Book Description
"I've yet to read more remarkable insights into the Jewish feasts and holidays. Would that every Christian could understand their roots as Mrs. Zimmerman does."
Jan Markell
The great religious feasts as described in the Old Testament and Jewish tradition are full of spiritual truth presented in the New Testament. When those festivals are re-enacted in the Christian home, children have a living picture of Bible principles. They learn far better by experiencing than by only hearing.
The author carefully researched these festivals, and they all have been acted out with her own family. She then prepared the complete information necessary to recreate the symbolic representations of Christ as found in the holy celebrations of the Old Testament.
First, the significance of each feast is carefully explained.
Next, the materials (almost all will be found in your own home) for the observance are listed.
Finally, the full details on "how to celebrate" are carefully explained.
Seven celebrations are presented: The Sabbath, The Passover, The Feast of First-fruits, The Feast of Pentecost, The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, and The Feast of Tabernacles.
Here is an exciting innovation for building spiritual family traditions in your home. Bring a copy home, and introduce your family or church to a whole new learning experience of God's truth.
Customer Reviews:
A so-so book........2007-02-10
Celebrating the Feasts with family is a noble endeavor.I feel that this book has merit on that idea alone.
However,celebrating Sunday as a weekly Sabbath is incorrect.The Sabbath from a Scriptural standpoint has always been the Seventh Day.The passage that the author uses does not reveal the day of Christ's resurrection.
I noticed that Mrs. Zimmerman used the NASB for most of her Scripture quotes.She also used the New Berkely Version.A lot of authors use the NIV.Mrs. Zimmerman is to be commended for her choice of Bibles used.
Needs Extensive Revisions.......2003-04-24
I have studied Jewish holidays in both their Jewish and Messianic context, and I can confirm the position of another reviewer: that is, the book presents less of a Christian perspective than a Christian revamping. The problem is that often times Christians will drastically alter the method of celebration. For example, in the Passover haggadah, the fifteen steps are completely missing in a logical fashion, despite the fact the fifteen steps are designed to replace the use of the Psalms of Ascents from the Second Temple period, when the haggadah was formed. Another example is Shavout. She recommends playing a game of "slaps" to keep one awake all night to study Torah. However, I do believe that I have the backing of several authorities when I say that if one must force themselves awake, it is less meritorious than had they just gone to bed when they got tired. Zimmerman states in the portion about Kashering for Passover that we are "teaching principles, not rules." However, it is important to remember in the laws of Pesach that the alien who desires to celebrate Pesach must abide by the same rules of removing leaven as a Jew. Not that I am advocating a legalistic or even strict interpretation of the rules of Kashrut for Pesach, but I am saying you cannot pick and choose which part of the holiday you will keep and which you will not. Of course, there is also a demonstrated lack of understanding of Talmudic regulations towards the holidays, again in regards to Shavout. Zimmerman and her family mark the first fruit to grow on their fruit trees to be offered when they ripen, in accordance with the Biblical command, I will admit. However, agricultural injunctions are only applicable inside of Israel. There is also the omission of other holidays, such as Chanukah and Purim. Even though they are not mentioned in the Torah, there are indications in the New Testament that Jesus celebrated at least Chanukah. All this is to say that there are some very serious problems with the book.
Nevertheless, there are some things to be said for the book. First, it shows Christians that there is not only a way to celebrate these holidays, but also that it can be relevant to them. Most Christians view these holidays as archaic and inapplicable to modern Christianity (there is a similar crisis in some portions of Judaism) and many are distrustful of Messianic Judaism for whatever reason. It is for that reason important for a Gentile, Protestant Christian to approach these holidays from the starting point of being a Gentile, with no pretensions as to a Jewish background whatsoever. In essence, one of our own is doing it, maybe we can, too. Secondly, it demonstrated to liberal and conservative Protestants that perhaps they, as a community, can celebrate these holidays, for the same reasons above.
I would really give this book 2 1/2 stars if I could. It needs some serious revisions to the recommended method of implementation for the holidays; a more thorough understanding of the Talmud wouldn't hurt either. I also would have liked to see her refer more on how she went about implementing her decision to celebrate Biblical/Jewish holidays within her family and later in her church community. Specifically, these tips would have been helpful, I'm sure. On the whole, it's a good start, though I do recommend that you do not take anything as authoritative unless you can see it backed up somewhere else, preferably from a traditional or Messianic source.
