From Aleph to Ze'ev: Excursions into Jewish Culture, History, Rituals, and Beliefs

In a collection of 110 easy-to-read mini-essays, Professor Ze’ev Orzech offers a glimpse into the rich depths of Jewish religion, history, culture and traditions. Do you know… why is there no hell in the Jewish Bible – and no devil? what language the snake used to tempt Eve with the apple in Paradise – and was it really an apple? why is it bad luck to go in stocking feet and good luck to start a trip on Tuesday? why Jews place pebbles instead of flowers on gravestones? how a Jewish spy ring helped the British defeat the Ottoman Empire in World War I? From Aleph to Ze’ev answers these questions and many more. A life-long student and teacher of Judaism, Orzech invites his readers to explore with him the fascinating nooks and crannies of the Jewish world. Divided into eight broad categories including sections on Jewish history, the Hebrew language, anti-Semitism, Jewish customs and ritual, and even Jewish superstition, no subject is too sacred or mundane to be lovingly examined and questioned. The book’s witty, non-academic style disguises the extensive research supporting these excursions. Jews and non-Jews alike will find From Aleph to Ze’ev a thoroughly rewarding read.