Book Description
In this boxed set of the best-selling volumes The Jewish Book of Why and The Second Jewish Book of Why, Rabbi Alfred J Kolatch explores almost 1,000 questions about Judaism, including:
Why is a child born to a Jewish father not necessarily Jewish?
Why is there objection to surrogate motherhood?
Why do some seminaries ordain women?
Why are boys circumcised?
Why is a glass broken at a wedding ceremony?
Why are pork and shrimp not kosher?
Customer Reviews:
Excellent delivery.......2006-03-19
The time of the delivery was very good, in less than 3 weeks I had my books with me.
Wonderful gift and accesory.......2003-09-24
These wonderful books deal with tradtional judaism and more controversial issues like conversion and marriage. The first volume is essentially detailed with accounts of 'who is a Jew' 'What is a Jew' 'What are Jewish holidays' 'What is the Jewish service and its structure' 'What are essential Jewish rituals' 'How do Jews interpret the Torah'. These chapters detail almost any question one might have about what it means to be a Jew, how to live a Jewish life and how to interpret the essential Torah. This volume is wonderful for non-Jews, return Jews, Secualt Jews and normal Jews intreested in exploring their religion deeper. Wonderful excerts explain the origins of such simple items like the Kipa(Yarmluke) and essential questions about Jewish dietary laws.
The second volume tackles more modern and controversial topics. it explores the major streams of Judaism in America(Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) and it looks at the Hasidic community. This book explores the essential topic of conversion to Judaism and how that relates to the various Jewish streams. It also tackels intermarriage questions.
This wonderful boxed set is perfect as a present and for information regarding the wonderful jewish heritage and its 5000 years of development.
Well written and simple.......2001-08-13
Best, I think, for children, Jews by Choice, and non-Jews with questions. It is written on a very basic level. Wonderful reference source for when those occasional "trivia question" moments come up, and you simply "have to know."
Good reference source.......1999-09-07
A well written and easily searchable reference source of the "whys" of Judaism. Explains traditions connected with holidays and major life events (weddings, births, funerals) clearly and concisely. The book has a serious tone, and the reader can expect a serious treatment of the subjects covered.
Product Description
In The Jewish Book of Why, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch addresses hundreds of fundamental questions frequently asked about Jewish life and practice. In this sequel volume, he delves more deeply into the subject matter touched upon in that best-selling work and goes on to explore more complex and controversial subjects, including abortion, homosexuality, birth control, artificial insemination, organ transplants, smoking, proselytizing, intermarriage, Jewish-Christian relations, and the changing role of women in Jewish life.
Recognizing the importance of our understanding how Jewish law developed and how legal authorities arrived at their decisions, Rabbi Kolatch opens The Second Jewish Book of Why with an overview of Jewish legal development from biblical times to the present. He introduces us to the major interpreters of Jewish law, explores the relationship between law and custom, and explains the basic principles upon which much of Jewish practice is based.
Following the same concise question-answer format he established in The Jewish Book of Why and the straightforward writing style for which he is renowned, Rabbi Kolatch addresses all questions without judgment or bias, presenting the beliefs and practices of all denominations. Featuring notes and a detailed index covering both of the Why volumes, The Second Jewish Book of Why is essential for anyone seeking an understanding of the Jewish heritage.
Customer Reviews:
Second Jewish Book of Why.......2005-09-27
Authoritative, covers topics Jews and others would focus on, well-written.
Very good!.......2000-08-13
This is a great book. Not as goos as the first, but well worth the money.
A satisfying appetizer.......2000-07-27
Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch, author of The Second Jewish Book of Why, has such a winning way with the written word that he has managed to turn out one appealing book after another 34 times! The Second Jewish Book of Why is his 26th, and five years after its publication, still available. My college student nephew recommended Kolatch's `books of why,' and I picked The Second because the questions and answers in The First were more familiar. The Rabbi's second book left me feeling as if I had had a very good appetizer, satisfying enough, but ready for more, much more.
