The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why

Using the question-and-answer format that he employed in his popular Jewish Book of Why and Second Jewish Book of Why, in this volume Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch explores, 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 (Keria) instituted? * Why are coffins commonly fashioned from raw pine wood? * Why does Jewish law require speedy burial? * Why may Kaddish be recited only in the presence of a minyan (religious quorum)? * Why do mourner's sit on low stools during the seven-day Shiva period? * Why is Yahrzeit generally observed on the anniversary of the date of death? 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. Also included are detailed notes, bibliography, and index.

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.