Pardes Moshe

How is Chanukah connected to the Creation of the world? Why do we tie the left shoe first? What is the difference between Moshiach ben Yosef and Moshiach ben Dovid? How does the water of a mikvah purify? What was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden? Why do we cut a child’s hair at 3 years of age? What is the purpose of shaking the lulav?

Living the Jewish Holidays explores these topics and more in a manner that brings the centuries old traditions to life. The manna and Lag BaOmer, the connection between Tu B’Shvat and Tu B’Av, the judgment of Shavuos, and Purim’s walled cities, are yet a few more examples how our every day lives are shaped by a rich history and G-d given responsibility to observe and practice the Jewish holidays.

Incumbent upon every Jew is the obligation to learn G-d’s commandments so that one may observe them in a more profound manner. Jewish traditions are not meant to simply relive the experiences of our forefathers, but rather, to instill in us the same experience as we live today. Living the Jewish Holidays is an analysis of various traditions and rituals of the Jewish Holidays throughout the year, in the hope of providing the reader with an introduction to a deeper and more meaningful practice.