History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art & Life Cycle

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India's Jewish Heritage: Ritual, Art & Life Cycle
Shalva Weil
Manufacturer: Marg Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 8185026580

Book Description

This book celebrates the cultural legacy of India's Jewish communities: the Bene Israel of Maharashtra, the Cochin Jews of the Malabar coast, and the Baghdadi Jews who migrated to Bombay and Calcutta. The literature on Indian Jews, though considerable, has so far concentrated on their history and anthropology. This volume, in explorin

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Teaching Jewish Life Cycle
Bruce Kadden , and Barbara Kadden
Manufacturer: Behrman House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Teaching Jewish Holidays: History, Values, And Activities

ASIN: 0867050403

Book Description

This is the first comprehensive source for teaching about the Jewish life cycle. Written by the authors of "Teaching Torah", "Teaching Mitzvot", and "Teaching Tefilah", this book contains in-depth overviews of every life cycle event. Also included are hundreds of creative activities about the cycle of Jewish life for students in Grades K-12 and adults, as well as activities for family and all-school programs. Take a journey on the path of life - birth, adolescence, conversion, marriage, divorce, parenthood, aging, and death and mourning. Explore traditional rituals of Brit Milah and naming, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Confirmation, weddings, and funerals. Discover contemporary rituals related to birth, growing up, and celebrating milestones along the aging process. Complete with useful glossary and comprehensive bibliographies.

The Jewish Life Cycle: Rites Of Passage From Biblical To Modern Times (Samuel and Althea Stroum Lectures in Jewish Studies)

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The Jewish Life Cycles

The Jewish Life Cycle: Rites Of Passage From Biblical To Modern Times (Samuel and Althea Stroum Lectures in Jewish Studies)
Ivan G. Marcus
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customs & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Seasons of Our Joy
A Time For Every Purpose Under Heaven: The Jewish Life-Spiral as a Spiritual Path
Back To The Sources: Reading the Classic Jewish Texts
Rituals of Childhood: Jewish Acculturation in Medieval Europe
Lifecycles: Jewish Women on Life Passages and Personal Milestones (Lifecycles)

ASIN: 0295984414

Book Description

In this original and sweeping review of Jewish culture and history, Ivan G. Marcus examines how and why various rites and customs celebrating stages in the life cycle have evolved through the ages and persisted to this day. For each phase of life—from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, to the advanced years—the book traces the origin and development of specific rites associated with the events of birth, circumcision, and schooling; bar and bat mitzvah and confirmation; engagement, betrothal, and marriage; and aging, dying, and remembering. Customs in Jewish tradition such as the presence of godparents at a circumcision, the use of a four-poled canopy at a wedding, and the placing of small stones on tombstones are discussed. In each chapter, detailed descriptions walk the reader through events such as early modern and contemporary circumcision, wedding, and funeral ceremonies.

In a comparative framework, Marcus illustrates how Jewish culture has negotiated with the majority cultures of the ancient Near East, Greco-Roman antiquity, medieval European Christianity and Mediterranean Islam and with modern secular and religious movements and social trends to renew itself through ritual innovation.

In his extensive research on the Jewish life cycle, Marcus draws on documents on various customs and ritual practices, offering reassessments of original sources and scholarly literature.

Marcus's survey is the first comprehensive study of the rites of the Jewish life cycle since Hayyim Schauss's The Lifetime of the Jew was published in 1950, written for Jewish readers. Marcus's book addresses a broader audience and is designed to appeal to scholars and interested readers.

Customer Reviews:

The Jewish Life Cycles.......2006-11-10

This book is great. It has wonderful information on all of the Jewish Life Cycle events. It is a terrific resource.

