The Jewish Book of Why
Penguin Publishing Group · Print & ebook · March 4, 2003
A Judaism pick for readers exploring The Jewish Book of Why.
We earn from qualifying purchases.
- Who it’s for
- A straightforward guide for when you want Judaism explained without ceremony around the explanations.
- Genres
- Jewish Rituals & Practice, Jewish History, Jewish Holidays
- Published
- Penguin Publishing Group, March 4, 2003
Nearest books
Matched by what the books are about, then ordered by what their readers also loved. Most of these share its genre: Jewish Rituals & Practice.
Living a Jewish Life, Revised and UpdatedAnita Diamant, Howard Cooper71% match
To LifeHarold S. Kushner68% matchAlso shares Jewish History
Jewish Literacy Revised EdJoseph Telushkin73% matchAlso shares Jewish History
How to Run a Traditional Jewish HouseholdBlu Greenberg67% matchAlso shares Jewish Holidays
Jewish HolidaysMichael Strassfeld67% matchAlso shares Jewish Holidays
Every Day, Holy DayAlan Morinis52% match
The Shambhala Guide to Kabbalah and Jewish MysticismPerle Besserman60% matchAlso shares Jewish History
Entering Jewish PrayerReuven Hammer54% matchAlso shares Jewish History
For younger readers: Tough Questions Jews Ask 2/e, What Jewish Looks Like, My Little Book of Big Jewish Holidays
Start with three books, and this one can be the first.
Members get a new edition every morning: a route out from their books to essays, research and talks, with the reason for each.
Join the waitlistAbout this book
A complete, concise, fascinating, and thoroughly informative guide to Jewish life and tradition Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch clearly explains both the significance and the origin of nearly every symbol, custom, and practice known to Jewish culture—from Afikomon to Yarmulkes, and from Passover to Purim.
Continue reading
Kolatch also dispels many of the prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround Jewish observance and provides a full and unfettered look at the biblical, historical, and sometimes superstitious reasons and rituals that helped develop Jewish law and custom and make Judaism not just a religion, but a way of life. L'chaim! • Why do Jews eat gefilte fish? • Why is a glass broken at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony? • Why must the chapter of curses in the Torah be read quickly in a low voice? • Why are shrimp and lobster not kosher? • Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur? • Why are some Matzot square while others are round? If you've ever asked or been asked any of these questions, The Jewish Book of Why has all the answers.
Plainspoken Guide
A straightforward guide for when you want Judaism explained without ceremony around the explanations.
Come here for
- practical ritual guidance
- accessible, why-it-is-this-way explanations
Expect
- reference-friendly structure
- daily-use, skill-building feel
Where it sits
| Jewish Rituals & Practice | 63% |
|---|---|
| Jewish Holidays | 43% |
| Jewish History | 28% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Judaism
- Jewish Rituals & Practice
- Jewish History
- Authors
- Alfred J. Kolatch
- Publisher
- Penguin Publishing Group
- Published
- March 4, 2003
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Reading lane
- Judaism