The Jewish Book of Days
A Companion for All Seasons
Published on 1. September 2006
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-0-8276-0831-3 (ISBN)
Description
Finalist, 2006 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD in the Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice category
Throughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham's birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature's rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today. Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth-seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit-and also echo the natural cadences of each season. Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.
Throughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham's birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature's rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today. Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth-seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit-and also echo the natural cadences of each season. Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.
Reviews / Votes
""What a beautiful way to learn Torah. Jill Hammer has offered us a gift and a wonderful resource of 'midrashim' and teachings to support and guide us on our soul journey day by day.""-Melinda Ribner, author of Kabbalah Month by Month|""The first command to the first Jew, Abraham, was ""Lech l'cha""-Walk forth into your self. Jill Hammer's book gives us the markers for that walking, seeing each day of the Jewish year as one more step into the journey. Abraham-and Sarah too-would be delighted.""-Rabbi Arthur Waskow, author of Seasons of Our Joy and co-author of A Time for Every Purpose under Heaven|""The Jewish Book of Days is rich learning for Jews, both educated and not, and highly informative and inspirational as well for those unfamiliar with the Jewish faith.""-Rabbi Gershon Winkler, author of Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism|""Every page reveals something new and fascinating in this innovative Jewish calendar . . . contains a treasure chest of Jewish gems.""-Publishers Weekly|""A poetic, soulful, and organic view of the cycle of the Jewish year, bringing together Jewish texts and environmental themes . . . Rabbi Hammer's original juxtaposition of ideas engages, enchants, and inspires in ways that stimulate others to be thoughtful, appreciative, and creative.""-Long Island Jewish WeekMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Philadelphia
United States
Dimensions
Height: 190 mm
Width: 171 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-8276-0831-3 (9780827608313)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Rabbi Jill Hammer was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2001. She also holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Connecticut. She is currently the director of Tel Shemesh, a website and community celebrating and creating Jewish traditions related to the earth. She is the author of Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women (Jewish Publication Society, 2001).