FAQ
Can I use my own design on the bentcher cover?
You may use any design you like on the cover of your bentcher. Please see the section on Customized Covers for more details.
Is it possible to add or remove text from birkat hamazon or other parts of the bentcher?
Unfortunately, we are not able to change the text of the bentcher.
Are the translations in the bentcher gender neutral?
The translations in Anim Zemirot are not gender neutral, they are gender sensitive. Because Hebrew is a gendered language it is impossible to achieve a "gender neutral" translation while remaining true to the original text. However, especially in regard to language relating to God, the translation strives to be as gender neutral as possible while still remaining true to the text. For example, "melech" is translated as "ruler" rather than as "king," and "harachaman" is translated as "the merciful One" rather than "He who is merciful." In the same vein, the translation of the sheva brachot, the seven blessings recited at a wedding or a post-wedding feast, is an accurate, gender sensitive translation taken from the book Engendering Judaism, by Rachel Adler.
Does the Anim Zemirot bentcher include songs that are popular in my Reform/Conservative/Orthodox community?
Anim Zemirot includes an extremely wide range of shabbat zemirot and short songs, including songs which are popular among Jews from across different denominations. This was one of the goals in creating this bentcher - to allow Jews from different backgrounds to use the same bentcher, and share songs from their different traditions.
What changes or additions have you made to the traditional text of birkat hamazon?
Coming soon.
How many zemirot and short songs are included in Anim Zemirot? Does the bentcher include X song?
Anim Zemirot includes 17 shabbat zemirot (both Ashkenazic and Sephardic), an additional 4 shabbat songs, 7 havdalah songs, and 166 short songs, most of which come from biblical or rabbinic sources. For a list of all songs included in Anim Zemirot, click here.
