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This short book offers an overview of the Jewish holidays. Each holiday is discussed in an explanatory "Introduction Section," a "Celebration Section," and "Theme" section. The introductory one is dedicated to explaining a given holiday's historical, social, and spiritual implications. For example, in the introduction to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the authors explain that the High Holy Days "are an important time for reflection, prayer, and self-renewal." As this holiday falls at the beginning of the Jewish New Year, it is a celebration of "the birthday of the world, the birthday of creation." The next section details how each holiday is celebrated, including any specific texts, songs, foods, or rituals that may be involved. The final section emphasizes how one might apply the lessons learned from each holiday's history and traditions to one's personal life. The authors include an appendix of the Jewish calendar, a list of internet sources, and references.
The Cheslers began the tradition of discussing the meaning of the Jewish holidays with their children to foster a clear understanding and appreciation of what they were celebrating. This book is the result of that effort. Written clearly and concisely, it is a great resource for families wishing to foster deeper discussions during holiday observances. The additional information in the appendix and the list of resources give one a place to begin to develop an even deeper understanding of the subject. Not only is it a useful tool for Jewish families, but the guide can also be used as a quick reference for anyone wishing to learn more about the Jewish holidays. The authors have done a wonderful job of presenting the material in an understandable and accessible work that provides an interesting and informative resource.