machzorim

Machzorim are Jewish prayer books prepared for the special holy days of the Jewish calendar, notably the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as other festivals. They differ from the ordinary daily prayer book (siddur) by containing the expanded liturgy, liturgical poems, penitential prayers, and festival addenda that accompany the holidays. A machzor guides the user through the season's specific prayers, readings, and rituals, with sections for candle lighting, blessings, and mourner's kaddish where applicable. Many communities use a machzor during synagogue services and private study during the holiday season.

Machzorim are produced in various rites, most commonly Ashkenazi and Sephardi, and can reflect differences in language, order, and piyyutim. They include the core prayers of the season along with psalms, reflections, and sometimes liturgical poems called piyyutim. Modern editions often include Hebrew text with translations or transliterations, commentary, and explanations of customs. Publishers such as Artscroll, Koren, and contemporary Hebrew presses produce numerous editions, sometimes pairing the festival prayers with related liturgies for Shabbat and other holidays.

Historically, machzorim emerged in the medieval period as communities sought to organize ceremonial prayers for the annual cycle. They evolved into printed editions from the late medieval era onward, preserving regional liturgical traditions while enabling diaspora communities to participate in shared holiday services. Today, machzorim function as both liturgical books and cultural records, reflecting the diversity of Jewish ritual practice around the world.