Jewish Holidays: A Brief Introduction for Christians

by Kerry M. Olitzky

A window into Judaism's sacred days--throughout history and today. Written especially for Christians. Holy days and holidays provide the peak experiences of Jewish life. These moments speak deeply to the Jewish soul and animate Judaism's culture. They encourage Jews to participate in their shared historical experience, which reflects their covenantal relationship with God, and articulate Jewish values that have allowed for the survival of the Jewish people. But what can they mean to Christians seeking to understand their own faith? In this special book, Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the major Jewish holidays and what they mean for the Jewish people. Each chapter explores a different holiday and explains the origin, historical background, customs and rituals that are part of observance and the holiday's Christian parallels. Examining observance in both home and synagogue--and in all Jewish denominations--this easy-to-use guide to the Jewish holidays will be a valuable resource for your own understanding of Jewish sacred time throughout the year. And by linking the Jewish holidays to familiar Christian holidays and practices, you will be better able to appreciate the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation.
* Rosh Hashanah-New Year
* Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement
* Sukkot-Feast of Booths (Fall Harvest Festival)
* Simchat Torah-Rejoicing in the Torah
* Hanukkah-Rededication
* Purim-(Festival of Survival)
* Pesach-Passover
* Shavuot-(Receiving the Torah)
* Tisha B'Av (Mourning and Commemoration) and Other Special Days
* Shabbat (Day of Rest)

Genres: Religion, Jewish, Judaism

150 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2006

About the author

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky is a leader in the development of Jewish education, particularly for adults. He has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths, especially in the area of pastoral care and counseling in the Jewish community. He is the author of over 75 books and hundreds of articles in a variety of fields. He is known for books that bring the insights of Jewish wisdom into everyday living. His opinion pieces are published in leading publications throughout North America and in Israel. Most of his recent publications are children's picture books, as well as the early reader The Adventures of Leila and Ilana

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a really good overview of Jewish holidays for those that are curious about their origins and practices. If you are looking for a "how-to" this is not that book. Like the title says, it's brief. Each holiday is presented in it's context from the Torah followed by a socio-historical context. There is an overview of how the holiday is practiced followed up by how it connects or mirrors certain Christian holidays.

One of the standouts for me is that the two authors, practicing rabbis, do not shy away from how Christians have, in the past, used elements of certain Jewish holidays to incite riots or pogroms. They are very clear that while there is some harmony between certain Jewish and Christian holidays, Jewish holidays are unique and should not be Christianized. However, there is nothing wrong with Jews and Christians finding common ground to practice their religion.

[Bobby H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information on the history of the holidays, how they are celebrated and variations based on culture, location and the style of Judaism practiced.
The book also looks at Christian parallels (there are many).
This would be a good book for those with Jewish friends or neighbors who would like to celebrate holidays with them, or as an outreach tool.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book, not terribly deep but helpful when thinking through Jewish holidays from a Christian perspective. Good resource.

[Tzipporah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, basic overview of the jewish holidays. This is going to the top of my "Books to recommend to people who want to learn more about Judaism" list!

[Lewestover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a good basic overview of the Jewish festivals, particularly as hey are celebrated today in the various Jewish traditions. Sometimes the comparisons with the Christian equivalent were a bit thin...but I was more focussed on the origins of the Jewish traditions. While the book provided a simple introduction to the various festivals, I would have liked more focus on spiritual origins of practices rather than current observance. That said, the authors achieved their purposes not mine. Overall a good book that I will recommend and use as a first reference.