The Jewish Festivals: A Guide to Their History and ObservanceKnopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1996 M09 9 - 336 pages Why is the Jewish New Year designated on the Jewish calendar as the first day of the seventh month, and not of the first month? Why do women cover their eyes when reciting the blessing over the Sabbath candles? How did the Seder originate? Does the Book of Esther, read on Purim, mirror any real historical events? Long considered a classic, The Jewish Festivals provides a rich and charming account of the origins, development, and symbolism of the Jewish holidays, and of the diverse rituals, prayers, ceremonial objects, and special foods that have been used throughout history and around the world to celebrate them. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge of Jewish folkways and customs, Hayyim Schauss shows how these holidays evolved in meaning and importance, depending on the contemporary needs of those who observed them. Written with passion and warmth, this book will infuse your own experience of the holidays with extra meaning and delight. |
Contents
SABBATH In Ancient Times | 3 |
SABBATH In Its Development | 13 |
SABBATH In Modern Times | 21 |
Copyright | |
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according afikomon Ahasuerus altar ancient Antiochus autumn festival Babylonian exile baked became beginning belief benediction Bible Book of Esther booths bread burned called candles celebrated century ceremony Chamishoh Osor chant Chanukkoh lights chomets congregation court custom day of Tishri deliverance destruction dough eaten Egypt entire esrog Exod fast day feast Friday golden ha-Midrosh Haggadah Haman Hasmoneans Hebrew High Priest historical holiday holy Hoshano Rabboh interpretation Israel Jerusalem Jewish festivals Jewish kingdom Josephus joyous Judah Kaporos king Kol Nidre Lag Bo-Omer later lulov matsoh meal Mishnah month Moon mourning Nicanor Day night observed originally Palestine Pentateuch period Persian Pesach Pesach eve pilgrims prayers prophet Psalms Purim Rabbi recited religious revelry ritual Rosh Chodesh Rosh Hashonoh Sabbath sacrifice Samaritans sanctuary second Temple Seder seventh shofar Shovuos Simchas sing songs spirit story Sukkos synagogue Talmud Tashlich Tishoh B'Ov Tishri Torah town wine women Yom Kippur