The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events

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Wonderful Resource
This tapestry is more than a welcome mat

The Tapestry of Jewish Time: A Spiritual Guide to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events
Nina Beth Cardin
Manufacturer: Behrman House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Spreading the News: Sharing the Stories of Early Childhood Education
Reflecting Children's Lives: A Handbook for Planning Child-Centered Curriculum
To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking
Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History
The Scientist in the Crib : What Early Learning Tells Us About the Mind

ASIN: 0874416450

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Resource.......2000-11-01

This book is beautifully written and provides easy to understand information about the Jewish holidays and life cycle events. The reader learns about the traditional ways holidays are celebrated and is introduced to innovative rituals and observances. The author encourages readers to make notes throughout and also offers the opportunity to record ideas and reactions in the personal weavings section at the end. The Tapestry of Jewish Time is a great resource for individuals and families.

This tapestry is more than a welcome mat.......2000-10-27

Nina Beth Cardin's Tapestry of Jewish Time is a beautifully written, carefully researched and wonderfully inclusive exploration of the celebrations and commemorations of the Jewish year and the cycles of Jewish life. In a prose style that beckons every reader, regardless of religious background, orientation, or affilitation, Rabbi Cardin explores the richness of Jewish tradition and the introduces a range of innovations that can deepen the joy of living Jewishly. She invites us into a world of practice that becomes a source of delight, illuminating history, explaining symbolism, and opening door after door into the calendar of Jewish living. Cardin writes with sensitivity to and a clear sense of celebration of the diversity of today's Jewish families and Jewish communities. This book belongs in every Jewish home. You will return to it again and again throughout the days of your life for direction, enlightenment and the pleasure of Cardin's beautiful prose.

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Some Good Insight
A Mixed Blessing
A good place to start
Very Informative
A FASCINATING READ FOR JEW AND NON-JEW ALIKE

Being Jewish
Ari L. Goldman
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Generation J

ASIN: 0684823896

Amazon.com

Being Jewish: The Spiritual and Cultural Practice of Judaism Today begins with a legend. "In the months before a Jewish child is born, it is visited in the womb by the Angel Gabriel. There, in the warmth and silence of the mother's body, the angel teaches the baby all of Jewish learning--the Torah, the rituals, the holidays, the deepest truths of Jewish wisdom. The baby absorbs it all, just as it takes nourishment from its mother. But suddenly, as the baby is about to be thrust into the world to eat and breathe on its own, the angel presents it with a similar intellectual challenge. Right before birth, Gabriel strikes the child on the upper lip, and all the teachings are instantly forgotten." Being Jewish, by the former New York Times religion reporter Ari L. Goldman, takes up where the legend of "Gabriel and the Infants" leaves off. The book presumes, as the legend suggests, that "Jewish knowledge is not external, removed from life, but something inside: the very stuff of life that must be reckoned and recovered." Incorporating elements of memoir, history, theology, and cultural criticism, Goldman's book is a guide for the rediscovery of Judaism's essential traditions, organized in three sections that correspond to cycles of Jewish life ("The Jewish Life," "The Jewish Year," and "The Jewish Day"). This is a beautifully written distillation of the learning and wisdom of one of the best religion journalists of our time. --Michael Joseph Gross

