Jewish Year: Celebrating the Holidays

From Barnes & Noble

Once again, the author of Jewish Tales from Around the World has produced an enthralling volume on the faith of her fathers. In words and pictures, The Jewish Year celebrates religious and cultural observances on the Jewish calendar. Both traditional ceremonies and recent innovations are discussed.

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This beautifully constructed guide through the Jewish year takes readers far beyond mere observance to a true appreciation of the significance of the holidays as "the thread that binds together and unites all Jewish people." Combining history, tradition, literature, and art, Rush has created a multifaceted work that informs, entertains, and even challenges. Drawing on a rich array of sources, the author explains each holiday within a context that is at once seasonal, historical, and religious. Her background in storytelling enriches the text, as do abundant references to the Hebrew origin and numerological interpretation of common terms. Each explanation is enhanced by a diverse collection of written literature, including folklore, original tales, and midrash. The literary selections determine the tone of the book, for these works reflect the spiritual and cultural wealth of Judaism, giving a voice to the Jewish people that rings clear in all its complexity and humor. Exquisite, full-color reproductions augment the text, and include images of Jewish ritual objects, illuminated manuscripts, paintings, and folk art. They reinforce the idea that the Jewish people are bound by a common heritage that crosses national, cultural, and even historical lines. Although there is no index or glossary, the fine organization, detailed text, and thorough contents page more than compensate. A handsome book that will enrich any Judaica collection.-Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.