Jewish Mourner's Book of Why - Softcover

Alfred J. Kolatch

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0824603826 ISBN 13: 9780824603823

Publisher: Jonathan David Publishers, 1993

Synopsis

Using the question-and-answer format he employed in his popular THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY, THE SECOND JEWISH BOOK OF WHY, and THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY: THE TORAH, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch explains and analyzes the reasons behind the multitude of Jewish laws, observances, customs, ceremonies, and traditions relating to death and mourning. Among the questions addressed are: *Why was the practice of tearing a garment instituted? *Why are coffins commonly fashioned from raw pine wood? *Why does Jewish law require speedy burial? *Why do mourners sit on low stools during the seven-day Shiva period? The answers that Rabbi Kolatch offers to the hundreds of questions presented in this volume are concise, straightforward, and unbiased, reflecting the attitudes, customs, and practices of Jews of all denominations. THE JEWISH MOURNER'S BOOK OF WHY features a selection of readings that will bring comfort to the bereaved. The useful appendices include an unveiling service that can be conducted by a family member; the various forms of the Kaddish prayer in Hebrew, in transliteration, and in English translation; as well as a Yizkor service for those who are homebound. Includes detailed notes, bibliography, and index.

About this title

About the Author

Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers' Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa. From 1941 to 1948 he served as rabbi of congregations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a chaplain in the United States Army. In 1948 he founded Jonathan David Publishers, of which he was also president and editor-in-chief. Rabbi Kolatch has authored numerous books, the most popular of which are the best-selling JEWISH BOOK OF WHY and its sequel, THE SECOND JEWISH BOOK OF WHY. Several of his works deal with nomenclature, about which he was an acknowledged authority. THE NEW NAME DICTIONARY and THE COMPLETE DICTIONARY OF ENGLISH AND HEBREW FIRST NAMES are among his most widely used references on the subject. Other books by the author include THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY: THE TORAH, THE JEWISH MOURNER’S BOOK OF WHY, MASTERS OF THE TALMUD, and THE FAMILY SEDER.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jonathan David Publishers
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0824603826
• ISBN 13: 9780824603823
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 420