Book Description

Increasing numbers of Jews are returning to their religious roots in a search for meaning, eager to explore a heritage that is deeply embedded in history and at the same time rapidly changing. But what is Judaism today? And what does it mean -- culturally, spiritually, and ritually -- to be Jewish in the twenty-first century? In Being Jewish, Ari L. Goldman offers eloquent, thoughtful answers to these questions through an absorbing exploration of modern Judaism. A bestselling author and widely respected chronicler of Jewish life, Goldman vividly contrasts the historical meaning of Judaism's heritage with the astonishing and multiform character of the religion today. The result will be a revelation for those already involved with Judaism, and a fascinating introduction for those whose interests are newly minted or rekindled. Taking the reader through the process of discovery -- or rediscovery -- Being Jewish is divided into three sections, each focusing on one of the cycles of human life. Beginning with the traditions associated with the life cycle -- birth, marriage, death -- Goldman moves on to describe the rituals that mark the course of the Jewish year, starting with Rosh Hashanah. Finally, he reflects on the character of the Jewish day, exploring the role of prayer, dietary laws, and ethical behavior. All of these moments, from a minute to a lifetime, take on vibrant meaning in his thoughtful picture. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Being Jewish is Goldman's discussion of the extraordinary variations in how Jews live their Judaism today. He finds a wide variety of practices, between Judaism's branches and within them. For example, a family on Long Island keeps a unique version of kosher: they have three sets of dishes and utensils -- one for meat, one for milk, and one for nonkosher Chinese takeout. While traditional Judaism frowns on such quirky modes of observance, Goldman elevates them. Jews today, he concludes, are "reaching for the holy" in unexpected and innovative ways. These dramatically different ideas about how a Jewish life may be lived suggest how difficult it can be for today's reader to find an objective account of Judaism. And it is precisely Goldman's reporter's eye that sets this book apart. Informed by tradition without embracing any one ideology, this award-winning journalist's probing book moves across the boundaries of modern Judaism to demonstrate how it is lived. While other efforts to tackle these themes are written from the perspective of a particular religious tradition, Being Jewish is the work of a sophisticated observer who describes rather than proscribes. By weaving a complex and compelling commentary on Judaism, this inspiring volume encourages us to find our own place within the tradition and leads us into a deeper understanding not just of the details of the religion but, ultimately, of what it means to be Jewish.

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A modern infusion of fresh ideas is changing Judaism, creating a religion in the process of renewal. From Stephen Spielberg to Kirk Douglas, Jews are returning home to their spiritual heritage, ready to read and study about a tradition both rich and supple.

In Being Jewish, the widely respected journalist Ari Goldman offers an eloquent discussion of the meaning and origins of the ritual moments at the heart of Judaism. Rooted in tradition without embracing any one ideology, this thoughtful volume transcends the boundaries of the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements to explore every aspect of Judaism as it is lived today. Beginning with the rites of birth, Goldman describes the rituals associated with coming of age, marriage, and death. From the observance of the Sabbath and the sacred holidays to the role of prayer, the dietary laws, and other daily rituals, this elegant book documents Jewish spiritual and cultural life from an intimate yet objective point of view. It is a work of great substance and wide appeal.

Customer Reviews:

Some Good Insight.......2002-04-13

Being Jewish gives a comprehensive account of the spiritual and cultural practices of Judaism. Similar in content to Anita Diamant's Living A Jewish Life, Being Jewish discusses the many life cycle events of Judaism as well as the holidays and common practices of prayer, giving tzedakah, keeping kosher, etc..

An advantage of Being Jewish is the more specific examples of how the different denominations practice some of the customs of Judaism. The book has a very modern appeal and that is a plus.

However, the author does tend to cite a few times too many that there are people who vary the practice of Judaism to their own needs. To paraphrase the author, there are six million jews and six million interpretations. Whereas some Jews alter their beleifs somewhat, I would say its a bit extreme to say that Judaism can be catered to the individual. Goldman eventually does focus in on the core foundations of each custom, holiday, etc.

And its the history behind each ceremony that makes this book stand tall. Goldman really gives a very good account on the history of the Brith noting the rise and the fall of its prominence in today's society. He also gives a nice history of the first Bat Mitzvah and how this trend has caught the attention of the Jewish Community. Some good summaries from the Bible are included to illustrate such points of marriage and keeping kosher. Even issues of vegatarianism are discussed as a part of the stories of Noah and Adam.

Some good summaries exists at the end of each chapter which make for easy learning. One can utilize the Bibliography as a guide for suggested readings even if it is not too extensive.

A good guide for those intersted in pursuing Judaism further. It provides a good hsitorical point of view while adding a modern touch.

