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Alfred J. Kolatch

Alfred J. Kolatch was an American rabbi and graduate of Yeshiva College. He was founder, president, and editor in chief of Jonathan David Publishers, as well as the author of more than 50 books. His most popular book, The Jewish Book of Why, spawned a series that has sold more than 1.5 million copies in five languages. He died in 2007.

Books

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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