I really enjoyed this book because it is a gentle journey through the life phases of a Jewish person from birth, through marriage and parenting,to death and burial and grieving. While I already knew most of the material in it, the book tied the material together smoothly and defined all the key Hebrew terms as it went along.
Part II does the same thing for the Holy Days, dividing them between the fall holidays -- the most important ones; the spring holidays; and then shabbat gets its own section. These include information on what the holiday is, how it is celebrated in temple or synagogue, how to include children, and how and why to use the holy days not only to help oneself but also to help others. Again, it gives detailed information in easy to read language with translations from the Hebrew as needed.
Part III discusses rituals of the home in the same detail -- dividing it this time into symbols -- candles and candlesticks, plates and covers, boxes and more; holiday blessings, rituals, and songs; and the kitchen -- a one page note of preparation and storage requirements and then recipes.
Good, light but thorough, enjoyable read. ( )

NO OF PAGES: 168 SUB CAT I: Jewish Life SUB CAT II: Jewish Practice SUB CAT III: Feasts/Festivals DESCRIPTION: For many centuries, Jews lived as tiny minorities or in such small communities that often there was no common place such as a synagogue to celebrate life-cycle events and holidays. Family-based home celebrations therefore became part of Jewish life. Many Jews are still isolated and need guidance in developing a home life that revolves around Jewish practices and festivals. These books have been developed to bridge this gap. The Rhythm of Time answers many of the whys and wherefores of Jewish living. The book covers life-cycle events in detail and follows with an excellent overview of the most important Jewish holidays, Jewish observance in the home, and recipes for food to serve at lifecycle events and major holidays. Award-winning journalist Abramowitz and wife Silverman here apply the down-to-earth, hands-on approach of their web site . The book, divided into Traditions, Holidays, and Values, will speak to young parents trying to establish a Jewish home life. The "Hands on Judaism" section at the end of each chapter provides an opportunity for readers to extend their understanding of the information provided. An annotated resource list by topic, a listing of major American Jewish organizations, and a lengthy glossary round out the volume. Contemporary readers will find these books much livelier and more inviting in format than older treatments of the same topic. Public libraries will definitely want one or both.NOTES: Donated by Brent and Lynn Emery. SUBTITLE: An Introduction to Holidays and Life-Cycle Events