The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays [Paperback]

Irving Greenberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

In thoughtful and engaging prose, Rabbi Greenberg explains and interprets theorigin, background, ceremonial rituals, and religious significance of all theJewish holidays, showing how they are related to Judaism's central themes andgiving detailed instructions for observing them.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The diverse, nondelineated material in this book precludes its easy use as a handbook, distinguishing it from such works as Leo Trepp's traditional Complete Book of Jewish Observance ( LJ 10/15/86) or Arthur Waskow's innovative Seasons of Our Joy (Summit Bks., 1986) . The chapters on each major and minor holiday are crammed with facts, anecdotes, and personal reflections; the Hassidic and Kabbalistic tales contain moral messages that reinforce Greenberg's perspective. Indeed, Greenberg appears to use the holidays as a vehicle for expressing his own philosophy of Judaism. There are meaningful interpretations, but they can best be appreciated by readers with a basic understanding of Jewish principles. Carol R. Glatt, Northeastern Hosp . of Philadelphia
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671873032
• ISBN-13: 978-0671873035
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Holidays
  • #74 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Jewish Life

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent practical introduction to the Jewish festivals, October 5, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays (Paperback)

"An excellent practical introduction to the festivals...succeeds brilliantly in bringing fresh life to our thoughts about the Jewish year." -- Jewish Chronicle In thoughtful and engaging prose, Rabbi Irving Greenberg explains and interprets the origin, background, interconnections, ceremonial rituals, and religious significance of all the Jewish holidays, including Passover, Yom Kippur, Purim, Hanukkah, Holocaust Remembrance Day and Israeli Independence Day. Giving detailed instructions for observance - the rituals, prayers, foods, and songs - he shows how celebrating the holy days of the Jewish calendar not only relives Jewish history but puts one in touch with the basic ideals of Judaism and the fundamental experience of life. Insightful, original, and engrossing, The Jewish Way is an essential volume that should be in every Jewish home, library, and synagogue. "An important book, one that should be read, discussed, critiqued, and then read over again." -- The Jewish Review

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, January 27, 2004

By 

Sharon Spicka "powr777" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays (Paperback)

I am a Christian, and I read this book years ago. Since then it has become a standard on my shelf. If I want inspiration, especially the Jewish view of Sabbath, I pick up this book and read the parts I have highlighted. My heart continues to be stirred by its contents.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely the Jewish way, November 14, 2002

By 

Judith Gottesman (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays (Hardcover)

A wonderful overview of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. I use it as a refresher before every holiday and recommend it as a resource for friends wanting to learn more.