Very helpful in our homeschool........2001-11-15
This book looks so good! Just what I need.
It is called Celebrate the Feasts and it is all about making the traditions described in the Old Testament real and alive to you and your family. Martha Zimmerman wants us to experiences the Word of God through seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting and feeling.
The writer does not want the book to used in a legalistic way but rather to tie in and have the jigsaw all fit together!
First, Martha Z explains why the feasts were important and then she lists the materials you'll need to oberve your own. (she does think that most materials will be found in your own home) and then she gives details on how to celebrate these feasts in your own home.
Feasts that are looked at are - Sabbath,
Passover
the Omer (Feats of the First Fruits)
Shavuoth (Feats of Pentecost)
Rosh Hashanah (Feats of Trumpets)
Yom Kippur ( Day of Atonement) and
Sukkoth (the Feasts of Tabernacles)
Even I can understand this book!
Poor understanding of the feasts and ceremonies.......2001-02-20
If you really want to understand the appointed times and feasts, read God's Appointed Times (Kasdan) or The Fall Feasts of Israel (Glaser). The author of this book doesn't have a firm grasp of the rituals, and in some cases, even has things backward. For instance, in her sample Passover seder, she translates the worshipful Dayenu (it would have been sufficient) into the lamenting "we should have been satistied." It's a good idea, but a bad implementation.
Celebrate the Feasts : of the Old Testament in Your Own Home.......2000-04-20
A wonderful resource! Written from a Christian perspective, Martha Zimmerman gives step-by-step instructions on how to celebrate Old Testament feasts in your home. Included holidays are Passover, Sabbath, Feast of Booths, and others. Each section is devoted to a particular holiday, and contains recipes, lists of needed items and, most importantly, ways to teach and include children in the festivities. What we found especially poignant were the New Testament fulfillment verses that Mrs. Zimmerman has interwoven throughout the traditional services. A wonderful resource for today's Christian families!
Book Description
See the story of the Messiah's first coming and His second coming in the Biblical Feast Days! This giant, almost 600-page book gives an overview of nine holidays: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles, Hanukkah and Purim. This books explains the historical, agricultural, spiritual, and prophetic purposes of each holiday, showing how each points to Christ and creative ways to teach them to your children! Includes projects, crafts, recipes, games, and songs for celebrating each holiday.
Also includes instructions for a weekly Bible study and instructions using the Special Home School Section to incorporate the teaching of the biblical holidays with the academic school subjects! Excellent, fascinating information about the true New Testament Church and our Hebrew roots also included! Learn the teaching method God uses to teach His children. The ultimate hands-on Bible lessons! Teach your children the way God instructed the Hebrews to teach their children --with annual events telling the story of His people and the coming of Jesus. Do you enjoy learning about symbolism in the Bible? See Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, all foretold in the Spring holidays, and find out how to recognize His second coming by learning about the Fall holidays!
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive and User-Friendly.......2006-11-29
The Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays is well-written, informative, and user-friendly, especially to those new to study of Hebrew roots of Christianity. The only place I see room for improvement is in the reproducible pages; some of my pages don't seem to be printed very clearly.
A Gold Mine! A must have it!.......2005-09-12
This book is like finding a gold mine. We have been using it for home school and my husband (pastor) also uses it to teach about the Holidays in our ministry. The activities offered for children are simply wonderful and easy to follow.
I love how the authors explain both the Jewish traditions, biblical references both OT and NT and the Messianic meaning,are incorporated in it. I also found that the authors were not pushy about you having to do everything by the book. They leave so much room for you to think and make up your mind about things, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you through.
Another plus for this book, are the gold nuggets of truths about Christian history that you never hear it in church (somewhat sad!) Its explained without being negative and putting it down. I found the explanations about the Holidays very biblically and historically accurate. We as Christians have been robbed of our true roots and the beauty of God's Appointed Times.
There are innumerous resources and links in the book.
We have celebrated the spring Holidays for the first time this year and looking forward to the Fall ones.
I did not find the size of the book a problem as someone else mentioned below.
Like I said this is a gold mine and its worth every penny invested in it.
