The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions provides thousands of insights into the origins, history, and current interpretations of a wealth of Jewish traditions and customs. Ronald Eisenberg has distilled an immense amount of material from classic and contemporary sources into a single volume. Chock full of interesting, invaluable and illuminating entries on everything from Hanukkah to Rabbinic Literature to the Tree of Life, the JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions will be a much-referenced resource for all those interested in all things Jewish.

The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions uncovers a treasure-trove of information on Judaism and related areas of interest, including:

The dividing of the Bible into chapters and verses was a Christian innovation
Although a recital of the Ten Commandments was once part of the daily service at the Temple in Jerusalem, Jews elsewhere were forbidden to recite them
The Kaddish, which now closes every Jewish service, as well as sections within the service, was originally not even part of the synagogue ritual
… and much more!

Separated into four sections – Synagogue and Prayers, Sabbaths and Festivals, Life-Cycle Events, and Miscellaneous (a large section that includes such diverse topics as Jewish literature, food, and plants and animals) – this volume is an encyclopedic reference for anyone who wants easily accessible, accurate information about all things Jewish.

Eisenberg writes for a wide, diversified audience, and is respectful of the range of practices and beliefs within today's American Jewish community—from Orthodox to liberal. The JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions is certain to be a meaningful addition to institutional and personal libraries.