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First Published in 2009. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
The controversial history of sermons, the physics and philosophy of rainbows, lions in the synagogue, hares in the Greek Bible, the gold standard, God in human disguise—these are but a few of the many topics that are introduced in this lively miscellany of glimpses into exotic frontiers of Jewish literature, history, and tradition. In the present compendium of short studies, Eliezer Segal once again introduces the public to the fruits of Judaic scholarship, while employing a charming style that combines learning and wit. Chronicles and Commentaries is the latest addition to the author’s distinguished series of collections that includes: Why Didn’t I Learn That in Hebrew School? (1999), Ask Now of the Days that Are Past (2005), A Meeting-Place for the Wise (2008), and On the Trails of Tradition (2011). The new digital edition from Quid Pro Books features proper ebook formatting, active Contents, and all the illustrations from the paperback edition.
A Time for Every Purpose continues the series of collections of Eliezer Segal's articles about the Jewish sacred calendar that originally appeared in his "From the Sources" column in the Calgary Jewish Free Press between 2011 and 2015. As always, the author strives to maintain a balance between accurate scholarship and entertaining readability as he introduces his readers to fascinating aspects of the Jewish festivals and holy days and how they evolved in ongoing dialogue with historical changes, geographical diversity and intellectual challenges. The articles are written from a sympathetic but non-dogmatic perspective by an authority on the academic study of Judaism.
This collection of essays from various topics in Jewish history and traditional religious literature demonstrates the diverse aspects of Jewish tradition that can still speak with familiarity to modern 'western' culture. Though the essays are on topics such as religious custom and scholarship, community, liturgy, and interfaith relationships, they are designed for a non-academic audience, using humour and insight to stress themes that speak to contemporary situations.
Reading Jewish Religious Texts introduces students to a range of significant post-biblical Jewish writing. It covers diverse genres such as prayer and liturgical poetry, biblical interpretation, religious law, philosophy, mysticism and works of ethical instruction. Each text is newly translated into English and accompanied by a detailed explanation to help clarify the concepts and arguments. The commentary also situates the work within its broader historical and ideological context, giving readers an enhanced appreciation of its place in the Jewish religious experience. This volume includes a comprehensive timeline, glossary and bibliography.
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Eliezer Segal's approach to Jewish history and tradition has often been light-hearted and humorous. Through his web site and newspaper columns, he has reached out to non-specialist audiences with his entertaining style. "In Those Days, At This Time" is a collection of short essays that explore the intricate framework of sacred days and times which make up the Jewish festival calendar. Each piece is devoted to an occasion in the cycle of sacred seasons. Segal investigates the ways festival observances have been shaped over the generations, looking at different interpretations of their rituals, their symbolism, and their adaptation to changing historical circumstances. With such clever titles as "Getting a Handel on Hanukkah" and "The Eggs and the Exodus", these essays bring a touch of whimsy to a complex and deep-rooted religious tradition.
This volume brings together a diverse collection of studies related to the cycle of Jewish holy days. Each chapter illustrates in a different way the interplay between the received teachings of the Torah and the vital impact of interpretations by diverse types of personalities, ideologies, historical events and communal dynamics. The articles are written from a sympathetic, but non-dogmatic perspective by an expert in the academic study of the Jewish religion. They were originally published as newspaper columns, and are designed to entertain as much as to educate the intelligent non-specialist.