Description
Book SynopsisPassover and Easter constitute for Jews and Christians respectively the most important festivals of the year. Although sharing a common root, the feasts have developed in quite distinct ways in the two traditions, in part independently of one another and in part in reaction against the other. Following the pattern set in earlier volumes in this series, these two volumes bring together a group of distinguished Jewish and Christian scholars to explore the history of the two celebrations, paying particular attention to similarities and connections between them as well as to differences and contrasts. They not only present a convenient summary of current historical thought but also open up new perspectives on the evolution of these annual observances.
Volume 5 in the series focuses especially on the origins and early development of the feasts and on the way that established practices have changed in recent years. Volume 6, also in the series, focuses on the contexts in which they
Trade Review
“Continuing as in past volumes of this series, the editors present collections of essays from both Judaic and Christian scholars regarding these Holy Days. One question dealt with is ‘Have these two highest holy days lost some of their emphasis and practice in our modern day world?’ Volume 5 focuses on the origins and early development of the feasts and the ways that established practices have changed in recent years. Volume 6 deals with the contexts in which these Holy Days occur, the periods of preparations for them as feast days in the liturgical year, their traditional expression in art and music, and their connection to the succeeding season of Shavuot/Pentecost. Collectively they explore the ‘sense of sacred time’ and its meanings in relationship to modern day Judaism/Christianity. And what about attempts by some Christians to enter into their heritage by celebrating a Jewish Seder as part of their annual Holy Week and Easter services? These questions will be of import to specialists and general lay-persons alike as both take our religious practices into a new and more complex millennium.” * Church and Synagogue Libraries *