As the title says, it is a "Family Guide" .......2004-12-17
If you are coming around to understanding the extrabiblical nature of the Roman feasts, you're probably looking for a way to wean your family off of those dialectical, pagan/Christian festivals. Perhaps your spouse isn't "on board" yet because you're both unsure of how to break it to the kids without leaving them feeling deprived.
Or, maybe you're a "Sunday school" teacher looking for a way to teach your young pupils about the seven "Feasts of the Lord" from a Christian perspective.
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
The book starts with a general calendar for the year and a simple, yet comprehensive, explanation of the calendar. Then, each feast is presented in order.
At the head of each festival's chapter, a concise and well written explanation of the feast is given. These descriptive sections are well suited for the adult teacher and provide enough information to provide a solid basis for teaching. These sections are perhaps even suitable for students with a 5th grade reading comprehension level (about the age when most of the books activities will start to seem juvenile). The bulk of the rest of each festival's section is devoted to projects and games that are probably more geared for elementary-aged children. This is what makes it a "family guide."
If you are looking for a more detailed exegesis of the Feasts of the Lord, there are other books and websites available. But, I think every family or teacher should have this one on hand.
Excellent for Homeschoolers, Others Look Elsewhere.......2004-07-28
This very thick book will give you the information you need to begin celebrating the Biblical holidays at home. Written primarily for Christians, it gives background on traditional Jewish observance as well as Messianic interpretations for believers in Yeshua.
I had three problems with this book, which is why I rated it only 3 stars. One was the somewhat amateurish layout - it was clearly self-published - which made some pages difficult to read. Another was the sheer bulk of the book. This is a large-format paperback and is very unwieldy to read. I needed to sit at a table! The last was price. The price is perhaps reasonable given the size of the book and printing costs, but it's an awful lot of money for information that is much more economically presented elsewhere.
If you are just looking for a practical, concise introduction to the holidays, including music and craft suggestions, I'd recommend you get Barry Kasdan's _God's Appointed Customs_ and skip this book altogether. However, if you are a homeschooling family that enjoys unit studies and you agree with the Heart of Wisdom philosophy, this book is a must-have and the price is probably justified, as the studies go across the whole curriculum and could easily fill a whole year.
BEST BOOK ON THE HOLY DAYS!.......2003-07-22
I almost didn't buy this book based a review saying it included Jewish traditions that were not Biblical. HOWEVER there were so many good reviews I did invest in it. What a great book! The author does give the Jewish traditions of each holidays but it is very clear which ones are Biblical and which are customs. The real focus of the book is how the Holy Days point to Christ! I was blessed by this book over and over. Very easy to understand chapters. Great background infromation on Hebrew roots. It also includes an 16 page Hagaddah you can copy for family use. I will use my book over and over--worth every cent!
Book Description
Enjoy the award winning Jewish Cookbook/Resource that's stirring the nation!
Friendly guide to celebrating 11 Jewish holidays.
Created by parents & educators for families to share.
Stories, kosher recipes, craft ideas.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful Book of Holiday Traditions.......2004-12-29
Daylight is precious now and the nights are long and cold. It is time to gather our family and friends around the menorah and celebrate Hanukkah, "the Festival of Lights." The glow of the candles is reflected in our children's faces, full of anticipation and awe. Warmth, light, miracles...this is Hanukkah. ~page 69
This is a Writer's Digest Award Winner and it truly is the Ultimate Holiday Guidebook for families. You will find information on eleven significant Jewish Holidays:
Shabbat - Dipped candles, dye-painted Challah cover, spice boxes.
Rosh HaShanah - Creative Cake Cones, apple print cards.
Yom Kippur - Read-aloud story, book of life scrapbook ideas, writing your own prayers.
Sukkot - A suggested Sukkot Menu, collage, decorations, crayon leaf picture.
Hanukkah - The Miracle Moon story, gift ideas, making your own Menorah.
Tu Bishvat - Tree of life diagram, easy bake cookies, family tree project.
Purim - Manot baskets, costumes, woven paper cones, puppets.
Passover - The story of Egypt, Seder Plate, Matzah Pizza recipe, cartoon story.
Lag B'Omer- Hats, games, egg races.
Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Layered Sand Jars, flags and necklaces.
Shavout - Blintzes, Yogurt Popsicles, parades, crafts and activities.
Each chapter highlights a Jewish holiday and you can learn how to experience the holidays, create interesting foods and research holiday traditions. There are Read-aloud stories, traditional passages, crafts and fascinating food facts.
