Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful, perplexing
Review: I gave this book 4 stars mainly on the strength of the translations. Hebrew is not my native language, so although I know what the prayers are talking about in Hebrew, I'd rather pray in the language my heart, soul, and mind speak (English, in case you haven't guessed). And this is where Donin excells. His translations of the prayers are poetic, inspiring, uplifting--simply splendid. This contrasts with the situation of the average siddur, with translations that are pedestrian at best and stupefying at worst.
But I could not give the book a 5th star because it gets so bogged down in legal minutiae that it could give you a migraine--or scare you away from investigating Jewish spirituality. Jews of all branches should be able to use the marvelous translations of the prayers, but the heavy-handed halachic emphasis would probably be scary and/or freaky to someone taking the first steps into Jewish spirituality. If you are Conservative or Reform (not to mention Reconstructionist or nonreligious), just remember to take the stringent approach to halacha with an appropriately sized grain of salt. But buy the book, and use the magnificent translations of the prayers--they will help set your mind on the awesomeness of God.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent guide to Jewish prayer
Review: In my opinion, "To pray as a Jew" is not for everyone. It is written by an Orthodox rabbi, and it does not say things many modern-minded people would like to hear. That is why I think that those interested in learning (about) Jewish prayers should start with somewhat "theoretical" writings on the subject of prayer and "mitsvot" in general by Y. Leibowitz. Once they understand that a prayer with a fixed text at a fixed hour is the only serious way to pray, they they may move to R'Donin's book, which is an extremely helpful practical guide to synagogue and Jewish prayer, written in a very warm and welcoming manner.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, perplexing
Review: Perhaps a bit about me first. I am a non-Jew Chinese Australian who is interested in Jewish spirituality, and I have been to synagogues a few times. I bought this book primarily to help me gain an appreciation of what goes on in the synagogue and to see whether learning about "siddur" will help me in my "journey". The book has not disappointed me. A word of advice, instead of reading this book from start to finish, consider selective reading. I started from chapter 1 and jumped to chapter 11 on the Shema, before I tried to digest the rest of the book. Recommended for the Jewishly curious.
Rating: 
Summary: This book has been very helpful ...
Review: Perhaps a bit about me first. I am a non-Jew Chinese Australian who is interested in Jewish spirituality, and I have been to synagogues a few times. I bought this book primarily to help me gain an appreciation of what goes on in the synagogue and to see whether learning about "siddur" will help me in my "journey". The book has not disappointed me. A word of advice, instead of reading this book from start to finish, consider selective reading. I started from chapter 1 and jumped to chapter 11 on the Shema, before I tried to digest the rest of the book. Recommended for the Jewishly curious.
Rating:
Summary: An essential resource for anyone wanting to learn to pray.
Review: There are few books as easy to read as "To Pray as a Jew." You will find all the essentials ... from preparing to attend synagogue to what to do when you leave and thereafter. If you desire to learn how to make prayer an effective part of your everyday life, then you MUST read this book. It is a "how to", "when to", "what to", "what else" manual. You will certainly wear this book out!
Rating:
Summary: An essential resource for anyone wanting to learn to pray.
Review: There are few books as easy to read as "To Pray as a Jew." You will find all the essentials ... from preparing to attend synagogue to what to do when you leave and thereafter. If you desire to learn how to make prayer an effective part of your everyday life, then you MUST read this book. It is a "how to", "when to", "what to", "what else" manual. You will certainly wear this book out!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reference
Review: This is book is a classic. The book delivers exactly what is promised - a guide to the siddur. It is by an orthodox rabbi and therefore does not conform necessarily to practices in other liberal movements in Judaism. The translations, as noted by other reviewers, are excellent. Other reviewers have commented on the minutae that bog down the book. There is not necessarily a way to simplify such a complex subject. I think the organization of the book is practical.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reference
Review: This is book is a classic. The book delivers exactly what is promised - a guide to the siddur. It is by an orthodox rabbi and therefore does not conform necessarily to practices in other liberal movements in Judaism. The translations, as noted by other reviewers, are excellent. Other reviewers have commented on the minutae that bog down the book. There is not necessarily a way to simplify such a complex subject. I think the organization of the book is practical.
Rating:
Summary: A Guide to Basic Services
Review: While I agree with other reviewers that Rabbi Donin is writing for men, I ignore that and just include myself and my fellow women/Jews. Rabbi Donin may not be qualified to discuss Reform services since he is an Orthodox rabbi, which would account for the omission of the details of liberal services. Other than that, I think he did an admirable job with a huge subject -- the basics of synagogue services, how and why. I find his discussions both sensitive and thorough, although his attention to detail can sometimes detract from the flow of the book.
Rating:
Summary: A Guide to Basic Services
Review: While I agree with other reviewers that Rabbi Donin is writing for men, I ignore that and just include myself and my fellow women/Jews. Rabbi Donin may not be qualified to discuss Reform services since he is an Orthodox rabbi, which would account for the omission of the details of liberal services. Other than that, I think he did an admirable job with a huge subject -- the basics of synagogue services, how and why. I find his discussions both sensitive and thorough, although his attention to detail can sometimes detract from the flow of the book.
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