Among Moroccan Jews; saint worship is an important cultural characteristic; practiced throughout the population. Saint Veneration among the Jews in Morocco; the only book in English on this topic; contains essential information about Moroccan Jewry not available anywhere else. The Hebrew edition; published by Magnes Press in 1984; has become a standard classic in the study of the history; culture; and religious practices of Moroccan Jewry. In this new English language edition; based on ten years of fieldwork; Issachar Ben-Ami provides the basic historical and ethnographic information about saint veneration. He illuminates the intricate network that connects the saints and their faithful followers; while revealing the ideological fundamentals that sustain the interrelationship and ensure ritual continuity. Using material selected from more than 1;200 testimonies collected during the course of his research; Ben-Ami describes historical and legendary types of saints; customs and beliefs related to the saints or their sanctuaries; and the practices and ceremonies that take place during or outside the hillulah; the the festival that celebrates the anniversary of the death of a saint. Two chapters are dedicated to a comparison with the cult of saints among the Muslims in Morocco as well as to the relationship between Jews and Muslims in Morocco in what concerning saint veneration. In addition; Ben-Ami has included an exhaustive list of 656 saints-25 of whom are women-as well as documentation of the burial sites and legendary stories of the saints' lives as they have been told by their followers and worshippers in Israel. Also included are popular creative works such as legends; stories; dreams; and songs extolling the greatness and miraculous deeds of the saints. The picture that emerges from this study is that of a strong community of believing Jews who lived in the expectancy of the coming of the Messiah and welcomed miracles as part of their routine life. With the immigration of the Jews of Morocco to other countries; this fascinating world has disappeared; although it has found new ways of expression in Israel.
#639761 in Books Marc Leepson 2003-03-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.18 x .69 x 6.14l; .99 #File Name: 0813922194320 pagesSaving Monticello The Levy Family s Epic Quest to Rescue the House That Jeffereson Built
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A missing piece of Monticello is back in place!By Kindle CustomerI purchased this book because I enjoy reading everything I can get my hands regarding Monticello. This book brings Monticello's "quiet" years to the fore. Uriah and Jefferson Levy rescued Thomas Jefferson's home from certain destruction; despite adversity. From whom or what? Read the book! I gave the book a four instead of a five star rating because; Theodore Roosevelt could not have been a member of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation in 1923. He died in 1919. Perhaps I was reading this portion wrong. But the book was a delightful read nonetheless. Thanks!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful bookBy ZephyrsAfter visiting Monticello; this book describes in exciting detail a very significant aspect of the history of this historic site that is; unfortunately; not very well known or even publicized. it is must reading for anyone who has visitied this historic site or interested inAmerican history. Great book!!!!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Near miss!By KansasGreat story on the life of Monticello and how it was nearly lost to us as a nation. Not only the house is amazing but the grounds and gardens are important to our national horticulture thanks to Thomas Jefferson.