Then, you will find a chapter of recipes:
If you have always wanted to make delicious latkes, there is a recipe. If you want to try some contemporary favorites, try the Oreo Cheesecake. Salmon Mousse with Cucumber Dressing, Homemade Hummus, Challah, Chicken Soup, Beef Tenderloin, Sour Cream Potatoes, Broccoli Soufflé and Mandel Brot all make their appearance along with a number of delicious favorites. You can also make Passover Brownies with matzo cake meal.
There are diagrams you can copy and an Appendix filled with blessings. The index is excellent. This book would be perfect for teachers. It is essential for parents and for any student of Jewish traditions.
As one who learned how to make chicken soup from a Jewish friend in Seattle, I can say Jewish food has always been a favorite. I even make my own Matzo balls for soup and have mastered the making of Challah. As a child, some of my most comforting memories included eating meals at Jewish parties. I seem to remember eating the creative cake cones as a child.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
A superbly presented celebration of Jewish holiday tradition.......2002-09-08
Tastes Of Jewish Tradition is a superbly presented celebration of Jewish holiday traditions and celebrations featuring 11 "kids friendly" stories, 90 do-it-yourself craft ideas; and 125 delicious recipes. Complete chapters are dedicated to Shabbbat; Rosh HaShanah; Yom Kippur; Sukkot; Hanukkah; Tu Bishvat; Purim; Passover; Lag B'Omer; Yom Ha'Atzmaut; and Shavuot. There are recipes for appetizers, breads, salads, soups, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Rounding out this "family friendly" compendium is a section of reproducible templates and "Prayers & Blessings". Showcasing the core of Jewish heritage as reflected in celebrated holidays, Tastes Of Jewish Tradition is a wonderful and highly recommended addition to any family library.
Book Description
This popular guide explains how families and churches can celebrate seven Hebrew festivals to enhance their understanding of the message of the Bible.,''This unique book brings deeper meaning to seven Jewish feasts by offering a ''guided tour'' through each celebration from a new testament perspective. The author carefully explains the significance of each feast, the materials necessary to observe them, and full directions for the events. Families and church groups will gain a memorable understanding of the symbolic representations of the Christ as found in the holy celebrations of the Old Testament.''
Customer Reviews:
Unimpressive.......2006-06-15
While this book did contain some good ideas, overall I was not impressed. Only the Levitical feasts are covered (no Purim or Hanukkah). This is fine, but I would have expected some explanation of WHY Purim is omitted, at least. The book falls short of being either "free" of Jewish tradition, or of being Jewish: the formal Jewish "flavor" of the celebrations is kept, along with many of the extra-biblical Jewish ceremonies, and yet blessings are changed and other traditions are added. The author does not make it clear which components are altered (or even THAT they're altered - I only know because I'm slightly familiar with the holidays already).
The layout of each chapter is difficult to follow, as the biblical reasons for celebrating, the traditional means of celebration, and the author's ideas are all jumbled together. I was also not crazy about the fact that several Bible translations were used and most of them were very loose ones - even some of the blessings and other parts of the ceremonies are quotes from paraphrases.
If you have no desire to use the book as a reference and simply want someone to tell you exactly what to do, you might appreciate the book. It also addresses the Passover Seder more thoroughly than some other books (although the ceremony and the reason behind each element are in different parts of the book, making it difficult to decide whether you want to incorporate them all). If you are looking for a solid introduction to the reasons for the holidays, for the historical means of celebrating each holiday, for a more "relaxed" idea of Christian celebration, for a thoroughly Jewish treatment of the holidays, and/or for something which incorporates Purim and/or Hanukkah, keep looking.
(See my review of Barney Kasdan's _God's Appointed Times_.)
A teaching tool for Biblical truth.......2005-05-15
In the Old Testament, we find that God ordained special days of feasting and celebrating for the Israelites. These were days for the people to come together for rest and refreshment and to glorify Him.
In reading through Exodus and Deuteronomy we learn that by observing these special days, the Israelites would never forget how God had provided for them in the dessert and continued to provide with bountiful harvests after He delivered them from slavery. They were reminded, with each celebration, that they were to leave their old ways of life behind and live a new life with Him. With every celebration they renewed their commitment and trust in the Almighty God. In studying the New Testament, we find Jesus also observed these God ordained holidays.