While many answers struck me as complete, others did not. I was glad to learn why the philosopher Baruch Spinoza was excommunicated: because he "argued that God and Nature are one..." which, the Rabbi asserts, "ruled out belief ... in God's transcendence...[and] any interplay between God and man." I would have liked to learn how the Rabbi managed to conclude that "Spinoza was not terribly upset" in 1656, when his Sephardic community excommunicated him. Also, I would like to order Rabbi K's 6th book (now out of print), "Who's who in the Talmud." It followed his first Jewish Book of Why, published in 1981.
Fortunately, the indexing is excellent, as many fascinating tidbits are hidden. For example, I was thrilled to learn the origin of "Sephardim," the root of which is the Hebrew name for Spain, and Ashkenaz "being the Hebrew name for Germany." But this is buried in his answer to the question, Why is the term "Oriental Jew" sometimes confused with "Sephardic Jew"? The index in The Second Jewish Book of Why also includes its predecessor, which as of this writing, occupies the 8,370th place in popularity of purchases at Amazon.
A grab-bag of some of the delights of this volume would have to include mention of the many Purims enumerated in the Rabbi's answer to his question, "Why do some Jews fast on days other than those in the Jewish calendar?" In his response, we learn that it is customary to fast before Purim, and that there are communal fasts before all (!) Purims. Then he lists five additional Purims, the most recent being "the Purim of Casablanca (called Purim Hitler), established in 1943 ...on the occasion of Jews having been saved from Nazi occupation."
A satisfying appetizer.......2000-07-27
Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch, author of The Second Jewish Book of Why, has such a winning way with the written word that he has managed to turn out one appealing book after another 34 times! The Second Jewish Book of Why is his 26th, and five years after its publication, still available. My college student nephew recommended Kolatch's `books of why,' and I picked The Second because the questions and answers in The First were more familiar. The Rabbi's second book left me feeling as if I had had a very good appetizer, satisfying enough, but ready for more, much more.
While many answers struck me as complete, others did not. I was glad to learn why the philosopher Baruch Spinoza was excommunicated: because he "argued that God and Nature are one..." which, the Rabbi asserts, "ruled out belief ... in God's transcendence...[and] any interplay between God and man." I would have liked to learn how the Rabbi managed to conclude that "Spinoza was not terribly upset" in 1656, when his Sephardic community excommunicated him. Also, I would like to order Rabbi K's 6th book (now out of print), "Who's who in the Talmud." It followed his first Jewish Book of Why, published in 1981.
Fortunately, the indexing is excellent, as many fascinating tidbits are hidden. For example, I was thrilled to learn the origin of "Sephardim," the root of which is the Hebrew name for Spain, and Ashkenaz "being the Hebrew name for Germany." But this is buried in his answer to the question, Why is the term "Oriental Jew" sometimes confused with "Sephardic Jew"? The index in The Second Jewish Book of Why also includes its predecessor, which as of this writing, occupies the 8,370th place in popularity of purchases at Amazon.
A grab-bag of some of the delights of this volume would have to include mention of the many Purims enumerated in the Rabbi's answer to his question, "Why do some Jews fast on days other than those in the Jewish calendar?" In his response, we learn that it is customary to fast before Purim, and that there are communal fasts before all (!) Purims. Then he lists five additional Purims, the most recent being "the Purim of Casablanca (called Purim Hitler), established in 1943 ...on the occasion of Jews having been saved from Nazi occupation."
Book Description
The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. As children and adults gather at the seder dinner to remember the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, this creative yet authentic haggadah will guide and engage them. It takes children beyond the Four Questions and the search for the afikoman, encouraging them to enjoy every step of the seder. Through stories, songs, poems, activities, and explanations, children can step back in time to experience the exodus as if they themselves were leaving Egypt -- and at the same time understand the significance of Passover traditions today. Lushly illustrated, with the blessings and text of every major section of the haggadah in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration, this haggadah's welcoming and accessible style will make it a treasured seder companion year after year.
