Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Why would I want a custom siddur?
Q. How long does it take?
Q. How do I get started?
Q. How fast can I see the drafts?
Q. Which translations do you use?
Q. Can I include my own readings and notes?
Q. What about artwork and graphics?
Q. Can I get creative with fonts?
Q. OK. So how much will it cost?
Why would I want a custom prayerbook?
People have lots of reasons for creating their own prayerbooks. Our books are lighter and easier to handle than many hardcover prayerbooks. They have only the prayers that will actually be read at the service, and in the exact order that you will use, so there's no page skipping and no distracting announcements of page numbers. They include the Torah and Haftarah portion, so your guests won't have to juggle books and struggle to find pages. Transliteration of key prayers and songs can make it easy for everyone to participate. Explanations of rituals and symbols are interesting and helpful. And best of all, your prayerbook is a wonderful memento that reflects the reason you are having the celebration in the first place.
How long does it take?
We recommend getting started 6-8 weeks before the event. That gives us at least 2 weeks to work together, discuss the details, make and review multiple drafts by email, and get everything perfect. Most of our printers can reliably set up the books, print, bind, trim and ship them in 3 weeks. Then we like to allow a week so that all of us can relax about this task - you'll have plenty of other things to worry about.
Yes, CustomSiddur can sometimes do everything faster if you are in a last-minute crunch. We can rush the design phase and still make a beautiful siddur, and we have at least one printer that works extremely fast. Ask us. If we can squeeze it in, we will.
How do I get started?
Just call! We will ask you a lot of easy questions, like what kind of event you are planning, the date and time of day of the service, and what style of service you will use: ORTHODOX [see sample pages], CONSERVATIVE [see sample pages], REFORM [see sample pages] or "your own". Then we will put together a draft for you to look at.
How fast can I see the drafts?
Nobody wants to wait. That's why CustomSiddur does everything possible by email. The draft is in Adobe Acrobat® (PDF) format, so anyone with Acrobat Reader® can download it and see the pages exactly as they will appear in your siddur, with all the English, Hebrew and graphics.
Which translations do you use?
CustomSiddur has licensing agreements to use the English translations from:
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CCAR Press Reform Movement prayer books [REFORM sample pages],
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Bloch Publishing Company - Hertz Authorized prayer book [ORTHODOX sample pages],
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Jewish Publication Society - Tanakh: Torah, Haftarah, and other Bible texts.
We also work with the Rabbinical Assembly to get permission for Conservative families to use the translations from Siddur Sim Shalom [CONSERVATIVE sample pages].
Can I include my own readings and notes?
Of course. That's what a custom siddur is all about. Anything you write yourself is fine: a welcome note to your guests, a prayer of thanksgiving or hope for the future, a personal response to a prayer in the service, remembrances of family members and friends... If you find a wonderful poem or song or translation, we do require permission from the author. We are happy to contact the owner for you at no cost. In fact, CustomSiddur may already have permission from your favorite author or composer; just ask us. Note: the owner may require a royalty payment.
What about artwork and graphics?
Original art can make a siddur very beautiful and meaningful. Many types of graphics can be scanned in and inserted among the prayers. Talk to us about whatever you have in mind. If it is your own work, or if we can get permission from the copyright owner to use it, we will be happy to include it. For our standard books, anything on the outside cover can be in color, interior pages are black and white (gray scale).
Can I get creative with fonts?
Sure. CustomSiddur has a large selection of Hebrew and English fonts to suit any taste. [see our most popular fonts]
OK. So how much will it cost?
A detailed price list is on the PRICES page.
BOTTOM LINE: you can get 200 beautiful siddurim for under $6.90 each, or 100 for about $9.25 each, plus shipping. Smaller quantities cost more per book. Sorry, it doesn't make sense to print fewer than about 30 copies of a custom book.