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.
#58960 in Books Henry Holt Co 2005-01-07 2004-12-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.00 x 5.40 x 8.10l; .42 #File Name: 0805077642182 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must read for Titanic buffs.By 2CatsLadyI have always been fascinated by the Titanic tragedy. I think this is the ultimate Titanic book. Lord interviewed survivors to put together the events factually and chronologically. Of course; at the end; he gives some differences on accounts as people's memories (or just to make their part of the story better) may not agree. I just kept shaking my head as I was reading this book over everything that happened. Everything that could go wrong....went wrong. I read this on my Kindle app on my ipad which was good because there were so many people referenced; and I could go back to the X-ray feature to refresh my memory on who they were. I'm pretty sure I got this as a Kindle daily deal and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a true account of what happened that awful night.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. MOST DEFINITELY A NIGHT TO REMEMBER...By lawyeraauFirst published in 1955; time has not diminished the power of this classic account of the final hours of the Titanic to capture the imagination and interest of the reader. It was turned into an award winning hit movie of the same name in the late 1950s.Not only is the book a well-written; riveting account of the Titanic's final hours; it also tells the personal stories of some of the passengers and crew members that survived that harrowing time. It is also a peek into a bygone time; that of the Edwardian era; when class distinctions were more marked and the concept of women and children first prevailed.Although the story of the Titanic is a tragic one; out of its debacle arose improved shipboard safety; and the practice of having enough lifeboats to accommodate all passengers became the standard. No longer would an ocean going vessel ever market itself as unsinkable.This is a marvelous book that those with an interest in the Titanic Or stories of survival will love. I was positively riveted from start to finish.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. honest and heartbreaking readBy Jessica G JohnsonI felt this book was as honest and real as it could be. It seemed to play fair with the truth and non truths that have haunted the Titantic legend. I appreciated the dedication to tell as many stories as possible no matter someone's classification on the ship. Too many times the 3rd class passengers and crew members are forgotten about or ignored all together. This book did a better job than most in exposing the corrupt nature of society during this time. It allowed the reader the opportunity to learn new facts about this story and decide for themselves what they wanted to believe as truth or fiction.