As Christians in our modern world, I think that we would do well in observing some of these traditional Jewish celebrations, renewing our commitment and giving glory to God for His deliverance and care.
That's why I found the book "Celebrating Biblical Feasts" by Martha Zimmerman, intriguing.
In her book, Ms Zimmerman shows the significance of the ancient feasts from a New Testament perspective. She includes step-by-step guides for the celebration of seven feasts ordained in the Old Testament.
The Sabbath
The Passover
The Omer
Shavuoth
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkoth
Included are recipes for traditional Jewish dishes that give an authentic flavor to the celebration and fun activities for family members bringing home the deeper meaning and the reason for celebration.
The book "Celebrating Biblical Feasts" is an effective teaching tool for Biblical truths, more than simply a Sunday school lesson, but as a way of life in the home. In observing these celebrations we can give God the glory He deserves and perhaps we will remember to look forward to one more glorious feast that is yet to come --
described in Revelation 19:6-9..."Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!"
With respect to diverse other aspects of celebrating.......2004-05-06
Martha Zimmerman's Celebrating Biblical Feasts: In Your Home Or Church is a unique and highly commended cookbook showcasing recipes appropriate for meal time celebrations of such High Holy Days as The Sabbath; The Passover; The Omer; Shavuoth; Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur; and Sukkoth. Information is also provided with respect to diverse other aspects of celebrating these High Holy Days. An informed and informative chapter is devoted to each of these special feasting occasions from a New Testament perspective. These are dishes that would grace the dining table of any family of faith.
Nice Try; Don't Buy.......2004-03-30
This book makes a valiant attempt to attract Christians by including NT teachings in it's primarily OT discussion about the Biblical Feasts. It's frequent use of scriptures is also commendable. Nevertheless, the author places heavy emphasis on observing the Biblical Feasts utilizing the teachings and traditions of Judaism. Sorry, am not interested.
Book Description
A gorgeous new cookbook from New York's
first family of Italian food
Scotto Sunday Suppers and Other Fabulous Feasts continues the rich Italian and Scotto family tradition of Italian Comfort Food with recipes for Sunday family gatherings and holiday meals. The Scotto family, owners of the celebrated Fresco by Scotto restaurant, share recipes and stories from their family gatherings and provide ways for you to bring your family together.
The Scottos are known for their incredible hospitality both in their home and in their restaurant. Their warm, friendly advice on making guests comfortable will prepare you to recreate this environment in your own home. From planning the menu to setting the table, greeting your guests to choosing the wine, the Scotto family will show you how to be the perfect host.
More than one hundred delicious recipes provide the makings of incredible menus for every occasion, from Fourth of July to a Christmas feast. These mouthwatering recipes include:
- Sautéed Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed with Herbed Ricotta Cheese
- Watermelon and Red Onion Salad with Watercress and Muscat Vinaigrette
- Cavatelli with Sweet Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
- Risotto with Roasted Red Peppers, Trevisano, and Pancetta
- Basil-Studded Grilled Salmon Steak with Summer Salsa Cruda and Fresh Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Maple- and Bourbon-Glazed Roast Pork Loin Stuffed with Apples and Sun-Dried Cranberries
- Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding Cake with Vanilla Gelato
With beautiful photography and a family spirit that's contagious, Scotto Sunday Suppers will inspire you to create your own fabulous feasts.
Customer Reviews:
Decent cookbook.......2007-07-12
I bought this book based upon what I saw on the Ellen DeGeneres show. However, the recipes that I wanted, and they indicated were in this book weren't. But there are still plenty of good recipes in this book that are worth buying and trying out.
Terrific book.......2007-01-26
This is a great book with wonderful Italian recipes. For some reason, this book is not available in our area, but it was well worth the wait. I've already tried several of the recipes and they've all been absolutely delicious. The instructions are easily understandable, the ingredients' list is precise and the photos are beautiful, although there could be more. One for each recipe would be nice. But if you are looking for great Italian comfort food and wonderful smells coming from your kitchen - this book will do the trick.
General Review.......2006-03-11
I bought this book based on what I saw on the Tony Danza Show. Unfortunately, the main reason I bought it, the recipe was not in this particular book, it was a trifle that I wanted to try out. But the rest of the recipes are very good. I think that next time the Scotto's are showing their recipes and that a particular book has these recipes in them, they should be very honest about it. Both my mom and I are were very disappointed for this very reason in the book.
