Michelle Shapiro Abraham, RJE, is the editor of Mishkan T’filah for Children: A Siddur for Families and Schools for Grades K–2 from CCAR Press. In this interview, she shares how the siddur was thoughtfully created to make prayer accessible and meaningful for young children.
How did you translate the depth and style of Mishkan T’filah into a version accessible to children?
The most important priority for me in translating this book for children was creating images of God that are expansive and capable of holding meaning for both children and the adults praying alongside them. I sought to preserve the spiritual depth and tone of Mishkan T’filah while shaping language that would truly resonate with this younger community. To do so, I leaned into relational and imaginative images—God tucking us in at night, God understood not simply as the “Creator of Peace” but as Peace itself, and God as an artist joyfully playing with colors to bring the world into being.
What was the writing and editing process like?
We began by deciding which prayers would have more creative, poetic readings and which would use simple, straightforward translations. I then began writing the prayers themselves—some came easily, while others required much more time and revision. Throughout the process, I worked closely with Rabbi Hara Person as editor in an ongoing, collaborative exchange that helped sharpen the language and clarify the theology. Drafts were reviewed multiple times with careful attention to tone, accessibility , and the audience. We also incorporated feedback from educators and clergy to ensure the prayers would work naturally in real settings with children and the adults praying alongside them.
How does Mishkan T’filah for Children differ from other siddurim for this age range?
Mishkan T’filah for Children was designed to be a sophisticated siddur that invites multiple entry points. The language is accessible enough for children to read aloud independently, while still offering theological depth that encourages parents to reflect and wonder, much like the original Mishkan T’filah. It presents a wide range of God images and spiritual metaphors, allowing children and adults to encounter prayer in different ways. We also took varied approaches to different prayers—sometimes leaning into simplicity, and other times inviting imagination and poetry—so the siddur can grow with the reader over time.
What does Katie Lipsitt’s art contribute to the experience of praying with this siddur?
Her art brings the siddur to life by adding color and visual energy to each page. Her illustrations make the book inviting and engaging, especially for young children and pre-readers, who enjoy exploring the images alongside the text. They offer visual interpretations of the prayers, helping children connect with the words in a tangible, imaginative way. Overall, her art enhances the experience of praying with the siddur, making it both accessible and captivating.
How do you suggest that families and religious schools use the book?
Families and religious schools can use the book in multiple ways. It works well for family services on Shabbat or during religious school, helping children follow along and participate. At home, families can use it to begin learning the service and exploring prayers together. In religious school, it can serve as a tool to delve into the meaning of the prayers and introduce different images and ideas of God. Overall, it’s designed to support both learning and meaningful shared prayer.
Michelle Shapiro Abraham, RJE, is the executive director at JBI Library. She is the editor of Mishkan T’filah for Children: A Siddur for Families and Schools for Grades K–2 and coeditor of Mishkan T’filah: Journal Edition, both published by CCAR Press.
