The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions provides thousands of insights into the origins, history, and current interpretations of a wealth of Jewish traditions and customs. Ronald Eisenberg has distilled an immense amount of material from classic and contemporary sources into a single volume. Chock full of interesting, invaluable and illuminating entries on everything from Hanukkah to Rabbinic Literature to the Tree of Life, the JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions will be a much-referenced resource for all those interested in all things Jewish.
The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions uncovers a treasure-trove of information on Judaism and related areas of interest, including:
- The dividing of the Bible into chapters and verses was a Christian innovation
- Although a recital of the Ten Commandments was once part of the daily service at the Temple in Jerusalem, Jews elsewhere were forbidden to recite them
- The Kaddish, which now closes every Jewish service, as well as sections within the service, was originally not even part of the synagogue ritual
… and much more!
Separated into four sections – Synagogue and Prayers, Sabbaths and Festivals, Life-Cycle Events, and Miscellaneous (a large section that includes such diverse topics as Jewish literature, food, and plants and animals) – this volume is an encyclopedic reference for anyone who wants easily accessible, accurate information about all things Jewish.
Eisenberg writes for a wide, diversified audience, and is respectful of the range of practices and beliefs within today's American Jewish community—from Orthodox to liberal. The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions is certain to be a meaningful addition to institutional and personal libraries.
