The Jewish Book of whyIn this complete, concise, fascinating, and thoroughly informative guide to Jewish life and tradition, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch clearly explains both the significance and the origin of nearly every symbol, custom, and practice known to Jewish culture-from Afikomon to Yarmulkes, and from Passover to Purim. Kolatch also dispels many of the prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround Jewish observance and provides a full and unfettered look at the biblical, historical, and sometimes superstitious reasons and rituals that helped develop Jewish law and custom and make Judaism not just a religion, but a way of life. L'chaim! |
Contents
General Introduction | 1 |
The Early Years | 13 |
Marriage and Divorce | 26 |
Copyright | |
16 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Adar afikomon aliya aliyot Bar Mitzva became Bible biblical blessing Book bread bride called candles celebrated century ceremony Chag challa challot chametz Chanuka circumcision Commandments congregations considered custom Deuteronomy dietary laws dish eaten Egypt Esther etrog Exodus explained fast day Festival groom Haman Hashana and Yom Havdala Hebrew word holy Hoshana Rabba Jerusalem Jewish calendar Jewish law Jewish tradition Jews Judaism Kaddish Kohayn kosher Lag B'Omer Leviticus marriage matza meal meaning meat Megilla menora mezuza Mishna month Moses mourner mourning night observed origin Orthodox Palestine parchment Passover period Pidyon Haben placed practice prayer Priest Purim Rabbi recited referred religious Rosh Chodesh Rosh Hashana Sabbath Sabbath and holiday scholars Seder served seven days Shavuot Shemini Atzeret Shiva shofar Simchat Tora Sukkot symbol synagogue talit Talmud tefila tefilin tion Tisha B'Av Tishri Tora Tora reading tzitziot verse wear wedding wine women worn Yizkor Yom Kippur