The Jewish Book of Why

Part of Compass

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$18.00 US
Penguin Adult HC/TR | Penguin Books
40 per carton
On sale Mar 04, 2003 | 978-0-14-219619-9
Sales rights: World
  • 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!

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  • 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!

Hanukkah 2021

The “Festival of Lights,” one of Judaism’s special events though not a biblical holiday, takes place in 2021 from sundown 11/28 – sundown 12/6. The eight-day celebration commemorates a Jewish victory in the second century B.C. over Greek-Syrian oppressors who sought to force the Jewish community to assimilate. It is NOT the “Jewish Christmas,” though there are some similarities. Both holidays celebrate light during a season of darkness, with symbolic candle lighting either from the branches of trees or from a menorah. Both Hanukkah and Christmas are shaped around messages of hope and miracles, a time of wonder meant to bring families together. 

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