Jewish Book of Why

Alfred J Kolatch

ISBN 10: 0824602560 / ISBN 13: 9780824602567

Published by Jonathan David Publishers Inc.,U.S., 1983

About this Item

Why do Jews eat gefilte fish?Why is a glass broken at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony?Why must the chapter of curses in the Torah be read quickly in a low voice?Why are shrimp and lobster not kosher?Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?Why are some Matzot square while others are round? If you've ever asked or been asked any of these questions, The Jewish Book of Why has all the answers. In 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.

Seller Inventory # 00101034929

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Jewish Book of Why
• Publisher: Jonathan David Publishers Inc.,U.S.
• Publication Date: 1983
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0824602560
• ISBN 13: 9780824602567
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

If you have ever wondered why Jews celebrate a particular holiday or observe a specific ritual or custom, THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY will surely provide the answer. Since its initial publication, this best-selling volume has been an essential resource for Jews seeking to better understand their own heritage and for non-Jews desirous of understanding the lifestyle of their neighbors. In this now-classic work, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch presents hundreds of questions frequently asked about Jewish belief and practice and provides answers that are concise, clear, and straightforward. Whether discussing the celebration of milestone events, the definition of Jewish identity, conversion from another faith, death and mourning practices and procedures, synagogue ritual, or the rationale behind the kosher dietary laws, he presents the range of views held by the major Jewish denominations: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist. The information is presented simply and objectively, replacing confusion and misconception with knowledge and understanding. Enhanced by an index that makes the information readily accessible, THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY is authoritative, enlightening, and indispensable.

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. Rabbi Kolatch authored more than fifty books, the most popular of which are THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY and THE SECOND JEWISH BOOK OF WHY, THE JEWISH BOOK OF WHY: THE TORAH, THE JEWISH MOURNER'S BOOK OF WHY, INSIDE JUDAISM, A HANDBOOK FOR THE JEWISH HOME, THE JEWISH CHILD'S FIRST BOOK OF WHY, and MASTERS OF THE TALMUD: THEIR LIVES AND VIEWS. In addition to his scholarly work, Rabbi Kolatch served as president of the Association of Jewish Chaplains of the Armed Forces and as vice-president of the interdenominational Military Chaplains Association of the United States.