In
this volume Bible Studies scholar Yitzhak (Itzik) Peleg offers an educational,
values-based approach to the cycle of Jewish holidays-festivals and holy days-as
found in the Jewish calendar. These special days
play a dual role: they reflect a sense of identity with, and belonging to, the
Jewish people, while simultaneously shaping that identity and
sense of
belonging. The biblical command "And you shall tell your son" (Exodus 13:8) is
meant to ensure that children will become familiar with the history of their
people via the experience of celebrating the holidays. It is the author's
claim, however, that this command must be preceded by another educational
command: "And you shall listen to your son and your daughter."
The book examines
the various Jewish holidays and ways in which they are celebrated, while
focusing on three general topics: identity, belonging, memory. Throughout the
generations, observance of the holidays has developed and changed, from time to
time and place to place. These changes have enabled generations of Jews, in
their various communities, to define their own Jewish identity and sense of
belonging.
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