The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons

by Jill Hammer

Publisher:

Jewish Publication Society

, 2006

Overview

Throughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham's birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature's rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today.

Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth—seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit—and also echo the natural cadences of each season.

Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.

With the Logos Bible Software edition, you can now journey through the Jewish calendar with today’s most advanced tools for reading and studying the Bible. All Scripture passages are linked to Hebrew texts and English translations in your library. Enhance your study with the advanced search features in Logos—search by topic or passage to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re using The Jewish Book of Days for personal devotions or study, the Logos edition is right for you.

Key Features

• Provides readings for each day of the Jewish calendar
• Explains the many aspects of the Jewish calendar, including the halves of the year, three pilgrimage festivals, and more
• Includes a section on solstices and equinoxes, bibliography, notes, and index

Contents

• Introduction
  • The Limbs of the Year
  • Understanding the Larger Picture
  • Wheel of the Year
  • A Note on the Legends
• The Days of the Year
  • The Seed: 1 Tishrei to 14 Heshvan
  • The Root: 15 Heshvan to 30 Kislev
  • The Branch: 1 Tevet to 14 Shevat
  • The Sap: 15 Shevat to 29 Adar
  • The Bud: 1 Nisan to 14 Iyar
  • The Leaf: 15 Iyar to 30 Sivan
  • The Flower: 1 Tammuz to 14 Av
  • The Fruit: 15 Av to 29 Elul

Top Highlights

“As we smell the etrog, the fragrant yellow citron, on the harvest festival of Sukkot” (Page 3)

“The Hebrew name Elohim, usually rendered ‘God,’ has been translated as ‘the Divine,’ a meaning closer to the original term. Elohim (divinities) is a plural functioning as a singular noun, conveying a sense of multiple divine faces within a single deity. In some Jewish traditions, this name of God is connected with the attribute of justice and with the process of Creation.” (Page 6)

“‘the presence of God’ or ‘the glory of God’ here appear as ‘the Shekhinah,’ the Indwelling One” (Page 7)

“Arthur Waskow, for example, notes that Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot are a kind of national life cycle in which Passover represents birth, Shavuot represents marriage and commitment, and Sukkot represents maturity.” (Page 14)

“winter is the fire season, spring is the air season, summer is the water season, and autumn is the earth season” (Page 16)

Praise for the Print Edition

What a beautiful way to learn Torah. Jill Hammer has offered us a gift and a wonderful resource of 'midrashim' and teachings to support and guide us on our soul journey day by day.

—Melinda Ribner, Founder, Beit Miriam

The first command to the first Jew, Abraham, was "Lech l'cha"—walk forth into your self. Jill Hammer's book gives us the markers for that walking, seeing each day of the Jewish year as one more step into the journey. Abraham—and Sarah too—would be delighted.

—Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Founder, The Shalom Center

The Jewish Book of Days is rich learning for Jews, both educated and not, and highly informative and inspirational as well for those unfamiliar with the Jewish faith.

—Rabbi Gershon Winkler, Founder and Executive Director, Walking Stick Foundation

Every page reveals something new and fascinating in this innovative Jewish calendar . . . contains a treasure chest of Jewish gems.

—Publishers Weekly

. . . a poetic, soulful, and organic view of the cycle of the Jewish year, bringing together Jewish texts and environmental themes. . . . Rabbi Hammer’s original juxtaposition of ideas engages, enchants, and inspires in ways that stimulate others to be thoughtful, appreciative, and creative.

—Long Island Jewish Week

Product Details

• Title: The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons
• Author: Jill Hammer
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 440

About Jill Hammer

Rabbi Jill Hammer is the author of The Jewish Book of Days (a 2006 National Jewish Book Award Finalist) and Sisters at Sinai. A popular teacher, her speech topics include “Jewish Cycles of Time” and “Contemporary Midrash.”