A Mixed Blessing.......2002-03-21

If you are looking for a solid overview of traditional Jewish ritual practice, this book is a good place to start. Goldman begins with the rituals that mark "life events" (birth, coming of age, wedding, death), then runs through the annual festival calendar, and finally turns to daily ritual acts, such as prayer, keeping kosher, hospitality toward guests, sex, charity, and Torah study. For each of these, Goldman essentially takes you through the traditional ritual from beginning to end (with some rituals described in more detail than others).

What I found disappointing was the narrowness of the focus. The subtitle of the book is "The Spiritual and Cultural Practice of Judaism Today," but it really should have been "The Practice of Orthodox Judaism Today." Although Goldman notes in passing where Conservative and Reform (and, very occasionally, Reconstructionist) Judaism differ from Orthodox practice, he plainly considers Orthodoxy to be the "real" Judaism. He claims that "you don't have to do it all" (26) and that he intends to show that all idiosyncratic practices (such as the man who eats his non-kosher ham and cheese sandwich on matzah during Passover) are "efforts to reach for the holy" (32). Yet what he is really asking is "why don't these people do more?" And his "hope" is to make (Orthodox) ritual more accessible, so that more people will make more of it part of their lives. (32-33) I don't mean to suggest that there is anything wrong with this goal; it's just that both the subtitle and the book jacket are misleading to the extent they suggest that this book celebrates the variety of spiritual experiences and practice within Judaism.

"Being Jewish" is also somewhat lacking in the "spiritual" aspect advertised in the subtitle. Given the amount of territory Goldman covers in only 280 pages, it's probably not surprising that the mechanical details of the rituals predominate. But only a few chapters (particularly those on the Sabbath and prayer) gave me any sense of the spiritual experience that one might find in these rituals.

Last but not least, I remain troubled by a statement in the last chapter of the book, concerning the study of Torah. Goldman describes the Orthodox approach as treating both the Written and the Oral Torah as the revealed word of God, and the act of studying as an act of devotion. He then describes the "historical and critical" approach to the texts taken by the non-Orthodox rabbinical seminaries, and concludes that "You cannot both critique and fully revere texts at the same time." (259-60) (To be fair, Goldman also notes that the "faith-based approach" often flies in the face of historical fact.) This conclusion, that critique and reverence are fundamentally at odds, seems to me to be symptomatic of Goldman's attitude throughout the book. If you define "fully revere" as "accept uncritically," then of course reverence and critique are mutually incompatible. What Goldman fails to acknowledge (here and elsewhere) is that there may be other ways to "fully revere" the text (or to respect traditions and rituals) that have the same spiritual impact for particular individuals as traditional observance plainly has for Goldman.

A good place to start.......2001-01-16

I bought this book after a few years of not being interested in being a Jew or following any Jewish traditions. However I did maintain a group of orthodox friends throughout that time but I was simply turned off by Judaism all together. After a trip to Israel this past summer, I became very interested in my religion and felt a need to get myself involved again ...but I had forgotten so much about various traditions and laws that I didn't know where to start. A good friend of mine recommended this book to me and after reading it I feel I understand more about various Jewish practices and feel comfortable in allowing Judaism into my life again. Goldman himself claims to be a "Orthodox pluralist" where he believes that the "right answer for me is not the right answer for everyone" and describes how each person can choose/accept different aspects of Judaism that fit them. Its important to remember that when reading the book...this book is a good introduction to being Jewish but understand that actions and participating in Judaism is important but being Jewish really begins with what is in your heart. And that is something Goldman left unsaid in this book.

Very Informative.......2001-01-11

I'm newly interested in Judaism, and I found this book to be very helpful in straightening out all the different pratices in Judaism today. Goldman writes in a way where he doesn't come across as thinking one way of doing something is better than another way, and I really appriciate that.

A FASCINATING READ FOR JEW AND NON-JEW ALIKE.......2001-01-06

Shows with specific examples how Jews from a wide variety of life and intellectual perspectives search for G-d in their everyday activities.