Customer Reviews:
Yawn ............2005-04-11
Does it seem to anyone else like the other three reviewers are all the same person? I think they must be, because I can't imagine more than one person finding this Haggadah a good one for children. There's nothing fun about it and much is such a literal translation of the Hebrew text that one might as well use an adult Haggadah.
Why On This Night? Review.......2000-04-12
This is an outstanding haggadah. I will use many of the ideas at my seder this year. Adults and children can learn a great deal about Passover by reading the detailed, yet very clear and simple explanations about the traditions, seder items, etc. The author also includes many interesting perspectives on the different parts of the seder.
Highly recommended for kids and the family bookshelf........2000-04-07
Rahel Musleah's Why On This Night? will reach a wide range of ages, with parents reading aloud to the younger set, as it celebrates the rich traditions of Passover through stories, poems, and activities. There's a lot of text here but the entire family can participate in the book's revelations.
Delightful.......2000-04-07
The Passover Haggadah, Why on This Night, written by Rahel Musleah and illustrated by Louise August is truly delightful. After searching for an appropriate Haggadah for my family over the past few years, I finally feel the search is over. The Haggadah is beautifully written and illustrated and the text is engaging for all ages. Throughout the Haggadah the Hebrew transliteration is available as are the melodies of the songs. We can't wait to use the Haggadah this year and for many, many years to come.
Amazon.com
Why are there kosher dietary laws, why must the chapter of curses in the Tora be read quickly in a low voice, and what's the point of visiting a body of water to empty pockets of crumbs on Rosh Hashana? Kolatch writes lucidly and knowingly, explaining the biblical, traditional and superstitious sources of thousands of questions pertaining to Judaism; the comprehensive index is expertly organized.
Book Description
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!
Customer Reviews:
Great Gift.......2006-01-26
Give a copy of this book to every kid whose Bar or Bat-Mitzvah you attend. It's a terrific reference for all those nagging little questions. A true classic and a great companion to your monetary gift. I'd also suggest it as a good gift for any non-Jew who'd just like to understand their Jewish friends a little better.
Sensible, Readable & Informative.......2005-12-03
This book's question-and-answer format makes for easy reading, and should be of equal interest to both Jews and non-Jews alike. Want to know about Jewish marriage, divorce and family life? How about holidays, rituals, differences between orthodox and reform branches, or after affects of the Nazi holocaust? The answers are found here in this slightly dated book, one that was soon followed by a sequel (the Second Book of Jewish Why). This is an informative and nicely readable reference - one can only hope that authors from other religions and traditions will write books with a similar format.
Basic answers .......2005-09-28
The book provides basic answers to the thousands of questions on Jewish relgious matters.
Its explanations are most often clear and insightful.
Good to have but leaves out important questions.......2004-08-08
I really like these books and the way they are written. The question and answer format make it easy to use it as a "reference" and also allows one to read a few pages at a time.
The question and answer format is also wonderful because alot of what Judiasm is about is questions. "Question Everything" must have been the eleventh commandment.
What is missing are important topics. I wrote to the author in 1996 and he was kind enough to repy to my question. I wrote:
"I enjoy reading your book . . . However, there is a major omission that I need to ask about. Why is the subject of War (and violence) not covered?
Your biography says you were/are active as a military chaplain. I imagine that your role as chaplain and advisor to chaplains would put you in a great position to speak to the question of war and Jewish Law.
Perhaps your wrote about this in another book? If so, could you direct me to that source or perhaps some other Jewish writer has expanded on the subject."
A week later I got this reply from Mr. Kolatch; "I wish I knew how to answer your letter of February 7th. The best I can say is that the subject of war did not fit the theme of The Jewish Book of Why. No, I haven't written anything on the subject, nor is there a book I can recommend."
So you can see, this very important subject was left out, even though Mr. Kolatch was surrounded by military people for most of his career. What a lost opportunity. How sad for us all. His revsions in 2000, didn't answer my questions either.
I hope Mr. Kolatch will write about this concern in his next book. AS I said in my letter to him: "What learning about violence is there to pass on to my 5 sons?"
