Free Downloads The Jewish Book Of Days: A Companion For All Seasons
Finalist, 2006 NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD in the Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice categoryThroughout the ages, Jews have connected legends to particular days of the Hebrew calendar. Abraham’s birth, the death of Rachel, and the creation of light are all tales that are linked to a specific day and season. The Jewish Book of Days invites readers to experience the connection between sacred story and nature’s rhythms, through readings designed for each and every day of the year. These daily readings offer an opportunity to live in tune with the wisdom of the past while learning new truths about the times we live in today. Using the tree as its central metaphor, The Jewish Book of Days is divided into eight chapters of approximately forty-five days each. These sections represent the tree's stages of growth—seed, root, shoot, sap, bud, leaf, flower, and fruit—and also echo the natural cadences of each season. Each entry has three components: a biblical quote for the day; a midrash on the biblical quote or a Jewish tradition related to that day; and commentary relating the text to the cycles of the year. The author includes an introduction that analyzes the different months and seasons of the Hebrew calendar and explains the textual sources used throughout. Appendixes provide additional material for leap years, equinoxes, and solstices. A section on seasonal meditations offers a new way to approach the divine every day.
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: The Jewish Publication Society (September 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0827608314
ISBN-13: 978-0827608313
Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.9 x 1.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #266,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #36 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks #433 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Worship & Devotion > Meditations #829 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Meditations
In the 26 days I've owned this book, I've been bowled over 26 times by Rabbi Hammer's daily teachings. They have touched me personally and often educated me.Jill Hammer, clearly very knowledgeable in Jewish texts and tradition, reveals how Judaism embraces perspectives on nature and women that we might not credit Judaism with.I've always tried to keep track of the cycles of the moon and seasons at the same time I keep track of the Jewish year, but it took this insightful, well-educated woman to unite the two in a meaningful and Jewish way. Thank you, Rabbi Hammer!The introductory sections of the book are informative, and each day, in addition to her own teaching, Rabbi Hammer includes one quote from Tanach (Bible) and one quote from Talmud, Rashi, or other Jewish texts. I expect to turn to this book daily for the next year (and probably years to come), to learn and to deepen my spiritual life.I can't recommend this volume highly enough. BUY YOURSELF THIS BOOK!(Just a note: it's bound well, and under the pretty dust-jacket, the brown and gold cover would look really nice next to any Metsudah siddurs or machzors you might own.)
Jill Hammer's "The Jewish Book of Days" has been my companion for the last two years. Rabbi Jill's scholarship has helped me learn more of my once hidden heritage. Perhaps more importantly, the fecund spiritual depth of this work has created a profound rhythm in my life which I have been able to share and celebrate with family and friends. You will find this book always at my bedside or in my backpack; this is a treasure too rich for any shelf. I have made personal notes in the margins as I have awakened to the truth and beauty in the text, planning to give my copy to my daughter when she is grown. The Jewish Book of Days is not to be read, but lived. It is a true masterpiece of Earth and Spirit.
I bought this book about a month ago. The book is inspirational. It has a message for every day as well as a quote from the Bible. I plan to send a copy of this book to my daughter who has recently converted to Judaism. I know she will also love it.
Just getting started in this book of daily readings from the Jewish tradition, but already its richness confirms this was a great purchase.
This book is great for those who just have a minute or two to read here and there. The stories are short and they provide easy documentation of where they got there information about each story (ex: scripture, book chapter and verse). I find these storyies informative, accurate and peaceful.
This is the first book I have encountered that presents a learning concept for each day of the Jewish calendar. This means that the posting is, for example, for the 25th of Kislev. I love reading something that is directly connected to what I am thinking/doing Jewishly.
Rabbi Jill Hammer's Jewish Book of Days is an amazing journey through Jewish text to fuel each day and to ignite your learning. You do not have to know any Hebrew or know the text referenced - or be Jewish - to comprehend the ideas presented each day. Rabbi Hammer's writing is imminently accessible and beautiful! Additionally, she introduces a wonderfully different way of viewing the world that inspired me to journey more deeply into my own soul for how I view my relationship with The Divine One. Give this to yourself as a gift or to friends - you cannot go wrong.
I bought four copies of this book to give to friends who want to know more about Judaism, without being either too folksy or legalistic. This book is a fabulous way to introduce anyone into the many realms of Jewish thought.
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