Our reading list this week features the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As part of the Jewish New Year, these days are a call to self-examination, repentance, and new life. Whether a long-time observer or simply a curious readers these books can help better your understanding of these Days of Awe.

 

Entering the High Holy Days

By Reuven Hammer

A historical explanation and contemporary guide to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Celebrating the Jewish Year: The Fall Holidays

By Paul Steinberg

A collection of fiction, poetry, and essays of many well-known Jewish writers, from Maimonides to Elie Weisel, rooted in the Jewish High Holy Days.

Seasons of Our Joy

By Rabbi Arthur O. Waskow

Circling the Jewish calendar from Rosh Hashanah to Tisha B’Av, this lively, accessible guide provides rituals, recipes, songs, prayers, and suggestions for new approaches to holiday observance.

The JPS Bible Commentary: Jonah

Commentary by Uriel Simon

The story of Jonah serves as a reminder on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, that no one is too far gone to repent, whether in calm waters or in the belly of a fish. With the complete pointed Hebrew and JPS English translation, this commentary makes an excellent addition to shelves of Hebrew scholars and curious readers alike.

The Five Megilloth and Jonah

Introductions by H. L. Ginsberg

This volume includes The Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, and Jonah—books which are traditionally read in synagogues on holidays, beginning with Passover.