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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
About the author
Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa. From 1941 to 1948 he served as rabbi of congregations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a chaplain in the United States Army.Rabbi Kolatch authored more than fifty books, the most popular of which are The Jewish Book of Why and The Second Jewish Book of Why, The Jewish Book of Why: The Torah, Handbook for the Jewish Home, The New Name Dictionary, The Comprehensive Dictionary of English and Hebrew First Names, The Family Seder, and The Jewish Childs First Book of Why. Among his other works are Great Jewish Quotations: By Jews and About Jews, The Presidents of the United States & the Jews, What Jews Say About God, and Masters of the Talmud: Their Lives and Views.
