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The Jewish Book of Why

AUTHOR Kolatch, Alfred J.
PUBLISHER Penguin Books (03/04/2003)
PRODUCT TYPE Paperback (Paperback)

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

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9780142196199
ISBN-10: 0142196193
Binding: Paperback or Softback (Trade Paperback (Us))
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 320
Carton Quantity: 48
Product Dimensions: 5.41 x 0.76 x 7.99 inches
Weight: 0.60 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Price on Product
Country of Origin: US
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Religion | Judaism - Rituals & Practice
Grade Level: College Freshman and up
Dewey Decimal: 296.7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2003267567
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
annotation
Offering concise, straightforward answers to many questions surrounding Jewish life and practice, Rabbi Kolatch describes practically every symbol, custom, and convention relating to the public and personal life of the Jew, and attempts to dispel prevalent misunderstandings and misconceptions pertaining to Jewish observance.
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  • 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

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Author: Kolatch, Alfred J.
Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers' Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, "honoris causa". From 1941 to 1948 he served as rabbi of congregations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a chaplain in the United States Army.

Rabbi Kolatch authored more than fifty books, the most popular of which are "The Jewish Book of Why" and "The Second Jewish Book of Why", "The Jewish Book of Why: The Torah", "The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why", "Inside Judaism", "The New Name Dictionary", and "The Comprehensive Dictionary of English and Hebrew First Names".

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Paperback