This collection of original materials provides a sweeping view of medieval and early modern Jewish ritual and religious practice. Including such diverse texts as ritual manuals; legal codes; mystical books; autobiographical writings; folk literature; and liturgical poetry; it testifies to the enormous variety of practices that characterized Judaism in the twelve hundred years between 600 and 1800 C.E. Its focus on religious practice and experience--how Judaism was actually lived by people from day to day--makes this anthology unique among the few sourcebooks available. The volume encompasses the broad scope and complex texture of Jewish religious practice; taking into account many aspects of Jewish culture that have hitherto been relatively neglected: the religious life of ordinary people; the role and status of women; art and aesthetics; and marginalized as well as remote Jewish communities. It introduces such remarkable personalities as Moses Maimonides; Leon Modena; and Gluckel of Hameln; and presents extraordinary texts on festival practice; Torah study; mystical communities; meditation; exorcism; the practice of charity; and folk rites marking birth and death. Representing state-of-the-art scholarship by distinguished academics from around the world; the volume includes many materials never before translated into English. Each text is preceded by an accessible introduction; making this book suitable for college and university students as well as a general audience. Whether read as a deliberate course of study or dipped into selectively for a glimpse into fascinating Jewish lives and places; Judaism in Practice holds rich rewards for any reader.
#162354 in Books Princeton University Press 1999-07-19 1999-08-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .65 x 6.14l; .92 #File Name: 0691009473288 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very good book -- helpful to understand the original contexts for ...By P. BjorlingVery good book -- helpful to understand the original contexts for monument building -- the Lee statue in Richmond has a whole chapter; which was simply fascinating. I think this should be required reading for all government officials tasked with considering what to do with today's problematic statues. Taking them down may bypass an immediate problem; but it doesn't allow us to confront the underlying issues -- which have NEVER really been dealt with since someone or other decided it would be a great idea to use slave labor; instead of paid labor; to be the machines of developing economies.7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. What an eye openerBy Book LoverA careful and thorough look at the American people; our history and psyche; and how we memorialize the significant events of our National adventure. Mr. Savage beautifully and remarkably blends the art; politics; and public rememberence of what is surely our most significant struggle as a nation - defeating slavery.17 of 23 people found the following review helpful. Not a paperback edition - just a cheap photocopy: don't buy!By IpsaruinadocetThe paperback edition is not a printed edition: it is an extremely cheap reprint; probably from a PDF; with a disastrous loss of quality of all illustrations: they are very heavy in contrast; show smudges; hazing and streaks; in many cases; you can hardly see what is represented in the images.