The Ten Journeys of Life: Walking the Path of Abraham - A Guide to Being Human

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Beautiful, Inspiring, Profound

The Ten Journeys of Life: Walking the Path of Abraham - A Guide to Being Human
Michael Gold
Manufacturer: Simcha Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1558749233

Book Description

This is a book filled with practical wisdom about how to live today. It is a book on how to be fully human.

An old saying goes, "Life is a journey," but Rabbi Gold proposes that life is actually ten very different journeys. We all travel most of them and many of us travel them all, even though we may travel them in a different order. Different journeys may become crucial at different times in our lives. We may even successfully complete one of these journeys, only to discover later that we must begin that journey again.

The Ten Journeys of Life is a guide to being human-a veritable pathway into the basic essence of humanity. Rabbi Gold takes us through an exploration of these journeys using Abraham the Biblical patriarch as a mentor. Based on ancient and timeless principles, the insights and wisdom within these pages are both contemporary and essential.

What makes this book even more meaningful are the "Guideposts for Your Journey." After each chapter, the author concludes by sharing advice and spiritual guidance to help navigate each path.

The Ten Journeys of Life is a treasury of wisdom, fulfilling and consequential. Through it, we learn what it means to really be human and attain true success, but travel we must.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, Inspiring, Profound.......2003-04-03

The cover is wonderfully symbolic. I like the way it is also used to introduce the different chapters, the Ten Journeys, by name, subtitle, quote from Genesis, and related quote.

The concept of seeing Abraham-s 10 tests as representing The Ten Journeys of Life is truly inspired. The book-s subtitles, Walking the Path of Abraham and A Guide to Being Human, tell the reader clearly what the book-s about and serve as gentle, friendly, almost irresistible invitations to come along.

Each of the chapters delivers what it promises. The chapters are filled with valuable insights, grounded in deep, personal experience and the best of our Jewish tradition and way of life. The midrashic stories, personal anecdotes and apt quotes, found in each chapter, bring added dimension to your own profound comments and reflections.

The book is beautifully written, with classic simplicity, clarity and economy. It is deeply moving and meaningful. It is skillfully and masterfully written so that anyone can understand it and benefit from it. The words are bridges, not obstacles. This book reminds me of the highly regarded, timeless classic, Basic Judaism, by Rabbi Milton Steinberg. The Ten Journeys of Life/Walking the Path of Abraham/A Guide to Being Human is in the same league.

Book Description

American or Middle Eastern, Ashkenazi or Sephardi, insular or immersed in modern life--however diverse their situations or circumstances, Jews draw on common traditions and texts when they mark life's momentous events and rites of passage. The interplay of past and present, of individual practice and collective identity, emerges as a central fact of contemporary Jewish experience in Harvey E. Goldberg's multifaceted account of how Jews celebrate and observe the cycles of life. A leading anthropologist of Jewish culture, Goldberg draws on his own experience as well as classic sources and the latest research to create a nuanced portrait of Jewish rituals and customs that balances the reality of "ordinary Jews" with the authority of tradition.
Looking at classic rites of passage such as circumcision and marriage, along with emerging life-milestone practices like pilgrimage and identity-seeking tourism, Jewish Passages aptly reflects the remarkable cultural and religious diversity within Judaism. This work offers a new view of Jewish culture and history with the individual firmly situated at their center by blending anecdote and historical vignettes with rabbinic, midrashic, and anthropological insights; by exploring Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions as well as modern ideologies; and by bringing into sharp relief the activities of women and relations with Gentile neighbors. As such, this book provides a unique window on the particulars--and the significance--of personal and communal acts of identification among Jews past, present, and future.

