Thanks to these generous donors for making the publication of this book possible: Miles z”l and Chris Lerman; David Lerman and Shelley Wallock The bestselling guide to understanding Jewish traditions, now in paperback This is a comprehensive and authoritative resource with ready answers to questions about almost all aspects of Jewish life and practice: life-cycle events, holidays, ritual and prayer, Jewish traditions and customs, and more. Ronald Eisenberg has distilled an immense amount of material from classic and contemporary sources into a single volume, which provides thousands of insights into the origins, history, and current interpretations of a wealth of Jewish traditions and customs. Divided into four sections—Synagogue and Prayers, Sabbaths and Festivals, Life-Cycle Events, and Miscellaneous (a large section that includes such diverse topics as Jewish literature, food, and plants and animals)—this is an encyclopedic reference for anyone who wants easily accessible, accurate information about all things Jewish. Eisenberg writes for a wide, diversified audience, and is respectful of the range of practices and beliefs within today's American Jewish community—from Orthodox to liberal. "A one-volume work that enables [us to find information on virtually any aspect of the tradition--the festivals, the cycle of life, and ethical behavior."--Rabbi Reuven Hammer, author of "Entering the High Holy Days "--Rabbi Reuven Hammer "A one-volume work that enables [us] to find information on virtually any aspect of the tradition--the festivals, the cycle of life, and ethical behavior."--Rabbi Reuven Hammer, author of "Entering the High Holy Days "--Rabbi Reuven Hammer "Offers a startling range of wisdom, history, and nuance behind every Jewish custom."--Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author of "Putting God on the Guest List " --Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin "A reference work for all time--clear, complete, and compelling."--Francine Klagsbrun, author of "The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day "--Francine Klagsbrun Jewish Traditions Have you ever wondered ... ... why ten people are required for a minyan? ... why a wedding ceremony is conducted under a huppah? ... why the mezuzah is affixed to a door on an angle? ... what is the traditional Jewish view on euthanasia and assisted suicide? These and hundreds of other topics are covered here. Using both classic and contemporary sources, Eisenberg provides thousands of insights into the origins, history, and current interpretations of Jewish traditions and customs, from Orthodox to liberal. "I dare consumers of Jewish books to find a more complete and encyclopedic one-volume work on Jewish tradition ... It will be as useful to the knowledgeable Jew as well as to those who are just beginning their Jewish journeys." --Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, author of Putting God on the Guest List: How To Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah "... Here you will find a treasure house of Jewish ideas and practices to inform, enrich, and delight you ... a reference work for all time--clear, complete, and compelling. --Francine Klagsbrun, author of The Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day "Eisenberg has undertaken an enormous task in writing Jewish Traditions--and he has done it well ... By including various views on these subjects, he has also made it useful to Jews of all persuasions...." --Rabbi Reuven Hammer, author of Entering the High Holy Days Ronald L. Eisenberg, a radiologist and non-practicing attorney, is the author of numerous books, including The Jewish World in Stamps. Dr. Ronald Eisenberg is the author of The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions.