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Why are most siddurim (the all Hebrew ones) printed in all sorts of mixed type sizes? The wording in some paragraphs is printed in huge letters, while other paragraphs are printed in type so tiny I have to squint. Was there ever any rhyme or reason why this was done, and why it’s still done today?
For the printer to make a name for themselves due to their uniqueness.
I believe the change in font size is supposed to relieve eye strain. I don’t know how, or even if it’s true, but I heard that this is the reason.
That makes sense, but is probably not the reason for the great variation in font size.
If the CR would alternate fonts between comments it would definitely relieve some eyestrain for me.
Try Artscroll’s Siddur. They do a very good job!
SiDi™
It’s also easier for those of us who don’t know where all the psukim are sourced from to differentiate between which paragraphs are related and which are not. For example, “Aleinu” and “Al ken nekaveh” are two different tfillas written by two different people and they are often written in different sizes. This also holds true for the Psukei d’zimrah.
It helps to differentiate between different sections, so you can find your place more easily. At least, in my experience.
The same reason why on Jewish music albums, a quick song is followed by a slow one, for variation.
So the children will ask.
That’s actually one thing I sort of miss since I started using Artscroll Interlinear. It is harder to find the place because all font is the same and pparagraphs sort of run into each other. I liked the regular Artscroll machzorim that had smaller font for piyutim that some skip but I still use interlinear for the translation.
A lot of the breaks are there because of seasonal inserts. For example, between Modim and Ve’al Kulam; then again before vechol Hachayim. That’s how Chanuka and Purim affected Rosh Hashana Davenning. Even the Machzor leaves a space for Ve’al Hanisim.
I believe the introduction to the Birnbaum siddur (anyone still have one?) makes a point of the fact that all the type is the same size. Artscroll pretty much uses the same size except for seasonal additions. I suspect the real reason for older siddurim using multiple sizes is to make things fit better, preventing what printers call “widows” (the last line of a paragraph on the next page).
that’s one reason i never liked the Metzudos siddur – BECAUSE each page looked exactly the same, I found it difficult to find a specific place/tefilla. Besides it makes the davening like one looooong monotonous task.
whereas a siddur that has a “tzurah” of different fonts for all the different tefillos, helps me daven with a better geshmak as it is more pleasing to the eye, and also, it helps me find the place quicker and easier.
If you find yourself squinking, I think it’s time for a new pair of glasses. Or a siddur with large typesetting…
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