Book Description
Shows how to use ritual and celebration throughout the church year by creatively combining rites and folk customs to celebrate sacred mysteries.
"Gertrud Nelson has written a book on ritual that is one of a kind. Her exquisitely written volume covers the history, psychology and spirituality of ritual in general and Christian ritual in particular. Enlivened by pithy and insightful examples, many of them drawn from her own family life, Ms. Nelson penetrates to the heart of the meaning of ritual and ceremony in a fresh wan. She manages to escape the trap of many writers on this subject--superficial piety--and makes relevant for the modern reader the importance of ritual for connecting us to the meaning and flow of life.
I would not have thought in today's rationalistic age that the ceremonies of life could be made vital again as cogently and splendidly as has been don in this book. Sometimes even single sentences speak volumes: 'It is Advent, and we, a people, are pregnant.'
This is a book to be read carefully, perhaps only a few pages a day. Reading the book can become a ritual, especially for Christian people to whom it is primarily addressed. Beautiful illustrations by the author add to the expressiveness of this carefully composed work. This book may prove to be a classic treatment of the meaning of ritual for this modern era." --John Sanford
Customer Reviews:
Nurture Your Family's Spirituality.......2006-11-14
I have had this book for 20 years. I came upon it when my children were small and felt it tapped into something deep within me. I was not raised Catholic so many of the traditions were new to me, but delightful. Over the years I have used them with my own family and introduced them into my church community, as well. The projects are simple and noncommercial. I would count this book as one of the most formative to my role of parent; creating a home rich with meaningful rituals and traditions. I love the simple illustrations too.
Enrich your Family Celebrations!.......2000-08-04
Nelson's excellent book offers not only a spiritual perspective to family celebration but wonder-filled, seasonally-oriented practical ideas for enriching your family life. Those who have wandered away from their childhood family rituals of celebration will be delighted with "To Dance With God" as a rediscovery tool for communal spirituality. For another book on the spirituality of family life together, look up the recently published, THE FAMILY CLOISTER: BENEDICTINE WISDOM FOR THE HOME, by David Robinson (New York, NY: Crossroad, 2000). Blessings upon your home this season.
Wonderful!.......1999-01-22
This book helps you to create important traditions with your family, but it is more than that. Your faith is opened to new and exciting possibilities and Mueller-Nelson teaches us how to live in the world and with God.
An excellent resource for enriching traditional holidays.......1998-11-28
This is a wonderful book. It offers beautiful methods of maintaining and enriching family rituals. Advent,Christmas, Lent,Pentecost, Thanksgiving, Halloween etc. It is all here. The first section of this book discusses ways people can approach all celebrations. Then the second half focuses on specific holidays. My copy of this book is well worn and well loved. The author is Catholic, but most of her ideas work well for any Christian faith. She offers fresh ways of responding to the liturgical calender. Included are crafts, prayers, games,the history of each holiday as well as family and community centering activities. While families without children will respond to a lot of what she has to say, families with children of all ages will find their copy of this book as well worn as a treasured family cookbook.
Challenging and interesting!.......1996-11-26
Wanting to develop traditions in your family? This is a great starting point. One of my favorite books. Fun to read, too
Book Description
In this beautiful new book, acclaimed author and chef Rabbi Gil Marks offers a complete guide to entertaining for Jewish holidays and other family celebrations.
From the time Abraham and Sarah entertained passing strangers in their simple tent, hospitality has been a significant aspect of Jewish life. For generations, Jewish parents have taught their children how to create a traditional home, passing down many lifetimes of accumulated wisdom along with their family recipes. But as the world changes, Jewish entertaining changes too. Modern Jews want to add exciting new dishes to their traditional menus and they want a practical guide to serving elegant meals whether for a large crowd or an intimate gathering. Now, in the only book of its kind, The World of Jewish Entertaining demystifies the experience of entertaining.
