The Jewish festivals : a guide to their history and observance / Hayyim Schauss ; translated by Samuel Jaffe ; foreword by Harold S. Kushner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shoys, Ḥayim, 1884-1953.

Standardized Title:

Yonṭev-bukh. English

Language:

English

Yiddish

Subjects (All):

Fasts and feasts--Judaism.

Fasts and feasts.

Physical Description:

xii, 316 pages ; 21 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Schocken Books : Distributed by Pantheon Books, [1996]

Summary:

Why is the Jewish New Year designated on the Jewish calendar as the first day of the seventh month, and not of the first month? Why do women cover their eyes when reciting the blessing over the Sabbath candles? How did the Seder originate? Does the Book of Esther, read on Purim, mirror any real historical events? Long considered a classic, The Jewish Festivals provides a rich and charming account of the origins, development, and symbolism of the Jewish holidays, and of the diverse rituals, prayers, ceremonial objects, and special foods that have been used throughout history and around the world to celebrate them. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge of Jewish folkways and customs, Hayyim Schauss shows how these holidays evolved in meaning and importance, depending on the contemporary needs of those who observed them. Written with passion and warmth, this book will infuse your own experience of the holidays with extra meaning and delight.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 287-311) and index.

ISBN:

0805209379

OCLC:

35663179