Why is the Jewish New Year designated on the Jewish calendar as the first day of the seventh month, and not of the first month? Why do women cover their eyes when reciting the blessing over the Sabbath candles? How did the Seder originate? Does the Book of Esther, read on Purim, mirror any real historical event? Long considered a classic, 'the Jewish Festivals' provices 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 world to celebrate them.

Rosh Hashanah Readings

ed. Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins

HB £17.99

This compelling companion to Yom Kippur Readings helps create a bridge between the words of our ancestors and the meanings, themes and ideas that are the central spiritual agenda of the life of the modern Jew. Drawn from a variety of sources--ancient, medieval, modern, Jewish and non-Jewish--this selection of readings, prayers and insights explores the opportunities for inspiration and reflection inherent in the subjects addressed on the Jewish New Year: sin, repentance, personal and social change, societal justice, forgiveness, spiritual growth, living with joy and hope, commitment to high ideals, becoming our truest and most authentic selves, deepening our capacity to love and savoring the divine gift of life. These readings enable you to enter into the spirit of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Awe in a personal and powerful way while they uplift and inform. They will add to the benefits of your High Holy Day experience year after year. 

Jewish Holiday Fun... For You

Barbara Rushkoff

PB £9.99

When it comes to comparing holidays, Jews might seem on first glance to have the short end of the stick. Christians have chocolate bunnies, candy canes, and blinking Santas. Jews have bitter herbs, nasty fruit rings, and gefilte fish in a glass jar. But even though Jews may not get a tree (or cheeky elves that want to become dentists), they have something better: an amazingly rich holiday tradition that most people (Jews included) don't completely understand. Jewish Holiday Fun. . .for You! reveals just what the Jewish holidays are all about. Barbara Rushkoff, creator of the cult-favorite Jewish-themed zine Plotz, uses her snarky sensibility to provide a satirical yet affectionate deconstruction of each holiday, giving each one its own special pop culture spin. Riotously irreverent, but still perfectly appropriate as a seder gift, this very funny book is for everyone who's Jewish or who wonders what being Jewish is all about.

Celebrating the Jewish Year: the Fall Holidays

Paul Steinberg

PB £15.50

Steinberg, a rabbi and educator, calls the Jewish holidays fundamental expressions of our spirituality. In Judaism's holistic approach, he says, spirituality encompasses the interaction of a person's intellectual, emotional and physical aspects, so the holidays tie us to history, the earth, the Jewish people and God. This first of three volumes explores Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Each section discusses a holiday's biblical origins, ideology and customs, followed by writings from Jewish thinkers throughout history, contemporary perspectives and alternative meditations. What makes this volume stand out from other holiday guides is an additional section with sacred texts presented in and inspired by Talmudic format. Steinberg examines each text at three different levels—literal, interpretive and personal. He doesn't shy away from questioning practices that may seem outmoded, but challenges readers not to abandon them abruptly. His careful, thorough and reasoned explanations will deepen understanding of each holiday's history and tradition, allowing celebrations to become, in fact, more celebratory .

  Yom Kippur Children's Machzor

  Noam Zimmerman

  HB £8.95

The original clay sculptures depicted in this Yom Kippur prayer book enhance the prayers by acting as a visual aid to the text. Every child will now be able to better understand the meaning and essence of this holy day celebrated by Jews throughout the world .