Title
The Jewish Life Cycle: Rites of Passage from Biblical to Modern Times (Samuel and Althea Stroum Lectures in Jewish Studies),Used
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In this original and sweeping review of Jewish culture and history, Ivan Marcus examines how and why various rites and customs celebrating stages in the life cycle have evolved through the ages and persisted to this day. For each phase of lifefrom childhood and adolescence to adulthood and the advanced yearsthe book traces the origin and development of specific rites associated with the events of birth, circumcision, and schooling; bar and bat mitzvah and confirmation; engagement, betrothal, and marriage; and aging, dying, and remembering. Customs in Jewish tradition, such as the presence of godparents at a circumcision, the use of a fourpoled canopy at a wedding, and the placing of small stones on tombstones, are discussed. In each chapter, detailed descriptions walk the reader through such ceremonies as early modern and contemporary circumcision, weddings, and funerals.In a comparative framework, Marcus illustrates how Jewish culture has negotiated with the majority cultures of the ancient Near East, GrecoRoman antiquity, medieval European Christianity, and Mediterranean Islam, as well as with modern secular and religious movements and social trends, to renew itself through ritual innovation.In his extensive research on the Jewish life cycle, Marcus draws from documents on various customs and ritual practices, offering reassessments of original sources and scholarly literature.Marcus's survey is the first comprehensive study of the rites of the Jewish life cycle since Hayyim Schauss's The Lifetime of the Jew was published in 1950, written for Jewish readers. Marcus's book addresses a broader audience and is designed to appeal to scholars and interested readers.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'The Jewish Life Cycle' by Ivan Marcus? A: The book examines the evolution of Jewish rites and customs related to various stages of life, from birth to death, and how these practices have persisted and adapted over time.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Jewish Life Cycle' contain? A: The book consists of 376 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition have? A: This edition is available in paperback binding.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Jewish Life Cycle'? A: The author of the book is Ivan G. Marcus.
- Q: When was 'The Jewish Life Cycle' published? A: The book was published on October 1, 2004.
- Q: Is 'The Jewish Life Cycle' suitable for both scholarly and general audiences? A: Yes, the book is designed to appeal to both scholars and general readers interested in Jewish culture and history.
- Q: What topics are covered in 'The Jewish Life Cycle'? A: The book covers various rites associated with life events such as birth, circumcision, schooling, bar and bat mitzvah, marriage, aging, dying, and remembering.
- Q: Does the book discuss any specific Jewish customs? A: Yes, it discusses customs such as the presence of godparents at circumcision and the use of a four-poled canopy at weddings.
- Q: What is the significance of the book in Jewish studies? A: It is considered the first comprehensive study of Jewish life cycle rites since 1950, offering new insights into the evolution of these practices.
- Q: Can I find detailed descriptions of ceremonies in this book? A: Yes, the book provides detailed descriptions of ceremonies like circumcision, weddings, and funerals.