• Why do Jews eat gefilte fish?

• Why is a glass broken at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony?

• Why must the chapter of curses in the Torah be read quickly in a low voice?

• Why are shrimp and lobster not kosher?

• Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?

• Why are some Matzot square while others are round?
  

If you've ever asked or been asked any of these questions, The Jewish Book of Why has all the answers. In this complete, concise, fascinating, and thoroughly informative guide to Jewish life and tradition, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch clearly explains both the significance and the origin of nearly every symbol, custom, and practice known to Jewish culture-from Afikomon to Yarmulkes, and from Passover to Purim. Kolatch also dispels many of the prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround Jewish observance and provides a full and unfettered look at the biblical, historical, and sometimes superstitious reasons and rituals that helped develop Jewish law and custom and make Judaism not just a religion, but a way of life. L'chaim

Alfred J. Kolatch, a rabbi and author of many best-selling books (including The Jewish Book of Why), has compiled this dictionary of popular Hebrew names that correspond in meaning with English names. Beginning with a fascinating introduction that briefly explains the origins of names and the Jewish naming process, the book continues with separate alphabetical listings of English masculine and feminine names. Each English name is defined and matched with its Hebrew equivalents. Equivalents for the opposite sex are also provided. Entries for English names that are derived from Hebrew include Hebrew script and spelling as well.

A greatly expanded version of the highly popular The Name Dictionary, first published in 1967, this volume contains over 10,000 entries, including hundreds of English and Hebrew names of recent vintage. This is an invaluable guide for parents searching for a Hebrew name with the same meaning as an English name or for an English name with the same meaning as a Hebrew name. Contains a comprehensive index of all Hebrew names in transliterated form.

A Spanish translation of The Jewish Book of Why. Este libro de gran venta investiga más de 500 preguntas básicas acerca del judaísmo. En un lenguaje sencillo y directo, el Rabino, Dr. Kolatch explica la creencia de los judíos, cómo observan sus festividades, el significado de sus costumbres y ceremonias, y las diferencias que hay entre las otras sectas relìgiosas.

Entre las preguntas contestadas están:

* Por qué un niño nacido de padre judío no se considera necesariamente judío?

* Por qué las oposición a la maternidad subrogada?

* Por qué algunos seminarios ordenan mujeres?

* Por qué se circunsidar los niños judíos?

* Por qué se quiebra un vaso en la ceremonia nupcial?

* Por qué el cerdo y el camarón no son aceptados por las leyes de cashrut?

El Libro Judío del Por Qué, hace una contribución muy importante para evitar alejamiento por malo entendidos e ideas erróneas que rodean a la observancia judía. Tanto judíos y así como no judíos encontrarán este libro de mucha enseñanza.

Following the question-and-answer format made popular in his best-selling Jewish Books of Why, Rabbi Kolatch here explores, explains, and analyzes the reasons behind the multitude of laws, observances, customs, and traditions relating to death and mourning. Among the subjects covered are the chapel and cemetery religious services, the laws of Kaddish and Keria (rending the garment), Shiva and post-Shiva procedures, Yahrzeit, Yizkor, and the regulations pertaining to grave visits and unveilings. The answers to the almost five hundred questions presented in this volume are concise, direct, and unbiased, reflecting the attitudes, customs, and practices of Jews of all denominations. The Jewish Mourners Book of Why also presents a selection of readings that will bring comfort to the bereaved. Features notes and a detailed index. The hardcover edition of this title, originally issued in 1993, is available on-demand only.

A comprehensive overview of Jewish mourning practices and religious beliefs from the time the person dies until the mourning period has ended . . . Highly recommended . . . A wise and sensitive book.

--The Jewish Funeral Director

Highly recommended for all libraries.

--Library Journal

The culmination of thirty-five years of research in the field of nomenclature, this is an invaluable guide for parents-to-be, students of language, and scholars. Contains more than 10,000 masculine and feminine names, their derivations and meanings. Includes variant forms and spellings, diminutive forms, as well as place-name and surname usage where applicable. This title, originally published in 1980, is available on-demand only.