Rating: 
Summary: Too Small and Softbound
Review: Aside from the annoyance of having all transliterations in ashkenazic pronunciation ("shabbat" -> "shabbos," etc.), this is a spectacular siddur, full of information that can help those who don't know all the traditional laws and customs of Jewish prayer learn. I love the "laws" section in the back, and really appreciate the instructions throughout on when to stand, bow, etc. If it had a little more commentary, it could almost replace my rabbi! My understanding is that the sephard versions still have the ashkenaz-style transliteration, but are organized a little differently to fit sephardic services better. But be careful when ordering, because there are a lot of editions, and amazon doesn't always describe them accurately. Probably the best for everyday use is the pocket-size hard cover, because it's small but durable. But here are the ISBNs of the various editions of the Complete Artscroll Siddur: 0-89906-650-X = full-size hardcover ashkenaz 0-89906-654-2 = pocket-size hardcover ashkenaz
0-89906-655-0 = pocket-size paperback ashkenaz
0-89906-657-7 = full-size hardcover sephard
0-89906-658-5 = pocket-size hardcover sephard
0-89906-659-3 = pocket-size paperback sephard Note also that Amazon doesn't always send out the correct version. I ordered a pocket-size paperback ashkenaz edition, for example, and received the full-size hardcover ashkenaz. But amazon will take it back and replace it for free if they make a mistake, which is one more reason I keep buying stuff here.
Rating: 
Summary: Artscroll does it every time
Review: Compared with bookstores at $54.00, I got two (2) for 59 and change... that's pretty close to 50% off.. delivered to my door! Artscroll is best for its notes and instructions. Comprehensive guidelines combined with Artscroll's universal acceptance as authoritative in the Orthodox world make this publication a BEST BUY!
Rating: 
Summary: A good siddur
Review: I do not davven with the Artscroll Siddur everyday . But I do sometimes davvan with it on Shabbat, and on holidays. Though I know Hebrew quite well, often the English translation helps my understanding. I too sometimes enjoy reading certain prayers in English and deepening my understanding in this way.
I also learn from the explanations and commentary. I am not completely happy with the ' absolute definitiveness of Artscroll' as if all is answers and Artscroll has them all. There are times one wants questions and alternative readings. And yet I too very much take strength at times from the strong faith and conviction of Artscroll Commentary. I know what I have just said is in a sense contradictory, but such is our inner reality.
I think it is right to say that the English translation is stilted at times , and there is a desire for something to match the poetic beauty of the Hebrew.
But on the whole this is good siddur , and one which can also add to one's power of understanding ' tefillah' ( prayer).
Rating: 
Summary: Translation: Lacking. Overall: Big Thumbs Up!
Review: I have to agree with a previous reviewer when I mention the translation of this siddur (prayer book). It is most definitely lacking. That doesn't mean it is without use. Quite the contrary. I must say this is the best siddur out there for a learning Baal Teshuva (person who has returned to traditional Judaism).
The instructions in the Artscroll Siddurim can be at time burdensome; however, for a person who is not fully familiar with all of the halakha (Jewish law) with regards to prayer, they offer wonderful insights and tools useful as jumping blocks for further study and investigation. A good siddur is more than just a good and accurate translation when you are new to davening (praying). It must include such instructions which to the advanced davener seem pointless and frustrating (such as bowing at Modim and how this is done).
If you don't have a way to learn from a rabbi, or else you need constant reminders like I did, this is the siddur for you. If you want a thorough translation which you can follow while davening, I suggest you check out Artscroll's Schottenstein Edition with an interlinear translation.
Good luck, and may this or any siddur accompany you on your journey towards HaShem (G-d). Do your part to bring Moshiach in our lifetime. Shalom.
Rating:
Summary: Roadmap to Jewish Life
Review: If you're Jewish (or ever hope to be!), you NEED a siddur. It took me years to figure that out, and now I'm amazed that I ever went without one. The Artscroll is the single best siddur for general use. It includes daily, Shabbat, and many holiday prayers, as well as the entire book of Psalms, weekday Torah readings, inspirational verses, along with simple instructions in English to guide you in what may be your first steps towards praying as a Jew. While some of the sections (like the Psalms and Torah readings) are exclusively in Hebrew, in general, this is a very accessible book with lucid modern translations. This book makes no apologies for its traditional leanings, but serves them well and proudly. The prayers recall the historic Temple, sacrificial practices, our faith in God, the future messiah and the world to come. Jews from a Conservative background will find much of the material here familiar, but for others, this siddur may offer a first introduction to these ancient values which, for centuries, have been the backbone of Jewish prayer. No matter which Siddur they use in your shul, this beautiful volume is a proud addition to any Jewish home.