Download Description

American or Middle Eastern, Ashkenazi or Sephardi, insular or immersed in modern life--however diverse their situations or circumstances, Jews draw on common traditions and texts when they mark life's momentous events and rites of passage. The interplay of past and present, of individual practice and collective identity, emerges as a central fact of contemporary Jewish experience in Harvey E. Goldberg's multifaceted account of how Jews celebrate and observe the cycles of life. A leading anthropologist of Jewish culture, Goldberg draws on his own experience as well as classic sources and the latest research to create a nuanced portrait of Jewish rituals and customs that balances the reality of "ordinary Jews" with the authority of tradition. Looking at classic rites of passage such as circumcision and marriage, along with emerging life-milestone practices like pilgrimage and identity-seeking tourism, Jewish Passages aptly reflects the remarkable cultural and religious diversity within Judaism. This work offers a new view of Jewish culture and history with the individual firmly situated at their center by blending anecdote and historical vignettes with rabbinic, midrashic, and anthropological insights; by exploring Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions as well as modern ideologies; and by bringing into sharp relief the activities of women and relations with Gentile neighbors. As such, this book provides a unique window on the particulars--and the significance--of personal and communal acts of identification among Jews past, present, and future.

Customer Reviews:

A masterwork Anyone who loves Jewish life will love this work tremendously.......2006-08-07

Harvey E. Goldberg is one of the pioneering sociologists in the study of the Jewish communities of North Africa, especially the Libyan-Jewish community. In this present work he brings to bear the experience and knowledge of a lifetime of study and practice as a Jew to provide an overall historical, anthropological view of the Jewish life- cycle.
He opens with a chapter on 'Being Jewish' then considers Birth, Circumcision, Naming . He goes on to discuss 'Rituals of Education' and then has a central chapter on 'Marriage'.An especially innovative section is on 'Pilgrimage and Creating Identities'In this one he opens one of the central themes of the book, the way the increased importance of the Individual in Jewish life and thought has led to more varied religious practice. His chapter on 'Death, Mourning and Remembering' also includes a consideration of communal remembrance. This is not as might be expected his closing chapter, as he adopts the traditional teaching which he is reminded of by one of his many interviewees, and ends with something 'good' His final chapter is on 'Bonds of Community and Individual Lives'.
This book is extremely well written and a delight to read. I especially enjoyed the instances where he brings in personal anecdote to illustrate and deepen a set of observations. Goldberg has a true command of traditional Jewish religious sources, and these texts form one real basis of his life. But what is especially exciting is his reading the communal variations across time in response the religious and communal demands.
As one long familiar with much Jewish tradition and ritual I was surprised again and again by new observations and insights. Anyone who loves Jewish learning will love this work tremendously.
I cannot recommend it more highly.

The Rhythm of Jewish Time: An Introduction to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events

Average customer rating:

A warm, friendly introduction to Jewish Life
A GREAT GUIDE

The Rhythm of Jewish Time: An Introduction to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events

Manufacturer: Behrman House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Jewish Life | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0874416736
Release Date: 1999-01-01

Customer Reviews:

A warm, friendly introduction to Jewish Life.......2000-03-11

In The Rhythm of Jewish Time: An Introduction to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events, Vicki Weber presents a warm and friendly introduction to Jewish life and traditions. Instruction on how to manage the practical aspects of such events as the bar mizvah, the Jewish wedding, or the bris accompany explanations of the traditions surrounding these and other Jewish life events. Prayers for the occasions are included in both Hebrew and transliteration. And of course, with every Jewish life cycle event or holiday, there is food, so several useful recipes are also included. A good introduction for someone new to Judaism or seeking to increase his or her level of observance, and a handy reference for anyone to find the proper blessing or a nice recipe for matzoh balls.

A GREAT GUIDE.......2000-03-10

An excellent resource for any Jewish family looking for information on Jewish holidays or just looking for new ideas on bringing observance into daily life. It is enteraining as well as instructive. This would be an excellent gift for newlyweds, for new parents, or for anyone seeking a straightforward overview of Jewish practices.

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