"The Jewish Book of Why" : A Jewish Work of Art.......2004-03-17
This book makes Judaism accessible to a wide range of people. If you are Jewish and you do not remember or do not know the reasons underlying some Jewish symbols, practices and ways (or you just remember one reason out of the 2? 3? 4? ... reasons for one thing), the "Jewish Book of Why" is incontestably a good reference (although not authoritative). Its handy and easy-to-read format favours learning because it renders the answers to your questions, clear and "to the point", pretty much in the same way as a dictionary. But what is most interesting is that the book does not only ask "why" and answers "because" to all the questions one might ALREADY have about Judaism. By going through the entire book like a novel, others will also discover all these Jewish symbols, practices and ways that make Judaism very rich and inspiring as a religion, an art, a culture. That is why, I rank this book as a Jewish Work of Art.
Book Description
In direct and simple language, Rabbi Kolatch explains the significance of some of the most fascinating traditions and customs of Judaism and introduces the child to the major and minor holidays in the Jewish calendar. The text is enhanced by the lively full-color illustrations of one of Israels leading contemporary artists. For ages four and up.
Customer Reviews:
A nice overview for children.......2007-10-04
I am a Christian, married to a Buddhist, who is raising my child as a Christian. We want to raise our son to have an appreciation for all beliefs. I purchased this book on a visit to the Skirball Cultural Center in LA because I wanted to be able to continue to point out parallels in the various faiths and to start giving him something to tie his understanding to. I think this is a marvelous book for doing just that for young children. I'd love to find similar books about other faiths! I would say that this book is geared for a child of 4 or 5. I would probably push that age younger for a child being raised in the Jewish Faith as the subjects covered would be part of their everyday life at a young age. I would highly recommend this book.
For REALLY young children.......2005-10-09
I bought this book for my 5-year-old, and even she found it too simplistic. She was looking for more information than the book provided. It's better for my son, who is 2.
A great relief for parents who are inundated with ýwhyý ques.......1999-11-07
If you have one of those kids who asks "why" about everything, then this is the book for you. This book answers common question like "Why do we play dreidel?" and "Why do we plant trees?" as well as hard ones like "Why do we fast on Yom Kippur?".
Average customer rating:
- why noah chose the dove
- "Why are you silent?" Noah asked the dove.
- Delightful story, delightful pictures
|
Why Noah Chose the Dove (Sunburst Book)
Isaac Bashevis Singer
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
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Eric Carle's Animals Animals
ASIN: 0374483825 |
Book Description
"Singer's retelling from the Old Testament gives a new dimension to the story of the Flood.
Children will enjoy hearing the different animals praise their own special qualities so that each
will be assured a place on Noah's Ark. Of course, all are taken on board, but because the dove
is the only one that did not boast, Noah makes the bird his messenger. Commenting that there
are more doves in the world today than there are ferocious beasts, Singers says, "The dove
lives happily without fighting. It is the bird of peace." Eric Carle's brightly colored collages
make this an inviting addition to collections." -School Libaray Journal
"Eric Carle, who has a special way with animals, contributes sumptuous pictures to a book which
is not to be missed." -Publishers Weekly
"This great storyteller has put a new and mildly moral twist on the story of Noah's Ark...and Eric
Carle does not disappoint. His cut-out portraits of the animals are colorful and vigorous, and,
combined with his paintings, varied and provocative. This is good stuff for hungry little eyes."
-The Boston Globe
Customer Reviews:
why noah chose the dove.......2007-02-07
I am collecting all of the Eric Carle books. This is one I did not have. I was excited to find it.
"Why are you silent?" Noah asked the dove........2003-03-12
When the people of the world sinned, and God chose the only righteous man, Noah, to build an ark, all of the animals gathered around. They, however, believed that Noah would only pick best of all the living creatures. The animals began to boast and argue amongst each other. "I am the largest," said the Elephant. "I am man's best friend," replied the dog. They argued and argued.
