A window into the meaning of Jewish rituals throughout history and today― written especially for Christians. Ritual moments and opportunities guide the daily life of practicing Jews. These spiritual practices give expression to Jewish identity and reflect Judaism’s core beliefs and values. 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 whys and hows of nine specific areas of Jewish ritual. Observing the Sabbath - Keeping Kosher - Putting on Tefillin (Prayer Boxes) - Wrapping the Tallit (Prayer Shawl) - Covering the Head - Studying Torah - Praying Daily - Saying Blessings throughout the Day - Going to the Ritual Bath Providing you with the biblical and historical background of each practice, insight into its contemporary use and significance―including the often divergent approaches of different Jewish movements―and personal stories from rabbis and lay people, this easy-to-understand guide illustrates the deep meaning these rituals have in the Jewish relationship with God. Linking these practices to familiar rituals in the Christian tradition, Olitzky and Judson help you better understand the roots of Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and reflect your own spiritual foundation. Among the Jewish rituals explained here are observing the Sabbath, keeping kosher, putting on tefillin and prayer shawls, covering the head, studying Torah, praying and saying blessings each day, and going to the ritual bath. The book provides readers with the biblical and historical background of each practice and discusses their Christian parallels. Jewish readers will certainly learn many facts about their religion here, and Christians will find much to learn if they have developed an interest in Jewish-Christian history and how Christianity evolved from Judaism. The format is easy to follow, and the language quite accessible. An applaudable introduction. George Cohen Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "I will be recommending this book to anyone who teaches adult education in parishes. A helpful guide to understanding the ritual practices of Judaism, some of their traditional and theological underpinnings, and how it all relates to us as Christians." ― Jon M. Sweeney , author, The St. Francis Prayer Book: A Guide to Deepen Your Spiritual Life "Very sensitive and embracing … this book succeeds in translating for Christians the richness of Jewish ritual and tradition. It is a work of profound faith told through spiritually uplifting and engaging prose, as well as through the stories of those who have embraced a life of Jewish ritual and enriched their souls as a result." ― The Rt. Rev. Kirk Stevan Smith, PhD , bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona The history of Jewish-Christian relations is a place of brokenness. It is in need of millions of acts of mending. We fervently hope that the writing and reading of this book will be one such act, one small tikkun [repair] in this process, allowing Jews and Christians to see each other s religion with greater clarity and greater respect. from the Introduction This knowledgeable but easy-to-understand introduction takes you through the many aspects and approaches to Jewish ritual, how each practice originated, and how each has the potential to enrich your own spiritual life. Written especially for Christians, Jewish Ritual explores the hows and whys of nine different practices in a Jewish spiritual life and how they strengthen the personal connection Jews have with God. Whether you are involved in an interfaith relationship with a Jewish person, interested in learning more about the tradition from which Christianity emerged, or looking to deepen your own spiritual life with new rituals and practices, you will find that this introduction provides the background you need in a concise, accessible way. "A splendid book for anyone interested in transcending nervousness in interfaith settings, especially Christians who want to be less ignorant of their own Jewish roots." Rev. Donna Schaper,executive director, Women s Fund of Western Massachusetts, and United Church of Christ minister Also available in this series The Jewish Approach to God: A Brief Introduction for Christians by Rabbi Neil Gillman 51/2 x 81/2, 192 pp, PB Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky , named one of the fifty leading rabbis in North America by Newsweek , is well known for his inspiring books that bring the Jewish wisdom tradition into everyday life. He is executive director of Big Tent Judaism, formerly Jewish Outreach Institute, and is author of many books on Jewish spirituality, healing and Jewish religious practice, including Making a Successful Jewish Interfaith Marriage: The Big Tent Judaism Guide to Opportunities, Challenges and Resources ; Introducing My Faith and My Community: The Jewish Outreach Institute Guide for a Christian in a Jewish Interfaith Relationshi