The Miracle of the Seventh Day: A Guide to the Spiritual Meaning, Significance, and Weekly Practice of the Jewish Sabbath [Paperback]

Adin Steinsaltz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787965456 | ISBN-13: 978-0787965457 | Publication Date: February 17, 2003 | Edition: 1

In The Miracle of the Seventh Day, the internationally renowned and highly acclaimed Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz offers the definitive explanation of the miraculous potential of the Sabbath-- what it means, and how it can be observed at home with your family. Much like the Haggadah, the guide to the Passover seder, with its step-by-step directions and explanations, this book provides a simple but complete guide to the spiritual content and ritual practice of the seventh day in the home, including commentary on every appropriate observance, ritual, prayer, and song. The book is both an introduction and a program for observing the Sabbath at home, focused on the core intention and goal of this weekly spiritual renewal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This companion for the Sabbath table is intended for novices as well as those well-versed in Shabbat law and observance. It is a tribute to Steinsaltz-rabbi, scholar, author and teacher-that he navigates both audiences successfully, balancing a step-by-step guidebook with a treasury of information about the history, development and significance of prayers and traditions. The Sabbath, Steinsaltz explains, is not just a day of passivity based on a set of laws that prohibit work, but an opportunity to transform inactivity to joy and inner peace. He reveals the reasons for many customs and laws, from the number of loaves of bread (two, to match the double batch of manna that fell on the Sabbath) to the practice of standing during kiddush, the blessing over the day with a cup of wine. (This, he says, is like bearing testimony, which Jewish law stipulates must be done standing up.) His illuminating commentaries, replete with mystical allusions, are not for those who want a quick or abridged version of Sabbath ritual. Instead, Steinsaltz provides the text for a lengthy celebration meant to extend the joy of Shabbat, complete with zemirot (traditional Shabbat songs). All texts appear in Hebrew, with a transliteration and English translation. A few quibbles include the non-grammatical line breaks in the Hebrew text; traditional gendered translations; and lack of music for the songs. These considerations, however, should not deter readers from absorbing Steinsaltz's scholarship and carefully crafted wisdom.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This companion for the Sabbath table is intended for novices as well as those well-versed in Shabbat law and observance.  It is a tribute to Steinsaltz—rabbi, scholar, author and teacher—that he navigates both audiences successfully, balancing a step-by-step guidebook with a treasury of information about the history, development and significance of prayers and traditions.  The Sabbath, Steinsaltz explains, is not just a day of passivity based on a set of laws that prohibit work, but an opportunity to transform inactivity to joy and inner peace.  He reveals the reasons for many customs and laws, from the number of loaves of bread (two, to match the double batch of manna that fell on the Sabbath) to the practice of standing during kiddush, the blessing over the day with a cup of wine.  (This, he says, is like bearing testimony, which Jewish law stipulates must be done standing up.)  His illuminating commentaries, replete with mystical allusions, are not for those who want a quick or abridged version of Sabbath ritual.  Instead, Steinsaltz provides the text for a lengthy celebration meant to extend the job of Shabbat, complete with zemirot (traditional Shabbat songs).  All texts appear in Hebrew, with the transliteration and English translation.  A few quibbles include the non-grammatical line breaks in the Hebrew text; traditional gendered translation; and lack of music for the songs.   These considerations, however, should not deter readers from absorbing Steinsaltz’s scholarship and carefully crafted wisdom. Apr.) (Publishers Weekly, March 31, 2003)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (February 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787965456
• ISBN-13: 978-0787965457
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The secrets of Shabbat revealed, May 27, 2003

By 

Bruce Birnberg (New Jersey USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Miracle of the Seventh Day: A Guide to the Spiritual Meaning, Significance, and Weekly Practice of the Jewish Sabbath (Paperback)

This book will change your spiritual practices, guaranteed...a table-top-like book with profound offerings...highly recommended.
BruceB...