The First Jewish Catalog: A Do-It-Yourself Kit [Paperback]

Richard Siegel (Editor), Michael Strassfeld (Editor), Sharon Strassfeld (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0827600429 | ISBN-13: 978-0827600423 | Publication Date: October 15, 1965 | Edition: 1st

For anyone who has ever wondered how to make wine, crochet a kippah, locate a Jewish film, start a Jewish library, or bring the Messiah, this exciting collection of far-ranging topics can help any Jew--those steeped in tradition or those just discovering Judaism--to become personally involved in the many aspects of Jewish ritual life, customs, cooking, crafts, and creation.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Hebrew

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Publications Society; 1st edition (October 15, 1965)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827600429
• ISBN-13: 978-0827600423
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #670,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Judaism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incomparable resource!, February 17, 1998

By 

L. Irwin "corvid fan" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The First Jewish Catalog: A Do-It-Yourself Kit (Paperback)

The "First Jewish Catalog" is a book I consult again and again--to answer friends' questions and my own. I have lent it out and bought copies to give. There is information on how-to for every regular holiday in the Jewish calendar. A treat for the knowledgeable as well as those new to Jewish celebration.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Fun and funky, if a little out of date..., August 27, 2001

By 

Jennifer M. Macleod "yiddishe supermama" (Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The First Jewish Catalog: A Do-It-Yourself Kit (Paperback)

This has been called the "Whole Earth Catalog" of Judaism, and it certainly is that. A little skimpy on halacha (Jewish law) and day-to-day practicalities, this book is all about having a good time, making a difference, saving the world.

Illustrated throughout with scary 1970's black-and-white photos, cartoons, and clips of Yiddish proverbs, this book actually manages to overcome its "feel-good" message, providing a joyful introduction to important Jewish themes. It might be nice to see an updated edition of this book, but in the meantime, it and its siblings certainly fill a gap.

If nothing else, the "Jewish Catalog" books capture an era in Jewish thought, informed by the youth movement, when havdalah was hip because you could use incense, and Jewish music was anything Jews felt like singing together. We may mock it now, but maybe we could use a little of that enthusiasm today.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quaintly antiquated., May 26, 2007

By 

jewessjen "yeah, it's me" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The First Jewish Catalog: A Do-It-Yourself Kit (Paperback)

I use this constantly as a Jew. Get the original, not the newer printings. The original was done in the '70's and it just has this very open, dowhatchalike feel. Everything is covered from living Kosher to Shabbat to the Shoah. It's a 'how-to' manual for the Reformers. Good things abound. Take what you like and leave the rest.