Reading guide
What is the difference between a Siddur and a Machzor?
Two prayer books with different roles on weekdays, Shabbat, and major festivals.
A Siddur is mainly used for daily prayer, Shabbat, and parts of the festival cycle. A Machzor (also spelled Mahzor in some editions) contains the distinctive liturgy of major festivals, especially Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The Siddur
It provides the regular order of prayer for recurring use at home and in the synagogue.
The Machzor
It includes additions, liturgical poems (piyyutim), and services particular to a festival or festival season — a Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Machzor is noticeably larger than an everyday Siddur.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Siddur be used on Rosh Hashanah?
A Machzor is normally more practical because it contains the extensive festival liturgy.
Is there one Machzor for every holiday?
Some editions combine festivals; others dedicate a volume to one occasion.
Sources
This guide is informational. Practices vary among communities; questions of religious practice should be addressed to a qualified authority.