Q&A: Differences Between the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Prayer Texts
Differences Between the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Prayer Texts
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Since I am Sephardic and part of Religious Zionism, I’ve been exposed to many differences in the wording of the prayers, and I’d be glad if you could shed some light on them for me.
In three places in the prayer service, for example, there is a difference between the Sephardic and Ashkenazic versions that might point to a different worldview.
1. Morning Blessings:
Sephardic – “…and let the evil inclination not rule over us…”
Ashkenazic – “…and do not let the evil inclination rule over us…”
2. Everlasting Love:
Sephardic – “…and may Your love never depart from him forever…”
Ashkenazic – “…and do not remove Your love from him forever…”
3. Aleinu:
Sephardic – “…as is written in the Torah…”
Ashkenazic – “…as is written in His Torah…”
From my understanding, it seems that Ashkenazim emphasize the Holy One, blessed be He, as the one responsible, the primary cause, with less emphasis on the human being, whereas Sephardim place more emphasis and responsibility on the person.
I’d be happy to know what the approaches are and what the differences between them are.
And if the Rabbi can, I’d also appreciate being directed to books about the Sephardic approach to faith / belief.
Thank you very much:)
Answer
Hello.
I wouldn’t hang any theological doctrine on these differences. They aren’t convincing. I certainly wouldn’t assume that there is some general Sephardic doctrine at all (there are many Sephardim, and each has his or her own outlook). I also don’t deal with research of this kind, so unfortunately I can’t help you.