The Rebirth Of The Yerach Ben Yomo: The Ishei Yisrael Siddur

 

The world of printing has evolved significantly over time, offering endless possibilities for creativity. However, in the past, printers and editors of prayer books faced unique challenges that required innovative solutions. One such example is the reintroduction of the “yerach ben yomo” symbol in the Ishei Yisrael siddur, showcasing the ingenuity of its creators.

The Ishei Yisrael siddur, initially published in Jerusalem around 1908, was a collaborative effort by Rabbi Eliyahu Landa and Rabbi Yitzhak Meltzan. This siddur aimed to establish the precise nusach of the Gra and included insightful commentaries by the editors. One of the notable design elements introduced in this siddur was the marking of the “shva na” with the symbol of the “yerach ben yomo,” a graphical representation of this unique pronunciation.

While highlighting the “shva na” is common in modern prayer books, it was a novel concept when Ishei Yisrael was first published. The editors faced technical limitations in emphasizing this pronunciation, leading them to repurpose the “yerach ben yomo” symbol, which was rarely used in printing at that time. This design choice required meticulous effort to mark thousands of “shva nas” throughout the siddur.

The Ishei Yisrael siddur stands out not only for its liturgical content but also for the innovative graphic solutions employed by its creators. This siddur’s legacy continues to be celebrated, even a century after its initial publication, highlighting the dedication and talent of printers and editors in preserving Jewish traditions.

Originally published on JFeed.com.