Mishkan HaNefesh Visual T’filah: Frequently Asked Questions

• With the “Basic” version, each slide consists of one image. All text boxes and elements on the slides are merged/flattened. Slides and still be removed and inserted. And white boxes can be used onto of slides to add new content/readings, while maintaining the consistent look.
• The “Pro” version contains individual elements and text boxes which can be moved and manipulated. With this version, images can be placed in the background, underneath the text. It’s worth noting that the Hebrew text boxes are images (with transparent backgrounds) to preserve the font and formatting. They can be edited and cropped as images.
• The free 1-year license set is a special version of the “Basic” slides, watermarked for 2020. This is available to communities who have already adopted the print version of Mishkan HaNefesh. You can apply here: https://ccar.co/mhn-vt-license

You can remove the design elements in the Master Slide section of the Powerpoint file.  You can view a short tutorial here:

Any new-ish computer that can run PowerPoint, can run the Visual T’filah. If you have an older computer, it is recommended to close down all unused applications. The files can be run on most phones and tablets, as well, although it is not recommended.

Images and video can be added on top of existing slides (in the Basic version) or underneath the text (in the Pro version). They can also be added using new or blank slides. Please be sure to use images and videos for which you have permission or are royalty-free.
A collection of curated images can be found here:
• https://unsplash.com/collections/6796259/visual-tfilah
Additional royalty-free images can be found:
• images.google.com (“Search Tools” -> “Usage Rights” -> “Labeled for reuse”)
• http://commons.wikimedia.org/ – the wikipedia of images, eclectic collection
• http://unsplash.com – hi-res, royalty free image
• http://publicdomainpictures.net
• https://www.flickr.com/photos/67981764@N08/albums/ (Reform Congregant)
Some sites where images can be purchased are:
• istockphoto.com
• worshiphousemedia.com
• bigstockphoto.com

Video demo working with Pro:

Yes! You can either drop the files onto the Keynote app icon, or open Keynote, and then “Open” the files from there. If you have purchased the Pro files, and would like the native Keynote versions, please reach out: dmedwin@ccarnet.org

Technically, yes. Although, practically, the basic version of the files (which are all images) may exceed the upload (size) limit for Google Slides. You may need to upload sections of the service, or remove unneeded slides before uploading. Pro versions can be uploaded, but formatting and fonts may need to be adjusted for optimal layout.

You receive a “site” license with the Visual T’filah, which means you can share it with anyone else in your organization who needs access (e.g., for editing or for running, i.e., “visual accompaniment”). You are not authorized to share the files with other organizations or individuals.

Both! Be sure in both cases to use a tool which allows screen sharing, such as Zoom. For more complex video editing, the slides can be exported from PowerPoint as images and inserted into video productions.

In the bottom right corner of each slide, is the page number from Mishkan HaNefesh print books. This is helpful for planning purposes and if someone is following along in the book. The slide numbers represent how many Visual T’filah slides you have in the PowerPoint. These numbers will adjust as you remove or add slides, or rearrange existing slides.

• English translations – Garamond
• Transliterations – Calibri
• Hebrew – Shlomo (a CCAR proprietary font, based on David)

Cases will be determined on an individual basis. Please contact info@ccarpress.org.

• A flipbook is a free online version of the print book. It can be used by service leaders (to share on screen) and/or members of the community to follow along at home. They are only viewed in web browsers and cannot be downloaded. For information on how to use a flipbook, see: https://www.ccarnet.org/publications/how-to-use-flip-books/
• An ebook is a digital version of the print book, many of which are discounted now. They can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=CCAR&i=digital-text. They can be read using the free Kindle reading app on almost every modern device (phone, tablet, computer). Features available include bookmarking, note-taking, and highlighting. They can be used by service leaders (to share on screen) and/or members of the community to follow along at home.
• Visual T’filah^TM is the official name for CCAR content (e.g. Mishkan T’filah, Mishkan HaNefesh) available as PowerPoint files.  They are designed to be used on screens and can be customized by service leaders to meet the needs of the community.

Yes! You can find all services here: https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_list.asp?catID=3838

Yes! You can find it here: https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_list.asp?catID=3840

Yes! All VT services can be purchased individually here: vt.ccarpress.org

The basic version of S’lichot is available. More coming soon…

There are two versions available currently:
1.) VT Template: This consists of just the text, formatted for the screen. It is intended to be further customized and designed (ie by adding images) by you. It is priced based on congregation size, and can be purchased by contacting dmedwin@ccarnet.org.
2.) Paper T’filah VT: This includes the beautiful artwork of Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik and can be found here: ccarpress.org/shopping_product_list.asp?catID=3832 These files are available in the “Basic” format only, which allows for limited editability (e.g adding/removing slides, rearranging slides).