As she and her family celebrate these two Jewish holidays, a young girl contemplates their meaning in her life.

Revision of the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 2002.

When Josh breaks the rules and plays ball indoors, he finds himself apologizing not only to his parents, but to Sammy Spider as well. A Yom Kippur story about saying, “I’m sorry.”

When did Rosh HaShana, the anniversary of creation, become a day of judgement? How does Yom Kippur unite the priest's atonement with the prophet's repentance? What makes Kohelet, read on Sukkot, the most joyful book in the Bible? Why is the remembrance of the Pesah story so central to Jewish morality? And which does Shavuot really celebrate the law or the land? Bringing together Rabbi Sacks's acclaimed introductions to the Koren Sacks Mahzorim, Ceremony & Celebration reveals the stunning interplay of biblical laws, rabbinic edicts, liturgical themes, communal rituals and profound religious meaning of each of the five central Jewish holidays.

Despite their best intentions, people are imperfect and will inevitably make mistakes. They yearn for a chance to start over, to right wrongs, and to create a better future by improving upon the past. Several religious holidays around the world are devoted to this task. These observances allow individuals to reflect on their errors and make amends with those they have wronged. Lent, Yom Kippur, and Other Atonement Days focuses on the observation of Lent in the Christian tradition, the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, and Vassa, the Buddhist practice also known as the Rains Retreat or Buddhist Lent. The Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist days of atonement vary greatly in beliefs and customs across different regions, but each has the ultimate goal of the practitioners bettering themselves through prayer, humility, and repentance.

This book provides detailed, yet succinct, information in an absorbing 'question and answer' format on every aspect of the High Holy Days, including history, liturgy, theology, and philosophy, as well as laws and customs.

A powerful collection of writings about Yom Kippur that will add spiritual depth and holiness to your experience of the Day of Atonement. As Rosh Hashanah ends and you look ahead to Yom Kippur, what do you think about? The familiar melody of Kol Nidre? The long hours of fasting? The days of self-examination? You know that the Day of Atonement is the holiest on the Jewish calendar, but sometimes it just feels long, tiresome and devoid of personal meaning. The readings in this book are for anyone seeking a deeper level of personal reflection and spiritual intimacy—and a clearer understanding of just what makes Yom Kippur so holy. Drawn from a variety of sources—ancient, medieval, modern, Jewish and non-Jewish—this selection of readings, prayers and insights explores the opportunities for inspiration and reflection inherent in the themes addressed on the Day of Atonement: sin, forgiveness, repentance, spiritual growth, and being at one with self, family, community and God. These readings enable you to enter into the spirit of Yom Kippur in a personal and powerful way while they uplift and inform. They will add to the benefits of your High Holy Day experience year after year.