The Tosefta on the Kedushah

t. Berakhot 1:9

70–300

About This Entry

This passage contains an early reference to what became known as the Kedushah, an embellished dramatic recitation of two scriptural verses that represent the angelic praise of God as heard by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel in their consecration visions: Holy! Holy! Holy! Adonai of hosts! His glory fills all the earth! (Isaiah 6:3) and Blessed be the glory of Adonai from his place! (Ezekiel 3:12). The text indicates that these verses, at least, were already recited responsively in the midst of the Tefillah by the third century CE. See also The Palestinian Talmud on the Kedushah and A Version of the Kedushah from the Land of Israel.

One does not respond together with the prayer leader [in the synagogue, who recites the Prayer on behalf of the entire congregation; that is, one does not recite congregational responses or repetitions together with the prayer leader, but rather after his lead, in responsorial fashion].

R. Judah would respond together with the prayer leader [in the Kedushah], Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3, NRSV), and Blessed be the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 3:12).

All these [responses] R. Judah would recite together with the prayer leader.

Adapted from the translation of Tzvee Zahavy.
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Notes

Words in brackets appear in the original translation.

Credits

t. Berakhot 1:9, trans. Tzvee Zahavy, from The Tosefta: Zeraim, ed. Jacob Neusner and Richard S. Sarason (Hoboken, N.J.: KTAV Publishing House, 1986), pp. 3-4. Adapted with permission of the publisher. Verse from New Revised Standard Version Bible copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved..

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

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This passage contains an early reference to what became known as the Kedushah, an embellished dramatic recitation of two scriptural verses that represent the angelic praise of God as heard by the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel in their consecration visions: Holy! Holy! Holy! Adonai of hosts! His glory fills all the earth! (Isaiah 6:3) and Blessed be the glory of Adonai from his place! (Ezekiel 3:12). The text indicates that these verses, at least, were already recited responsively in the midst of the Tefillah by the third century CE. See also The Palestinian Talmud on the Kedushah and A Version of the Kedushah from the Land of Israel.

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