Jewish Book Of Why

Offering concise, straightforward answers to many questions surrounding Jewish life and practice, Rabbi Kolatch describes practically every symbol, custom, and convention relating to the public and personal life of the Jew, and attempts to dispell prevalent misunderstandings and misconceptions pertaining to Jewish observance.

From the bestselling authors of The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism comes a completely revised and updated edition of a modern classic that reflects the dangerous rise in antisemitism during the twenty-first century. The very word Jew continues to arouse passions as does no other religious, national, or political name. Why have Jews been the object of the most enduring and universal hatred in history? Why did Hitler consider murdering Jews more important than winning World War II? Why has the United Nations devoted more time to tiny Israel than to any other nation on earth? In this seminal study, Dennis Prager and Joseph Telushkin attempt to uncover and understand the roots of antisemitism -- from the ancient world to the Holocaust to the current crisis in the Middle East. This postmillennial edition of Why the Jews? offers new insights and unparalleled perspectives on some of the most recent, pressing developments in the contemporary world, including: • The replicating of Nazi antisemitism in the Arab world • The pervasive anti-Zionism/antisemitism on university campuses • The rise of antisemitism in Europe • Why the United States and Israel are linked in the minds of antisemites Clear, persuasive, and thought provoking, Why the Jews? is must reading for anyone who seeks to understand the unique role of the Jews in human history.

Contains answers to hundreds of questions about Judaism, examining topics within the conduct of everyday life, including milestones of the individual, holidays, and dietary laws; and looking at what Jewish law has to say about complex issues such as abortion, conversion, and Jewish-Christian relations. Includes a cumulative index.

First published in 1953.

"All beginnings require that you unlock new doors."--Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav In this short and inspiring text, Rabbi David J. Wolpe addresses all who seek to enlarge the spiritual side of their lives. For those considering a return to the faith of their forebears, for those drawn to conversion, Why Be Jewish? is a learned, graceful, and welcoming introduction beckoning readers into the heart of this venerable and enduring religion.

An eclectic blend of facts, trends, odds and ends, and humor, "The Jewish Book of Lists" arranges conventional lists of people, places, and things among equally intriguing unconventional lists. 50 photos.