Symbols of Judaism - Hardcover

Ouaknin, Marc-Alain

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 2843231981 ISBN 13: 9782843231988

Publisher: Assouline Publishing, 2000

Synopsis

This book introduces the reader to the fundamental aspects of Judaism by exploring the ritual and cultural symbols of this religion. Rabbi Marc-Alain Ouaknin offers insightful commentary, and basic questions are answered clearly and concisely. Why is the yarmulka worn? Why are the scrolls of the law written by hand? Each chapter details also the various religious holidays and feasts according to the Jewish calendar.

About this title

About the Author:

Rabbi Marc-Alain Ouaknin is the director of the Centre de Recherches et d'Etudes Juives in Paris and an associate professor at the University of Bar-Han in Israel.

From Publishers Weekly:

In a gorgeous book that has already been a bestseller in France, Rabbi Ouaknin provides thoughtful and accessible commentary on aspects of the practice of the Jewish faith ranging from the customs and rituals of Yom Kippur to the history and meanings of Jewish sacred texts and sacred objects. In a series of 30 reflections, each accompanied by a lavish full-page photograph of the symbol under consideration, Ouaknin reveals the religious use of everyday sacred objects like the tallith, or prayer shawl, and the tefillin, in which are contained "tiny parchments inscribed with texts from the Torah." Other commentaries in the book focus on sacred space (the synagogue) and sacred time (the Sabbath). Finally, Ouaknin's relfections on the interrelationship of Judaism and society are found in commentaries on Jewish religious and social customs like the mikvah, or ritual bath, and the brit milah, or circumcision. This beautiful book will appeal to both Jews and non-Jews.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Assouline Publishing
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 2843231981
• ISBN 13: 9782843231988
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128