Customer Reviews

Book of Our Heritage

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If one wants to know the how, when, where, and why of Jewish observance, I can't imaging a better source of answers than THE BOOK OF OUR HERITAGE. For ease of use the book is broken down by month and then, chronologically, by days of importance.

In addition to presenting biblical and historical reasons for just about everything, it even explains differences in tradition and methods of observance between various Jewish sects.

I don't read Hebrew, except at the most elemental level, so I can't speak for the original, but the translation is written in such a clear manner that even the most complex issues are made comprehensible. For someone like me, who is only vaguely aware of many of the less well-known traditions and requirements, this book is a gold mine of information.

THE BOOK OF OUR HERITAGE covers all phases of the calendar year, holidays, fast days, days of joy, and days of sorrow. It clarifies both the meaning of the law and the appropriate methods of observance. It gives Rabbinical interpretations and insights of the Sages throughout Jewish history. Until reading the comments contained herein, I never really understood why, as a child, I asked the "Four Questions" at the Passover Seder, and I certainly never understood the deeper significance of the answers I received. Now I do.

This is a reference that should be on the bookshelf in every Jewish home.

This is the most comprehensive book on Jewish Lifecycle events that I have read. It discusses the entire Jewish Calendar and reviews ever significant date. In addition, he discusses areas that surprised me, such as Rosh Chodesh (the lunar calendar and celebrating the new month).

The series also covers the intermediate days between holidays and the laws that apply. The detail in which he covers Sukkot and the "Four Species" is amazing".

The wonderful part of it all is that the author traces the history of the events, and the pertinent Halacha (Jewish law) all the way back to the time of the First Temple.

An excellent, comprehensive work! It is done in a very easy reading style and yet thoroughly covers the subject. This is a resource for someone who really wants to learn about living Judaism!

I for many years learned with the Hebrew version of this work , called ' Sefer HaToda-ah.' This book was turned to whenever we were approaching a holiday or time of special meaning. Then the interpretation of KiTov his reading of the sources would greatly enrich our learning. I too believe this should be a part of the library of every Jewish home.

This trilogy covers all of the Jewish holidays superbly. It not only covers how and when the holiday is observed, but it goes into a great deal of background information as to why the holiday is observed and what the meaning is behind the observance. It is written in an interesting manner, and I have a hard time putting it down once I start reading it. It is worth every penny that I paid for it.

Just a small warning though for those who are a bit less familiar with Hebrew and basic Jewish ideas: This may not be the first book you want to pick up. I did find myself creating a list of words to look up later that I did not know. I found that this aided with my memory of a number of key Jewish terms though, so this may not be a terrible problem really. If I could suggest an intro book before this one, I would suggest "To be a Jew" by Donin.

Rabbi Bulman did the Jewish world, and for that matter the world at large, a favor by translating this classic work by KiTov. Now Jews who labor under false ideas and others who do not have access to the true beauty of the Jewish year can read, learn understand and perhaps fullfill that which Jews have known for thousands of years.
The prose borders on poetry. The organization is superbe. The complex has been rendered simple in this wonderful book.

Its hard to imagine a more perfect series of books on the subject of the Jewish year - the fasts and the feasts, the days of rejoice and the days of sorrow. No wonder it has become a 'must have' in Jewish homes, a work that can can give inspiration to those from the most observant and knowledgeable to the beginner, the newly observant and the convert.

Its well organised chronologically, being broken down by month into three volumes. The level of detail is striking. Yet what is even more surprising is how the book remains readable and fresh throughout, and a not some quagmire of laws and dry facts. It is kept alive by providing insights into the 'whys' of the holidays, not just the 'hows and whens'. Insights come from many sources, with any midrash on the subject explored. Also useful is the coverage of the numerous different holiday observances made by particular traditions and streams within the Jewish world. The book is not an account of one flavour of Judaism, making this a true Jewish calendar encyclopedia.

Vast in scope and a pleasure to read, I have no hesitation in giving these volumes full marks and a full recommendation.

These books are brilliant. For someone with a weak background in my Judaism, having the book is a great companion.It covers every aspect of holidays and Jewish calender. It explains how something should be done, why its done this way, how the tradition came about, and then any midrash on the subject.

Its not a dry read. The inclusion of stories, history, and debates make it an easy read.

The books have a great ability to quickly build a foundation on holidays, but still provide more then enough in-depth that provides intellectual stimulation to keep you reading.

excellent. will give you all the info you need regarding any jewish holiday, plus its laws.

This three volume set is what I expected. It is well written and informative. I expect to learn a great deal from studying this text.

This is a section of the classical KiTov work which gives dinnim and minhagim for the whole Jewish year. The book was originally written in Hebrew and Rabbi Bulman is responsible for this English edition of the Pesach section of KiTov's work.