Noah noticed one lonely bird sitting in a tree. Noah asked the small, white dove why he did not boast. The Dove replied that he believed that everyone has something special, that another doesn't. Though, all are equally created by God.
Noah took all of the animals on the ark, but when he needed a `messenger' to see if the waters were going down, the one he chose was the dove. The dove is a bird of humility and peace.
I believe that this story is good for those of all ages. It teaches a lesson to all; we are all equally created. People should remain humble.
It is excellently written and has amazing illustrations. I recommend this story to all. It is definitely worth reading.
Delightful story, delightful pictures.......2002-05-22
This is a wonderful book in which a wide array of animals try to show why they should be allowed on the ark: the elephant argues his strength should save him; the fox, his cleverness; the donkey argues that he is more clever; the skunk, his odor ... Finally, Noah tells them he is to save them all. But the dove who did not brag will be his special messenger.
This is a delightful book that reader and listener will both enjoy.
Book Description
Does God really have a chosen people? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? Why do all Jewish holidays begin at night? When is it okay to tell a lie? What does Judaism say about being gay?
From the mundane to the perplexing, Rabbi Ron Isaacs answers all your questions about the Jewish faith in a manner that is warm, wise, and witty. Isaacs brings his many years of experience as a rabbi and scholar to create a family-friendly resource that you and your children can use again and again to answer questions as they arise in your day-to-day livesâ such as questions about: worship services, blessings, famous people in the Bible, miracles, fast days, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, the Seder, circumcision, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, marriage, keeping kosher, sex, death and dying, medical ethics, Jewish beliefs, Hasidim, Jewish denominations, rabbis and cantors, black Jews, Jewish professions, what others think of the Jews, Israel, ritual garments, the Torah, the mezuzah, Anti-Semitic documents and statements, Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews, language, Jews and cults, kabbalah, and classic Jewish books.
Customer Reviews:
Ya gotta love it!.......2007-01-05
Chatty, easy to read, easy to research question and answer format. Just like having the rabbi right there with you.
Great introductory resource.......2004-06-04
This looks more like like a children's book from the cover but I was pleased to find that it really is written for any audience. The author does a great job of clarifying but not over-simplifying topics so it may even be better suited to adults. Rabbi Ron is from a conservative congregation but is exceptionally even-handed when discussing all movements within Judaism-he devotes a whole chapter to Reform and Orthodox Judaism and briefly discusses Renewal. He also makes for a pleasant, funny tour guide and an engaging representative of Judaism today.
The book is well-organized and easy to skip around if you aren't interested in a particular subject. With chapters ranging on topics from the Torah, holidays and customs, branches of Judaism, history, relations and comparisons between Jews and Christians, and the Kabbalah you'll find enough to at least answer questions if not pique your interest. This was the first book (and obviously not the last) I picked up when I was considering conversion so it's a sentimental favorite. I hope you'll find it as enjoyable and fun as I did.
Hooray for the rabbi!.......2003-12-08
I read Rabbi Ron Isaacs' book, "Ask the Rabbi", cover to cover over the weekend. It was my catharsis from mind-pollution inflicted by the antagonistic tome of a Jewish feminist, purportedly addressing resurgent anti-Semitism. Being a non-Jew, it's beyond my comprehension how she could feel comfortable fabricating odium without any reluctance for her community's rebuke. Surprisingly, "Ask the Rabbi" is my illumination.
"Ask the Rabbi" is a primer specifically for American Jews inactive in Judaism and wishing to discover what they're missing. It's too introspective for non-Jews only wishing familiarity with another religion. Rabbi Ron has collected questions and answers over the years, and has organized them into chapters based on category. Many answers have repetitive elements favoring readers who selectively skip around. By the end, most all transliterated Hebrew terms are explained, but if you start out not knowing your mikvahs from your mitzvahs, "Ask the Rabbi" makes little accommodation. A glossary would be helpful for what I'm sure will be a second volume.
Judaism excites Rabbi Ron. He explains major differences between the four popular movements of Judaism in America. There are adequate explanations of the ceremonies, the rituals, the importance of certain prayers, and even satisfying anecdotes about how melodiously the cantor chants and sings. In my own synagogue visits, I was dumbfounded as the rabbi offered thanks for making us Jewish. Rabbi Ron well-explains that such statements are not to be regarded as insensitive. They are mere positive expressions of the honor bestowed by the Torah. Rabbi Ron's services are conducted in Hebrew, and he gives useful tips for people without language skills. There are also good pointers for keeping a more perfect Shabbat. However, the ceremonies, prayers, and rituals appear focussed on process for its own sake. Inevitably, a question deals with this appearance of process versus purpose, but the answer is redundant.
An indirect question about 'who is a Jew?' needed to appear earlier, because "Jew" is ambiguous. One can be a Jew by descent (Yehudim) as an offspring of Yehudah, or his brothers Benyimin and Lewi, those who also inhabited the Southern Kingdom and later Roman province of Judea. Or, one can be a Jew by the religion of Judaism. While not universal, the two often coincide. Rabbi Ron's convoluted answer touches on both keeping the commandments and the nation of Israel's contentious Law of Return authorizing the Orthodox Rabbinate. It begs the question, 'What is Judaism?'
"Ask the Rabbi" lacks a clear definition of Judaism. From the time of Mosheh, through Shelomo, and up to the Babylonian Captivity, there was no Judaism. The children of Yisra'el are simply commanded to observe the Torah as their way of life. Judaism, as an organized religion overseen by the rabbi-teacher, began during, and as a response to the Babylonian Captivity. After the Temple's destruction in the pre-Christian first century, messianic-Jews, the Yehudim who believed on Yahushua (different from today's "Messianic Judaism"), were ejected from the synagogues and shunned, because they were pacifists in the rebellion against Rome. The artifice of labeling a Jew overtly by membership in Judaism further excluded messianic-Jews. For all such questions that continually baffle ordinary Jews (e.g., Avraham was not a Jew), Rabbi Ron appears to safeguard uncertainty, without purposely misstating fact.
"Ask the Rabbi" earns its fourth and fifth stars in the latter third, where through advocacy of liberal causes, it presents a useful illumination into the Jewish-American psyche. I had previously believed that the damage being inflicted on our society by secular-liberalism emanated from misguided elitists and other misfits. Rabbi Ron shows that for a broad spectrum of Jews, the motivation is religion-based. While not alone, American Judaism encourages feminism, homosexuality, abortion, and the funding of stem-cell research. Incongruously, Rabbi Ron perceives that Judaism is threatened in part by intermarriage and a low birth rate.
A lucid appreciation of liberal issues would find them at odds with Torah. However, from answers to questions ranging from eating Chinese food to beard shaving, one understands that Torah-observance is more or less optional in American Judaism. And as the Messiah discovered, Judaism self-righteously pursues other commands to unnatural extremes, e.g., wholly separating dairy from meat, and not misusing the Sacred Name by consciously overlooking it. Running from the Torah and embracing secular causes seems unwittingly self-destructive.
Yet, Rabbi Ron has misplaced anxieties about Christians, believing that missionaries are specifically targeting Jews. He might refer all future questions about Christians to an informed friend. Messianic Scripture expressly forbids door-to-door proselytizing (Luke 10:7). Out of hundreds of Christian sects, only three violate that stricture: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventists. I doubt whether representatives from these sects have a better command of Hebrew and the Tanak than ordinary Jews. They don't systematically target Jews; they target the unaware. However, there is extra credit for snaring a Jew. Therefore, don't point to the mezuzah cueing the missionaries' leave.
The messianic message was predicted to be imminently and utterly corrupted. Thus, we have the living amalgam we call Christianity. Christianity's interpretations will never be acceptable to knowledgeable Jews. So, it amazed me to see that Rabbi Ron quotes the Messiah's commitment to the Torah into the far future (Mattityahu 5:18). Rabbi Ron justifiably denounces Christianity for misrepresenting the Messiah and His stand on the Law. The Torah is a framework for unsurpassed goodness and freedom. Knowing this truth is what harmonizes the so-called Old and New Testaments. Given his stunning recognition, I was sad to leave Rabbi Ron, knowing that he'd reject further investigation.