Rating:
Summary: Traditional Jewish Prayer made understandable for all
Review: My late father, of blessed memory, when he was dying, gave my two sons and me one final gift before he died .... he gave us each an Artscroll Siddur. This precious gift makes the Jewish services for daily prayer and Sabbath understandable for all Jews. The translation and commentaries are lucid. The Hebrew is laid out in a manner which makes it easy to follow. The order of the services is set forth clearly. This prayerbook is 100% traditional yet it is made so Jews who are not yet conversant in daily prayer can become so by following this well composed prayerbook. My father's gift has enriched my family. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Too Small and Softbound
Review: Nowhere is it mentioned that this is a pocket edition 4"x6" and that "leatherbound" here is a "leatherized" soft cover. Leather bindings by definition refer to a hard cover, not a paperback finished in a leather laminate. Print is microscopic.
Rating:
Summary: The pocket edition of The Complete Artscroll Siddur
Review: The complete Artscroll Siddur (Ashkenaz) is a very good basic siddur. It has some good and not so good features I would like to share with others who are considering this siddur. I like the readability and clarity of this siddur. It takes me through the prayers methodically. Intertwined with the basic structure are the wonderful pieces of timeless teachings by the Sages and Rabbis, songs, and other writings that have helped steer the Jewish community over centuries. It has the following basic structure: Morning services; Blessings; Afternoon and evening services; Welcoming of Sabbath and festivals; Evening, morning and afternoon services for Sabbath and festivals; Conclusion of Sabbath; Monthly rites; Yearly festival and memorial rites; Selected Torah readings; Psalms; Insight on various Laws. Like all other Artscroll products, the typesetting in this suddur is beautiful. The Hebrew and Aramaic are very readable. The weekly, monthly, and seasonal additions are offsetted in a shaded background. The service choreography is clearly marked. Important prayer section indicators are bolded. Different type sizes are used to accurately reflect how the letters are represented in the Torah scrolls and other scrolls. The use of Rapheh eliminates the guesswork of if the Shewa is voiced or not to many new readers to Hebrew and Hebredised Aramaic. Key words and letters are indexed in Hebrew in the English page that faces the Hebrew page, so that even those who are not fluent enough on Hebrew can readily follow the prayers. The siddur has rich array of footnotes that give insight on how the prayers were constructed. However, the opinions expressed have a tendancy to be extremely conservative. Though I have seen the Prayer for the Government and the Prayer for the State of Israel in the full-sided editions, my pocket version of do not contain these prayers... so it seems the title of this siddur is just a little misleading. Though I like the structure of Philip Birnbaum's Ha-Siddur Ha-Shalem better, the readability alone makes this siddur worth an investment.
Rating:
Summary: Artscroll Siddur: My Siddur of Choice
Review: This is a classic siddur, with an authentic translation of the Hebrew text side-by-side. The Artscroll siddur is my siddur of choice. Highly recommended.
Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated
Rating:
Summary: One of your most faithful and reliable everyday companion
Review: This is a full Siddur version, with a page-by-page translation, but no transliteration, for both weekdays, Shabbes and Festival services (Pesach, Shavuos, Succos, portions of Erev Rosh Hashana and Erev Yom Kipur, etc.). The Hebrew calligraphy is relatively large, pleasant and nice to read, the different portions to be read/recited on various portions of the year/Festivals are aptly delineated and separated (shaded areas, with timely insertions) so as not to create any confusion for unversed attendants, as each service is described in detail for both Chazzan and congregational recitations/prayers as to the various parts/portions of the respective service. Apart from various specific timely Berachot and their explanations, this Siddur contains Pirkei Avot in full, Shir Hashirim, the weekday and Festival Torah readings, plus a full portion of Tehilim. Hard to put anymore in there, it seems. There is also an abundance of explicative small footnotes/halakhot/midrashot/agados/mishnayos/gemaros etc. you just name it, that can be quite helpful for both maven and novice. Hard to do any better. As is well-known, the Artscroll Siddur series are among the finest available, so that this Siddur might well end up being one of your best and most faithful companion in your attempt at leading an ordered and observant life, davening, benching, etc. Once tried, you'll have a hard time doing without. So why give it only four stars? This is due to my limited human capacity/ability, which does not let me put this Siddur to use to its full extent, and thereby give it the five stars it rightly deserves.
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