The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons [Hardcover]

Jill Hammer PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Finalist, 2006 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD in the Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice category

Throughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham’s birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature’s rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today. Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth—seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit—and also echo the natural cadences of each season. Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Every page reveals something new and fascinating in this innovative Jewish calendar that utilizes nature and the universe to mark each day by the holiday, person, characteristic or occurrence that best defines it. Instead of dividing the calendar by months, Hammer guides us through each of eight segments by focusing on seasonal developments and their correlation to the human spirit and experience, interweaving the values of Judaism with the importance of remaining faithful to the natural world. Each day's entry includes a biblical quote, a midrash and an observation highlighting the connection between the text and the months, seasons and cycles of the year. Nearly every Jewish theme is touched upon, providing readers with an excellent overview of Jewish history, life and lore. Hammer expounds nicely upon the day's theme by quoting ancient and medieval Torah luminaries as well as modern-day scholars, but at times, her biblical quotes merely repeat much of what she has already expressed, and the space might have been better used for quoting sources that shed new light. The calendar begins with a well-researched analysis of the myriad elements and divisions of nature, ends with a thorough explanation of solstices and equinoxes, and contains a treasure chest of Jewish gems within. (Oct.)
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Review

"What a beautiful way to learn Torah. Jill Hammer has offered us a gift and a wonderful resource of ''midrashim'' and teachings to support and guide us on our soul journey day by day."—Melinda Ribner, author of Kabbalah Month by Month

(Melinda Ribner )

"The first command to the first Jew, Abraham, was "Lech l''cha"—Walk forth into your self. Jill Hammer''s book gives us the markers for that walking, seeing each day of the Jewish year as one more step into the journey. Abraham—and Sarah too—would be delighted."—Rabbi Arthur Waskow, author of Seasons of Our Joy and co-author of A Time for Every Purpose under Heaven

(Rabbi Arthur Waskow )

"The Jewish Book of Days is rich learning for Jews, both educated and not, and highly informative and inspirational as well for those unfamiliar with the Jewish faith."—Rabbi Gershon Winkler, author of Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism

(Rabbi Gershon Winkler )

"Every page reveals something new and fascinating in this innovative Jewish calendar . . . contains a treasure chest of Jewish gems."—Publishers Weekly

(Publishers Weekly )

"A poetic, soulful, and organic view of the cycle of the Jewish year, bringing together Jewish texts and environmental themes . . . Rabbi Hammer''s original juxtaposition of ideas engages, enchants, and inspires in ways that stimulate others to be thoughtful, appreciative, and creative."—Long Island Jewish Week

(Long Island Jewish Week )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827608314
• ISBN-13: 978-0827608313
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #293,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, April 2, 2007

By 

J. Murphy "JM" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons (Hardcover)

In the 26 days I've owned this book, I've been bowled over 26 times by Rabbi Hammer's daily teachings. They have touched me personally and often educated me.

Jill Hammer, clearly very knowledgeable in Jewish texts and tradition, reveals how Judaism embraces perspectives on nature and women that we might not credit Judaism with.

I've always tried to keep track of the cycles of the moon and seasons at the same time I keep track of the Jewish year, but it took this insightful, well-educated woman to unite the two in a meaningful and Jewish way. Thank you, Rabbi Hammer!

The introductory sections of the book are informative, and each day, in addition to her own teaching, Rabbi Hammer includes one quote from Tanach (Bible) and one quote from Talmud, Rashi, or other Jewish texts. I expect to turn to this book daily for the next year (and probably years to come), to learn and to deepen my spiritual life.

I can't recommend this volume highly enough. BUY YOURSELF THIS BOOK!

(Just a note: it's bound well, and under the pretty dust-jacket, the brown and gold cover would look really nice next to any Metsudah siddurs or machzors you might own.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Earthy, Spiritual Masterpiece, October 5, 2010

By 

Cheryl Anne Mohr - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons (Hardcover)

Jill Hammer's "The Jewish Book of Days" has been my companion for the last two years. Rabbi Jill's scholarship has helped me learn more of my once hidden heritage. Perhaps more importantly, the fecund spiritual depth of this work has created a profound rhythm in my life which I have been able to share and celebrate with family and friends. You will find this book always at my bedside or in my backpack; this is a treasure too rich for any shelf. I have made personal notes in the margins as I have awakened to the truth and beauty in the text, planning to give my copy to my daughter when she is grown. The Jewish Book of Days is not to be read, but lived. It is a true masterpiece of Earth and Spirit.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary sensitivity, March 3, 2009

By 

Obadiah "Obadiah!" (denver, co United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons (Hardcover)

Just getting started in this book of daily readings from the Jewish tradition, but already its richness confirms this was a great purchase.