Marks presents a "Guide for the Perplexed Host," practical advice, easy-to-follow recipes for a wide variety of dishes from the most homey and traditional foods to haute cuisine, and complete menus for
a Sephardic Seder
a Baby-Naming Breakfast
an Eclectic Purim Feast
an All-Dessert Bar or Bat Mitzvah
a Middle Eastern Wedding Shower
an International Sabbath Dinner
a Healthy New Year Dinner
a Southern Jewish Family Reunion
and much more. In addition, he provides background information on all the events, putting them in a traditional Jewish context.
The World of Jewish Entertaining is the perfect cookbook for anyone looking for a fresh new perspective on entertaining.
Customer Reviews:
The cookbook that helps you plan.......2003-12-28
There have been so many times when I've had recipes that I've had to double or triple and here Gil has done it for us.
I love the new and different ideas he has for traditional meals.
Whenever I have an excess of a particular food item, I refer to this book and get so many options
Everything tastes yum from this book!
Takes the guesswork out of cooking for large gatherings!.......2000-11-27
Gil Marks has done a fine job in presenting a variety of menus for all occassions. The recipes are calculated for generous party size servings, making it easy to plan events and shopping lists. The recipes are clear, straight forward and tasty, the book layout very user friendly. This book might also be a good resource for caterers.
Book Description
This book is the follow-up to the successful Perfect Party Food. Happy Holidays from the Diva-of Do-Ahead brings the same how-to and do-ahead approach to creating menus for 12 holidays-with special emphasis on Thanksgiving and Christmas-as well as tips on recipe variations, decorating, and serving. Featuring a beautiful 16-page color photo insert, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to take the stress out of entertaining and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
Customer Reviews:
Great ideas for do ahead entertaining!.......2007-09-27
This is a great book with ideas for recipes to do ahead of time. Last night I made rice for a party I'm having in a few weeks.
Outstanding guide to preparing great feasts.......2007-09-11
I'm an experienced cook but I bought this book for assistance in learning how to do more of my cooking in advance of a party, etc. Philips more than delivers on her promises, offering thoughtful, delicious menus with recipes that don't cut the corners on flavor or excellence. Most of the recipes can be adapted by an experienced cook to your own favorite recipes. I found it invaluable to learn what can and can't be done in advance, definitely making entertaining easier and more enjoyable.
If I had actually looked at the recipes I wouldn't have bought it.......2007-08-28
This book has less than a dozen photos at the very beginning and they're not that great of photos to begin with. I like to see what the dish is suppose to look like and I would think the food editors could have found a decent food photographer. The recipes don't seem to make sense with the holidays, like Father's Day is chicken fajitas and margaritas. Isn't Father's day about steak? and beer? That could have been any meal, nothing special about it for Father's Day. The paper the book is written on is matte finish, almost like cheap recycled paper and the print is not a dark black, some of it is actually hard to read especially where it's gray. I think the Sandra Lee holiday book is better or even the Celebrations book by Betty Crocker. Don't pay full price for this and certainly don't give as a gift, the polenta crust cheesecake was awful as was the marcapone berries parfaits. You can see why it's down to $3.00 used.
Just O.K. on the diva of do-ahead.......2007-01-21
I was disappointed in the recipes. Nothing great!!
Everyone Needs This Cookbook!.......2007-01-10
No matter what the occasion, I am "finally organized" with excellent "Do-Ahead" recipes! At last, I can relax and enjoy my company and family! I plan to give this book as a birthday gift to my three grown children this year before their busy holiday season arrives!
Book Description
What's for dinner tonight? Artist, author, and cook Lisa Rauchwerger serves up mouthwatering meals and memories in her delightful cookbook. Using the Jewish calendar as a framework, both parent and child can prepare tasty treats all year long. With Aunt Ada's Challah (with a twist) on Shabbat, Multicultural Charoset on Pesach, and Sugar Moon Cookies on Rosh Chodesh, families will be sure to find new, meaningful ways to celebrate the Jewish holidays. Each easy-to-follow recipe is designed for children ages 5-11, their families, and their teachers. * Over 40 twists on traditional Jewish recipes.
* Activity pages to involve children for each holiday.
* Fun, full-color illustrations and information for each Jewish holiday.
* An introduction to the Jewish calendar.
* Easy-to-use format for adults and children.
Customer Reviews:
Making Cooking Fun.......2002-08-18
Even though I have been cooking Jewish foods for almost 10 years (and have no children), the recipies offered in this book make preparing for the holidays fun! The challah recipie is a big hit now with my family and I make one every year for each evening meal. Highly recommend for the "childish cook" in all of us.
