Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life and Culture Around the Year [Paperback]

Francine Klagsbrun (Author), Mark Podwal (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 1998

Jewish Days takes the reader through the year, interpreting and illustrating the most significant dates on the Jewish calendar, including Jewish holidays, important historical dates, and biblical events to which tradition has assigned dates. Throughout the book, each month is introduced by a discussion of its zodiac sign in terms of the kabbalists’ worldview. Francine Klagsbrun has drawn on legends, traditional teachings, and modern scholarship in the almost one hundred essays presented, and Mark Podwal’s elegant paintings and witty drawings are the perfect complement to her text.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Like a yeasty loaf of bread rich in nutrients, "Jewish Days" transcends the usual flat, bland fare on Jewish holidays. Klagsburn, an author, editor and teacher, takes a fresh look at the cycle of the Jewish year, going beyond the holidays to include events and people that have shaped Jewish life. While she focuses on major and minor holidays and special observances, she also fills each month of the calendar with commemorative dates?the deaths of the matriarch Rachel and medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides, the establishment of the first ghetto in Venice and the completion of the Septuagint, the first Greek translation of the Torah. She defines the biblical and Talmudic framework of each holiday, explains customs, rituals and themes and adds layers of legend, debate and interpretation. Klagsburn's clear voice and thought-provoking entries make this scrupulously detailed resource a journal of the Jewish year and of Jewish life for both the uninformed and the informed. Podwal's obvious knowledge of Jewish sources colors his paintings with as much beauty as his palette; his witty black-and-white drawings bring to life the year's varying moods. Together, Klagsburn and Podwal have succeeded in portraying the holiness of time in Jewish life.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Fascinating bits of biblical history, midrashic commentary, legend, and lore make up this discursive tour through the Hebrew calendar. Beginning with Rosh Hashana?the Jewish New Year?in Heshvan and ending with the beginning of the creation and Rosh Hashana Eve in Elul, Klagsbrun, an influential Jewish feminist and author (Voices of Wisdom: Jewish Ideals and Ethics for Everyday Living, Jonathan David, 1986) traces the holidays, celebrations, and other notable days of the Jewish year with broad and careful research and some inspired touches of creative speculation. Mark Podwal's highly imaginative watercolor illustrations make this a beautiful as well as a unique addition to both Jewish and general library collections. Highly recommended.?Marcia G. Welsh, Guilford Free Lib., Conn.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (August 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374525668
• ISBN-13: 978-0374525668
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,100,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a beautifully illustrated introduction to Judaism, July 9, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life and Culture Around the Year (Hardcover)

A lucid introduction to Jewish laws, traditions and customs, this book is an esthetiic delight as well. Fine paper, elegant text and attractive graphics add up to a book that is a pleasure to mind, hand and eye. The author,s love of the faith of her mothers and fathers enlightens every page. You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy it and profit by it

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful keepsake, March 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life and Culture Around the Year (Hardcover)

This book offers both Jews & non-Jews a basic understanding of the Jewish calendar & life-cycle events which go hand-in-hand. A wonderful gift for any Jewsih occasion