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 | |
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Common terms and phrases
Adar aliya aliyot Bar Mitzva became Berachot Bible biblical blessing Book bread bride called candles celebrated century ceremony Chag challa challot chametz Chanuka circumcision Commandments communities congregations considered custom deceased Deuteronomy dietary laws eaten Egypt Esther etrog Exodus explained fast day festival groom Haman Havdala Hebrew word High Holidays holy Hoshana Rabba Jerusalem Jewish calendar Jewish law Jewish tradition Jews Judaism Kaddish Kohayn kosher Lag B'Omer Leviticus marriage matza matzot meal meaning meat Megilla menora mezuza Mishna month Moses mourners mourning night observed origin Orthodox Palestine parchment Passover period Pesach Pidyon Haben placed practice prayer Priest Purim Rabbi recited referred religious Rosh Chodesh Rosh Hashana Sabbath Sabbath and holidays scholars Seder served Shavuot Shemini Atzeret Shiva shofar Simchat Tora Sukkot symbol synagogue talit Talmud tefila tefilin Temple tion Tisha B'Av Tishri Tora Tora reading tzitziot verse wear wedding wine women worn Yizkor Yom Kippur