As Global Interest in Davening Grows, JNet Helps Daveners Find Their Siddur

With more Jews seeking a spiritual connection through tefillah, JNet’s Torah Unboxed series breaks down popular Siddurim to help Daveners of all stages find their Siddur, making davening personal and approachable.

Amid a growing interest in prayer, many Jews are searching for a way to start. “I wanted to start praying but didn’t know how to approach it,” shares Lee Stein from Rock Springs, Wyoming—a sentiment shared by many new to Jewish practice. To meet that need, JNet’s Torah Unboxed reviews a range of Siddurim, from beginner-friendly translations to volumes infused with Chassidic depth, guiding viewers toward a more personal connection with prayer.

“Working with young professionals, I see firsthand how this generation is searching for something deeper, often without knowing that Judaism even possesses a spiritual side,” explains Rabbi Mendel Winner, Rabbi at the Chabad Neshama Center in Brighton Beach, NY, and host of the Torah Unboxed Series. “The key to that connection is davening. When someone finds the right Siddur, one that resonates with them, it transforms prayer from a routine into a powerful, personal experience.”

“The Rebbe taught that every Jew has the power to transform the world through Torah,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “Our goal is to give them the tools—not just to be a student, but to lead. With Torah Unboxed, we’re helping each person find the part of Torah that speaks to them, making Judaism personal, practical, and real.”

JNet, a project of Merkos 302, has been connecting volunteer teachers with students eager for weekly Torah study for nearly two decades. The program now serves over 1,000 weekly users and has over 10,000 members across 60 countries, offering structured, accessible Torah study from home.

“People want to start their Jewish journey but can be overwhelmed by the options,” notes Rabbi Mendel Groner, director of JNet at Merkos 302. “With Torah Unboxed, we’re showing them that there’s a Sefer or Siddur suited to every level, making authentic Yiddishkeit more accessible than ever.”

The series is dedicated Li’iluy Nishmas Harav Moshe Yehuda Ben Tzvi Yosef Z”L, who dedicated his life to fulfilling the Rebbe’s vision of creating Torah learning opportunities for everyone. Produced by the Merkos 302 Studio, Torah Unboxed has previously covered other essential Jewish texts like the Chumash and Tanya, helping viewers find editions that match their learning style and proficiency.

For those interested in joining the community or becoming a volunteer teacher, visit www.jnet.org/learn.