Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children [Paperback]

Yosef I. Abramowitz (Author), Susan Silverman (Author), Elie Wiesel (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1998

Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children has become the definitive book for parents to turn to for sound advice on important and current parenting issues. It dispenses invaluable information that is relevant to Jewish families today, whether the family has a mixed marriage, two parents, a single parent, or adoptive parents. The book's three parts--Traditions, Holidays and Values--investigate contemporary issues in raising children and show concrete ways in which Judaism can play a practical role in enriching a family's spiritual and moral education. Each chapter includes lively, hands-on activities that you can do with your kids and simultaneously instill vital cultural and religious education. Vetted by a prestigious advisory board that is co-chaired by Nobel Prize-winner Elie Weisel, this book with help unify the family and re-establish rich traditions that have been lost over the generations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For many centuries, Jews lived as tiny minorities or in such small communities that often there was no common place such as a synagogue to celebrate life-cycle events and holidays. Family-based home celebrations therefore became part of Jewish life. Many Jews are still isolated and need guidance in developing a home life that revolves around Jewish practices and festivals. These books have been developed to bridge this gap. The Rhythm of Time answers many of the whys and wherefores of Jewish living. The book covers life-cycle events in detail and follows with an excellent overview of the most important Jewish holidays, Jewish observance in the home, and recipes for food to serve at lifecycle events and major holidays. Award-winning journalist Abramowitz and wife Silverman here apply the down-to-earth, hands-on approach of their web site . The book, divided into Traditions, Holidays, and Values, will speak to young parents trying to establish a Jewish home life. The "Hands on Judaism" section at the end of each chapter provides an opportunity for readers to extend their understanding of the information provided. An annotated resource list by topic, a listing of major American Jewish organizations, and a lengthy glossary round out the volume. Contemporary readers will find these books much livelier and more inviting in format than older treatments of the same topic. Public libraries will definitely want one or both.?Olga B. Wise, Tandem Computers Inc., Austin, TX
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Yosef I. Abramowitz is editor and Rabbi Susan Silverman is contributing editor of the on-line magazine Jewish Family and Life (jewishfamily.com). Married and the parents of two daughters, they live in Newton, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press (September 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307440869
• ISBN-13: 978-0307440860
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,018,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource on Jewish Values, Holidays, and Traditions, September 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children (Paperback)

As a Christian who's seriously dating a Jew, I ordered the book to help me understand what being Jewish is all about. This book has a wealth of information about embracing Jewishness, raising a Jewish family, and maintaining Jewish traditions and identity. Much of the advice is geared toward those who wish to bring more Jewish faith and culture into busy, modern lives. I appreciated the honest and suppportive perspective on interfaith relationships. The prayers, blessings,and quotes throughout the book give an inspiring picture of an embraceable faith, as well as lots of insight as to how that faith can be woven into daily life. Wonderful book, a real gem.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, well needed, August 27, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children (Hardcover)

What a great tool for helping to bring up your children in a Jewish home. We're a mixed couple and it really strengthened our marriag

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for thought, July 12, 2002

By 

D. E. W. Turner "dewt" (Hereford, AZ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children (Paperback)

This is a good book to use to plan activities and ways of celebrating the various holidays in a manner to make children more interested in their own culture rather than the Christian culture that surrounds them. I think it would also work for those who became bored with the Judaism offered them as children but who wish to re-enter the Jewish way of life (or converts).