The Jewish Book of Why: The Torah

What are the origins of the countless laws, customs, and traditions that govern the writing and reading of the Torah? Following the accessible "why" format introduced in his earlier works, Rabbi Kolatch explores the many Torah rites and rituals currently practiced in the synagogue. A straightforward presentation reflecting the practices of Jews of all denominations.

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.