A theologian explores the holidays and rituals of his wifeโs Jewish faith in an โaccessible and engagingโ memoir told โwith humor and a scholarโs insightโ (Los Angeles Times).
As a member of an interfaith household, eminent Christian theologian, and religion scholar, National Book Award finalist Harvey Cox has had ample opportunity to reflect upon the essence of Judaism and its complex relationship to Christianity.
Organized around the Jewish calendar from Rosh Hashanah to Yom ha-Atzmaรญut, Common Prayers illuminates the meanings of Jewish holidays as well as traditions surrounding milestone events such as death and marriage. Describing in elegant, accessible language the holidaysโ personal, historical, and spiritual significance and the lessons they offer us, Cox โis instructive and enlightening, revealing the depth and passion of his religious thought and practiceโ (Boston Herald). As seen through his eyes, the Jewish holidays offer a wellspring of discovery and reflection for every reader, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
โCox not only provides a clear guide to Judaism for โperplexed gentilesโ but convincingly argues that โappreciating Judaism, both its history and its present manifestation, is essential to a full understanding of Christianityโ . . . An important new book by a major theologian; highly recommended.โ โLibrary Journal
โCoxโs insights into Judaism and Christianity, as both an insider and an outsider, are dazzling.โ โOrlando Sentinel