My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew

ISBN: 1941493203

Author: Pogrebin, Abigail

Condition: New

The much-dissected Pew Research Center study of 2013, A Portrait of Jewish Americans, revealed that most U.S. Jews locate their Jewishness in their ancestry and culture-not in religion. Abigail Pogrebin wondered if perhaps thats because we havent all looked at religion closely enough.Although she grew up following some holiday rituals, Pogrebin realized how little she knew about their foundational purpose and current relevance. She wanted to understand what had kept these holidays alive and vibrant, in some cases for thousands of years. Her curiosity led her to embark on an entire year of intensive research, observation, and writing about the milestones on the Jewish calendar.My Jewish Year travels through this calendars signposts with candor, humor, and a trove of information, capturing the arc of Jewish observance through the eyes of a relatable, wandering-and wondering-Jew. The chapters are interspersed with brief reflections from prominent rabbis and Jewish thinkers.Maybe youre seeking an accessible, digestible roadmap for Jewish life. Maybe youd appreciate a fresh exploration of what youve mastered. Whatever your motivation, youll be educated, entertained, and inspired by Pogrebins unusual journey-and by My Jewish Year.