Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Survival Kit

by Shimon Apisdorf

It blends wisdom, humor and down-to-earth spirituality, and transforms the holidays into an inspiring, and meaningful experience.

Genres: Judaica, Jewish, Judaism

156 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 1997

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading classics, and enhancing my personal devotions. Enter this neat little book, which came in handy as I was looking for some oomph and inspiration (I'm physically incapable of waiting for the cantor to say something, and having to respond with something in return).

I found it engaging, and meaningful, concise, and to the point.

One quibble: the cover art betrays the content. It is not a silly book, it is an uplifting positivity-infused book that asks you to recognize your own lofty power. It does draw the reader in, however, so kudos on that.

I coupled this with several other short-book choices and essays, including a penetrating one by Elie Weisel, and had an uplifting High Holidays 5778 as a result.

[Ari · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the author had a good idea in the writing of this book, I was rather disappointed in the execution of such. I found the meditations he offered completely flat, and would have liked to have seen history of specific prayers, stories relating to anything other than Shoah, and some sort of actual connection to what is going on in HHD services. This is indeed a 'survival guide,' but the author largely misses the point that anyone seeking out such a thing is searching for a connection to the meaning, not just a short description of the prayer. No mention of various things that are happening that the Holiday-only goer may find puzzling: prostration, 2nd day chag stories, the connection to Sukkot, and not to even get into the fact that the shofar itself is only mentioned in passing in a story! Lots of really integral stuff missing, too basic for anyone I know.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little guide. Very simple. I'm too embarrassed to actually take this to shul with me and read it while doing the prayers as the author suggests doing. It really should be read with the prayer book next to you but I didn't do that as I didn't have one at home and wanted to read through it before the holiday. But what I read was good enough. Although, it didn't stick with me too much....I need to go back and reference again. I thought the Rosh Hashana section went a little more in depth on the holiday than the Yom Kippur section did. But Apisdorf definitely did a good job organizing and simplifying the high holidays. His books are all good. This is not an easy task to undertake. Also, it's a little dated now, 1997. I wish someone would come up with an updated version.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful read no matter where you reside on the spectrum of Jewish awareness. Insights beyond the Holidays . Reflections, focus, life questions- a good tool that can be used again