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Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch, celebrated author of The
Jewish Books of Why, has helped a generation understand the
reasons behind Jewish law, custom, and ritual. Now, in A Handbook
for the Jewish Home, he provides us with a practical guide that
explains precisely and concisely how to conduct ourselves both in
our homes and when interacting with the Jewish community at large.
Without underestimating the reader's
intelligence or overestimating his or her Jewish knowledge, the
handbook instructs us how to derive the most from life's joyous
occasions (picking a name for a newborn, preparing for a Bar and Bat
Mitzva, planning a wedding celebration) and how to cope with the
painful ones (arranging for a divorce, making funeral preparations,
observing the rituals of mourning). It teaches us how to establish a
kosher home, properly affix a mezuza to a doorpost, don tefillin,
light Sabbath and holiday candles, and recite the Kiddush over
wine. So that we might obtain maximum pleasure and inspiration from
the Jewish days of celebration, it also presents background on each
of the holidays and offers step-by-step guidance on how to observe
the relevant customs.
Taking into account that the Jewish mosaic is
diverse and that religious law can be intimidating, A Handbook
for the Jewish Home explains the varieties of Jewish observance
in straightforward language and compact, easy-to-understand units.
Whether discussing how to kindle a Chanuka menora, assemble a
lulav bouquet, or conduct a Passover Seder, it equips us with
the knowledge and confidence necessary to fulfill Jewish tradition
with ease and comfort.
Previously issued in hardcover as The
Jewish Home Advisor and in paperback as How to Live a Jewish
Life.
In Praise
of
A Handbook for the Jewish Home
"Whenever you see the name of Rabbi
Alfred J. Kolatch, you can be sure the book is going to be chock
full of useful information—and this volume is no exception . . . .
Very well organized, [A Handbook for the Jewish Home]
presents the kind of detailed information needed by the modern
family committed to perpetuating Jewish tradition. . . . It deserves
to be in every Jewish home."
—The Jewish Chronicle
"After two volumes of his popular Jewish
Books of Why, Rabbi Kolatch has shifted from explaining the
reasons for Jewish custom to writing a guide for those wishing to
follow them . . . . The first of the two easy-to-read sections deals
with customs related to home and family; the second focuses on
synagogue rituals and holiday celebrations . . . . A wealth of
information that will be useful both to those who follow Jewish
rituals and to those with limited knowledge of them."
—The Jewish Week
"A superb volume that tells the hows for
every Jewish experience . . . . A must for significant and vibrant
Jewish life."
—Rabbi Saul I. Teplitz
"The perfect reference resource on the
proper observance of Jewish customs and practices."
—The Midwest Book Review
About the Author
Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers'
Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was
ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which
subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris
causa. Early in his career, he served as rabbi of congregations in
Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a
chaplain in the United States Army.
Rabbi Kolatch has authored more than fifty
books, the most popular of which are the best-selling Jewish Book
of Why and Second Jewish Book of Why, The Jewish Book
of Why: The Torah, The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why, The
New Name Dictionary, The Comprehensive Dictionary of English
& Hebrew First Names, The Family Seder, and The
Jewish Child's First Book of Why. His most recent works are Great
Jewish Quotations, The Presidents of the United States &
the Jews, and Masters of the Talmud.
In addition to his scholarly work, Rabbi
Kolatch has served as president of the Association of Jewish
Chaplains of the Armed Forces and as vice-president of the
interdenominational Military Chaplains Association of the United
States.
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