Every area of Jewish life is filled with rich symbolism and special meaning. From meals, clothing, and figures of speech to worship, holidays, and weddings, we find hundreds of fascinating traditions that date as far back as two or three thousand years. There's a Bar Mitzvah, which Jewish boys celebrate at the age of accountability. In weddings, the groom breaks a wineglass with his foot. In the front doorway of Jewish homes you'll find a mezuza-a small container with Scripture parchments. Prayer shawls are made with blue or black stripes. How did customs such as these get started? What special meaning do they hold? And, what can they teach us? Explore the answers to these questions with Steve Herzig in Jewish Culture & Customs -a clear and enjoyable sampler of the colorful world of Judaism and Jewish life. You'll gain a greater appreciation for God's Chosen People and see key aspects of the Bible and Christianity in a whole new light.

This fact-filled volume explains 1050 Jewish customs, their reasons, and sources. Why do we make hand matzos round? Why do we eat dairy foods on Shavuos? Why do we stand with our feet together when we recite Shemoneh Esreh? These and hundreds of other practices are explained in this English edition of Otzar Ta'amei ha-Minhagim.

In an encyclopedic reference for anyone who wants information about all things Jewish, Eisenberg distills an immense amount of material from classic and contemporary sources into a single volume.

Divided into chapters such as Birth and Youth, Marriage, Death, and Superstitions and Folklore, this book provides brief descriptions of common Jewish folkways and the reasons behind them. Among the customs discussed are breaking a glass at a Jewish wedding, covering the mirrors in a house while people are sitting shivah, and the origin of the six-pointed "Jewish star."

TRADITIONS is a treasure chest of ancient, traditional, and modern Jewish blessings positioned between two strong currents of reader interest--an enthusiasm for recovering the lost wealth of Judaism and the universal quest for invigorating our daily lives with simple spirituality. Illustrated with stunning modern and archival photography of historical artifacts, religious symbols, and practical elements.

"The premise of the Jewish attitude toward illness is that living is sacred, that good health enables us to live a fully religious life, and that disease is an evil. Any effective therapy is permitted, even if it conflicts with Jewish law. To bring about healing is a responsibility not only of the person who is ill and of the professional caregivers, but also of the loved ones, and of the larger circle of family, friends, and community." "Illness and Health in the Jewish Tradition is an anthology of traditional and modern Jewish writings that highlights these basic principles."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Discusses the significance and the customs of various Jewish holidays including Sukkot, Purim, and Yom Hashoah. Provides activities and crafts for each holiday.