(Part 1) This may be an odd question and I apologize for it being so long but I recently started watching live-streams of my local conservative shul’s services. I’ve noticed the Rabbis will read the first few words of a verse, then go quiet for a bit (I assume for people to continue on their own) and then read the last sentence of the verse. Problem is I can never read the verses fast enough to keep up. I’ll be half way through and the Rabbi will say the last sentence.
(Part 2) For context: I am fluent in Hebrew (it's my first language) and read pretty fast so that's not the problem. I also use an ArtScroll siddur since it's the one I have at home. The psalms are one thing but I can't even get through the Amidah without the Rabbi moving on to the next thing. Since it's live I can't pause to catch up so I often feel rushed and stressed out.
(Part 3) guess my questions are: 1. Does the Sim Shalom siddur have abridged versions of some of the psalms, etc. or are the Rabbis are just so used to the text that they are able to fly through? 2. Is this style of service pretty common or does it vary shul by shul (or denomination by denomination)? Like do some Rabbis read the entire verses? 3. And finally, what should I do about not being able to get through the verses? I'd really like to, especially the Amidah. Thanks!
