Jewish Holidays

This book on Jewish Holidays and Festivals, by Dr. Isidor Margolis and Rabbi Sidney Markowitz, is billed as a book for young persons, but I have found it useful with people of all ages. It explains in very basic and understandable terms the religious, historical and practical aspects of the high holy days, the sabbath, and minor holidays and festivals in the Jewish tradition.The book begins by looking at the sabbath. This is the most common of Jewish holy days, coming round once a week. Margolis and Markowitz talk about the rituals, the prayers and blessings, the food, the synagogue service outline, and even offers translations for the basic blessings, such as the lighting of the candles, the drapping on of the talith, and the kiddush. As with other sections in this text, there are short stories to be shared that emphasise important aspects of sabbath observance. Again, while these stories are intended for younger audiences, I have found that adults find them interesting, too.The high holy days of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are described in some detail. The most common prayers and practices are described, The stories accompanying these sections fall more under the description of folklore than short stories, and the historical significance as well as the theological significance is brought forward for these important days. Pesach (Passover) is also described in good detail, as befits its central importance in the history of the Jewish people.The other holidays and festivals described are more generally considered lesser festivals. These include the well-known Chanukah, Purim, and Sukkoth, and the lesser known festivals of Tu Bishevat (Arbor Day), Yam Ha'atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day, the newest of the festivals), Lag BaOmer, Shavuoth, and Rosh Codesh. Many people who are not Jewish have never heard of some of these; indeed, some secular Jewish people would have a hard time describing some of these.Again, given the focus for young people, there is a page of questions after each section, helping to reinforce the important points of each section. There are basic line art drawings, done by John Teppich. An index would be welcome, but the book is short enough to have this not be a significant problem. This is a good book to introduce children of all backgrounds to the rituals and importance of Jewish holidays. It is also good for adults outside of Judaism to help them understand, in simple terms, the Jewish holidays and festivals.