A window into the meaning of Jewish rituals
throughout history and today—
written especially for Christians.
written especially for Christians.
Ritual moments and opportunities guide the
daily life of practicing Jews. These spiritual practices give
expression to Jewish identity and reflect Judaism’s core
beliefs and values. But what can they mean to Christians
seeking to understand their own faith? In this special book,
Rabbis Olitzky and Judson guide you through the whys and hows
of nine specific areas of Jewish ritual.
• Observing the Sabbath
• Keeping Kosher
• Putting on Tefillin (Prayer Boxes)
• Wrapping the Tallit (Prayer Shawl)
• Covering the Head
• Studying Torah
• Praying Daily
• Saying Blessings throughout the Day
• Going to the Ritual Bath
Providing you with the biblical and
historical background of each practice, insight into its
contemporary use and significance—including the often
divergent approaches of different Jewish movements—and
personal stories from rabbis and lay people, this
easy-to-understand guide illustrates the deep meaning these
rituals have in the Jewish relationship with God. Linking these
practices to familiar rituals in the Christian tradition,
Olitzky and Judson help you better understand the roots of
Christianity and how the fundamentals of Judaism relate to and
reflect your own spiritual foundation.
“I will be recommending this book to
anyone who teaches adult education in parishes. A helpful guide
to understanding the ritual practices of Judaism, some of their
traditional and theological underpinnings, and how it all
relates to us as Christians.”
—Jon M.
Sweeney, author of The St. Francis Prayer Book:
A Guide to Deepen Your Spiritual Life
A Guide to Deepen Your Spiritual Life
“Very sensitive and embracing
… this book succeeds in translating for Christians the
richness of Jewish ritual and tradition. It is a work of
profound faith told through spiritually uplifting and engaging
prose, as well as through the stories of those who have
embraced a life of Jewish ritual and enriched their souls as a
result.”
—The Rt.
Rev. Kirk Stevan Smith, PhD, bishop
of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