Chocolate Chip Challah & Other Twists on the Jewish Holiday.......2000-01-17
Although Amazon lists the age for this book as 4 to 8 yrs.old, it is really for adults together with children to learn about the Jewish holidays by interacting in the way Jews have always celebrated,WITH FOOD! There are simple instructions for the recipes (which are delicious), adorable cartoonish food characters,explanations of and the author's memories of holidays. There is also room for the parent,grandparent or child to record holiday memories.A delightful book.My entire family loves it.
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorite and most used cookbooks.......2007-01-09
I've owned and used this cookbook for at least 13 years. It is one of my favorites not only for it's excellent explanation of liturgical feasting and fasting (What other cookbook gives you a chapter on fasting?) but also because some of my family's favorite recipes are in it. We use "Four-egg cake" for nearly every birthday, baptism or first communion. My family actually loves the recipe for "Black fruitcake," and I get frequent complements when I bring her simply delicious "Cranberry-orange sauce" to holiday dinners. And Easter just wouldn't be Easter for my kids without the "Lamb cake."
I own the hardcover edition and my chief complaint is that it is not spiral bound to lay flat while cooking.
We have tried one or two recipes that just didn't taste all that great, but were culturally interesting to try. ("Salad of the good night/Ensalada de Nochebuena" from Mexico comes to mind. Perhaps because it calls for beets, apples, oranges, bananas, radishes and peanuts together. Sounded so weird I just had to try it. But I guess it's an acquired taste.)
I still enjoy reading her comments on the feast days throughout the year. I can't help but think of her recipe for "St. John's wine" every December 27th. Simple to make (always a plus) and warms the inside when it's cold and blustery outside.
incomplete at best.......2003-10-01
There are too many gaps in this book and I find myself looking for something else to replace or complement it. For example,today is the feast day of Saint Therese the Little Flower and there is no mention of her, which is dissappointing,especially for my homeschooled daughter for whom this book was purchased. She does however very much enjoy the information in this book and would appreciate any recomendations to fill in the gaps.
Good book for family religous customs.......2002-02-08
As an Anglo-Catholic who was not raised as one, I have had many questions about customs and liturgies. This is one of the sources I reach for first when I need answers.
The focus of this book is on home practices, on customs and especially on foods. However, this is not just a collection of recipes for various Saint's days, but also includes information about each saint and about the seasons of the liturgical year, starting, quite properly, with a discussion of "Sunday" since each Sunday is a mini-celebration of Easter.
If you are raising a family and wish to do so in a Christ-centered way, you should have a copy of this book. While it is aimed primarily at Catholic and Orthodox families there is much material here that would be useful in a Protestant family, particularly one that wishes to explore the two thousand years of Christian tradition rather than "re-inventing the wheel."
Nice fun book.......2001-08-10
This is a nice book with some fun information about saints and their days. After buying it, our family started to celebrate name days (any excuse to have a celebration). I wish it had more ideas for meals and more saint days, but the ones already in there are well done.
A great introduction into cooking for the Church year!.......2001-03-19
This is a really helpful cookbook, especially if you didn't come out of a liturgical tradition orginally. Evelyn Vitz has laid the book out in a calendar fashion for the most part, but has sections on days of fasting and abstinence and saints days. I really love her recipe for plum pudding and use it every year now. I had tried several other recipes before hers, but hers is definitely the best. We have also included a lot of her other suggestions in our family celebrations. This is a cookbook that I refer to frequently (especially during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter).
This book is great for any Christian family that wants to add a bit more traditional Christian emphasis to their lives. You don't have to be Catholic or Orthodox to enjoy it and use it. You may find yourself understanding Catholic and Orthodox traditions once you've read it, however.
This book passes on traditions that some families failed to get from Great Grandmother before she died. If you are from a Christian family, it will help you get in touch with your roots (as well as give you a lot of delicious recipes to try).
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Family Health
| Parenting & Families
| Subjects
| Books
Celebrating Biblical Feasts: In Your Home or Church
Celebrating the Christian Year (Building Family Traditions Around All the Major Christian Holidays)
Celebrating the Christian Year
Ancient world (Usborne world history)
God's Appointed Times: A Practical Guide for Understanding and Celebrating the Biblical Holidays