Although it's a negative, denying the Messiah seems to be the only constant in Judaism, and its millstone. Because it's the principal motivation, Judaism's misperceptions about Christianity, causes it to waste energy by being reactionary. For no other reason, if Christians are fervent, Judaism is secular; if Christians vote Republican, Judaism supports Democrats. It seems oddly simple, but it's an extremely helpful and worthwhile insight. My blessings and sincere good wishes go out to Rabbi Ron Isaacs and his family!
Easy reading reference book.......2003-11-02
Since the questions for "Ask the Rabbi" came largely from Hebrew School and Hebrew High students, one would think it to be a children's book. However, the breadth of the topics, the depth of the answers, and the almost conversational style of the answers make the book suitable for readers of all ages. Whether you start at the beginning and read straight through, or as I did, skip around to topics of particular interest, the reading is easy and informative. Rabbi Isaacs makes a point to explain many of the answers from the standpoints of the different branches of Judaism. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about the Jewish religion.
Excellent book for Jews and non-Jews alike!.......2003-10-30
This book asks and answers hundreds of questions about Judaism in a user-friendly and easy-to-read format. Especially enjoyable are Rabbi Isaacs' personal anecdotes which fully engage the reader and add to the value of the book. The book inspires readers to come up with their own questions and in fact, if you go to Rabbi Isaacs' website you can ask your own "ask the rabbi" question! This book is highly recommended for children, teenagers, and adults alike!
Book Description
The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is the moral guide of the Jewish people and the centerpiece of its religious life. For centuries, the teachings (Torah means "teaching") contained in this sacred 3,500-year-old document have been read aloud in the synagogue and studied privately by those seeking to extract from it meaningful life lessons.
Maintaining the sanctity of the Torah scroll is of high priority in Jewish tradition, and to achieve that end many laws have been introduced and customs established. In addition, numerous requirements relating to the writing of the Torah scroll and the reading of the scroll in the synagogue have evolved over time.
Following the "why" format he introduced in The Jewish Book of Why, in this volume Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch addresses hundreds of questions about the Torah rites and rituals that are followed today. He also traces the origins of the Torah and explains the different methods of interpretation and analysis that are used in its study.
From why Mount Sinai was chosen as the site of the Revelation, to why a Torah scroll must be written on parchment with a quill, to why non-Jews are permitted to handle a Torah scroll, Rabbi Kolatch explores a wide range of fascinating issues simply, concisely, and straightforwardly. As in his other best-selling books, he makes the information both crystal clear for the layman and reflective of the attitudes and practices of Jews of all denominations.
This title was previously issued as This Is the Torah.
Book Description
Following the question-and-answer format of his best-selling Jewish Books of Why, the author explores the reasons behind the multitude of laws, observances, customs, and traditions that relate to Jewish death and mourning. The answers to the almost five hundred questions are concise, direct, and unbiased, reflecting the practices of Jews of all denominations.
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful, informative... also features helpful readings.......1997-05-14
Coping with the death of a parent is tough enough. Trying to remember the religious traditons and rituals is even tougher - especially when your formal training ended at the Bar Mitzvah.
The author explains and interprets the various rituals. Prayers and readings are also included.
I highly recommend this for someone coping with the death of a loved one
Books:
- Know What You Believe: Connecting Faith and Truth (Know What)
- Kundalini Tantra
- Lammas
- Law of Attraction: The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don't
- Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way (Arkana)
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- LIGHTING THE WAY: NINE WOMEN WHO CHANGED MODERN AMERICA
- On The Wings Of Heaven
- Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis
- Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith
Books Index
Books Home
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The Jewish Book of Why
The Jewish Child's First Book of Why
Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History
The Jewish Book of Why: The Torah
Living a Jewish Life: Jewish Traditions, Customs and Values for Today's Families
