Hayyim Schauss (1884–1953)

Should probably be titled "The Lifetime of a Jewish Male" - Schauss's book addresses life cycle events as experienced by Jewish women infrequently and without the attention to detail given to events as experienced by Jewish men. Published in 1950, what makes the book compelling is the author's perspective: he has just narrowly escaped the Holocaust, and he writes to preserve in memory what has been lost forever: a flourishing Jewish community. As he writes, the world's Jewish population has show more been decimated, and it's clear he feels with great despair that the chances for revival are slim to none. In fact, 60 years later, Jewish communities ranging from Ultra-Orthodox to secular are thriving throughout the US and Israel, but from the perspective of 1950, things look pretty grim. Fortunately the Jewish people are survivors, and many traditions he describes as lost forever are making a comeback. show less

Discusses the significant aspects in the life of the individual Jew from birth to death, tracing the history of different traditions from ancient times to modern times.

A classic account or the origins, development and symbolism of the Jewish holidays.

NO OF PAGES: 316 SUB CAT I: Feasts/Festivals SUB CAT II: SUB CAT III: DESCRIPTION: Long considered a classic, The Jewish Festivals provides a rich and charming account of the origins, development, and symbolism of the Jewish holidays, and of the diverse rituals, prayers, ceremonial objects, and special foods that have been used throughout history and around the world to celebrate them. Drawing upon a wealth of knowledge of Jewish folkways and customs, Hayyim Schauss shows how these holidays show more evolved in meaning and importance, depending on the contemporary needs of those who observed them. Written with passion and warmth, this book will infuse your own experience of the holidays with extra meaning and delight.NOTES: SUBTITLE: A Guide to Their History and Observance show less