engraving on the front cover “A Heritage gift from Asher David Milstein” given out free to students at the Jeff Seidel Student Information Center paid for by charitable contributions that being marketed on the copy I received.

I am extremely pleased with this Siddur. I usually use the original Artscoll Siddur (the 1984 edition) but ordered this one as an upgrade. The binding of the book is excellent and durable (which I noticed to be the case for all Artscoll books). The english text font is larger than in the original Siddur and much more pleasing to the eye. The Hebrew text is easy to read and with full nikkud. The hebrew and english font is the same as that used in the Artscroll chumash and Tanakh which I find to be very comfortable and easy on the eyes. Book size is exactly the same as the original Siddur but surprisingly lighter. The commentary is very hellpful and gives you a much deeper insight as to why certain prayers are said and what they mean. It offers full instructions on when to bow and stand etc. Truly awesome Siddur and worth every penny. I also have the 1984 Artscoll siddur, the Koren-Sacks siddur and the Sim Shalom siddur but I like this one the best.My only complaint is that I wish the pages (papers) were slightly thicker. The thickness of the paper appears to have been reduced as compared to the original Artscroll siddur. This makes the siddur noticeably lighter but as a result the paper feels abit more fragile.

As a seven year user of the standard edition of the Atscroll Siddur, I've long had numerous notes, instructions, guides scrawled, highlighted, and otherwise indicated to bolster my understanding, context, kavanah, and providing further details. I've seen such notes made in various other people's editions as well. Clearly, so did Wasserman. I'm finding the added material in the Wasserman edition valuable just as my old copy is getting frayed, and just when I wouldn't mind having some larger print. The additional prayers and material are convenient to have in one location, and the fact they've kept the page numbers largely the same is also a relief. This edition is the new standard.

What can I say - the text is clear, consistent and well laid out.I wish the pages were thicker though - earning a one star demerit.If you are studying a part of a service, download it somewhere else, or copy it as the pages will curl up and/or fall out!

I love it a lot , it help me understand the reason behind each prayer, it's like having a date with my Creator and giving him first place.

Thank you so much. This is what I was looking for. I appreciate this and will Cherish it.

The Siddur is very good but now has some real great competition. See the new Conservative Siddur "Lev Shalem." Less parochial.

A beautifully laid-out and comprehensive prayer-book. Large clear fonts and very clear instructions and fascinating commentary.