Synopses & Reviews
Many Christians today are trying to connect with the roots of their faith by exploring its Jewish origins, as evidenced by the Passover seders that are now offered at many churches. Others find themselves or someone they love in an interfaith relationship and wonder how to learn more about the faith and holidays of their Jewish loved one. This accessible guide to the major Jewish holidays is written especially for Christians. Accessible, informative and rich with personal anecdotes, it explores each holiday's historical development, basic information about the holiday's meaning, and the ways it is observed today. Holidays include: Rosh Hashanah, Passover (Pesach), Yom Kippur, Shavuot, Sukkot, Yom Hashoah, HanukkaH, Yom Hazikaron, Purim, and Yom Haatzmaut. This book is a companion to Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's Jewish Spirituality: A Brief Introduction for Christians (ISBN 1-58023-150-0), Rabbi Neil Gillman's The Jewish Approach to God: A Brief Introduction for Christians (ISBN 1-58023-190-X), and Olitzky and Judson's Jewish Ritual: A Brief Introduction for Christians (ISBN 1-58023-210-8), all of which are used in adult study groups in Christian congregations across the U.S.
Synopsis
A window into Judaism's sacred days--throughout history and today. Written especially for Christians.
Holy days and holidays provide the peak experiences of Jewish life. These moments speak deeply to the Jewish soul and animate Judaism's culture. They encourage Jews to participate in their shared historical experience, which reflects their covenantal relationship with God, and articulate Jewish values that have allowed for the survival of the Jewish people. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith?
In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the major Jewish holidays and what they mean for the Jewish people. Each chapter explores a different holiday and explains the origin, historical background, customs and rituals that are part of observance and the holiday's Christian parallels. Examining observance in both home and synagogue--and in all Jewish denominations--this easy-to-use guide to the Jewish holidays will be a valuable resource for your own understanding of Jewish sacred time throughout the year. And by linking the Jewish holidays to familiar Christian holidays and practices, you will be better able to appreciate the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation.
- Rosh Hashanah-New Year
- Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement
- Sukkot-Feast of Booths (Fall Harvest Festival)
- Simchat Torah-Rejoicing in the Torah
- Hanukkah-Rededication
- Purim-(Festival of Survival)
- Pesach-Passover
- Shavuot-(Receiving the Torah)
- Tisha B'Av (Mourning and Commemoration) and Other Special Days
- Shabbat (Day of Rest)
Synopsis
Holy days and holidays speak deeply to the Jewish soul and animate Judaism's culture. This easy-to-use guide explains the origins and customs of the major Jewish holidays and shows what they can mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith.