cover image Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children

Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children

Yosef I. Abramowitz, Susan Silverman. St. Martin's Press, $25 (336pp) ISBN 978-0-307-44004-4

In this splendid book, Abramowitz and Silverman, editors of the online magazine Jewish Family Life, have gathered in one volume materials designed to help families understand and practice the Jewish faith. Each chapter contains an overview of the topic being studied, relevant stories from the Talmud and other sources, a ""Hands-On Judaism"" section suggesting family activities and a section of questions and answers about special situations. The first section of the book focuses on ""Traditions,"" ranging from ""Observing Shabbat"" to ""Food and Values."" The book's second section focuses on ""Holidays"" and includes a section on ""Non-Jewish Holidays"" such as Halloween, and the Jewish observance of those holidays. The final section of the book focuses on ""Values"" and takes up a wide range of topics: ""Lovingkindness and Acts of Justice""; ""Talking to Your Kids About Sex""; ""Respecting the Human Body, Earth, and Nature""; ""The Value of Money""; and ""Interfaith Dating and Marriage."" The usefulness of the book is enhanced by its inclusion of a calendar and a thorough resource list. Because of its hands-on approach, this book is an excellent resource for families seeking to learn more about the ways of their faith. (Oct.)