Our Heritage: The Jewish Year and its days of Significance by
Eliyahu Kitov, a book review by Moishe Alexander
This comprehensive review by Eliyahu Kitov on the various special
events in each of the Jewish calendar months is a continuation from
volume I.
It gives a day-by-day chronicle of the significance of each day in
the Jewish calendar on a month-by-month basis starting with the
month of Adar and finishing with the month of Nissan. This is a
must read for all Jewish people.
The book starts out by explaining the history of how the months of
the Jewish calendar were created and quotes supporting scriptures
to the author's instruction and halachic confirmations.
The book chronicles, the Rosh Chodesh festivities in the month of
Adar and its requirements as well as providing excerpts from the
Midrash regarding Moshe's death with supporting scripture and
quotes from Tehillim.
The book continues in part 2, by providing an in-depth analysis
with commentaries as to the hatred Amalek had for the Jewish
people. The Torah continues to warn and remind us with respect to
any relationship with the descendants of Amalek. This chapter ends
with the various parts dealing with the day of Turyanus, which is a
must read for all observant Jewish people.
Mr. Kitov provides a comprehensive and in-depth review of the
procedures and requirements of Purim and provides all the various
blessings and traditions that have been followed since the events
occurred including fasting, the Megillah of Esther, story of Haman
and the schoolchildren. Not to mention there is a super review of
Mordechai's prayer.
The author also provides an in-depth review of Parshat Parah and
Parshat HaKadosh along with commentary and ends with a thorough
discussion of Rosh Chodesh Nissan and its intricacies when it falls
on Shabbos. He also provides all the customs of Pesach and the
extensive preparation for the festival of Pesach.
Mr. Kitov provides a simple and clear understanding as to the
creation of the Shabbos HaGadol, which is the Shabbos right before
Pesach. He provides numerous and unforgettable memories of miracles
that occurred on this special Shabbos - especially the miracle that
was required to save the children of Israel where the children of
Israel were able to deceive the Egyptians by diverting their
attention.
Mr. Kitov reinforces the concept that the observance of Shabbos,
even though it endangers Jewish people as it did at that time, must
take precedence. The author reminds us that Miriam (OB'M) passed 40
years later on that Shabbos - Shabbos HaGadol.
The author, Mr. Kitov gives a complete and clear review of all
Pesach halachic requirements and traditions beginning with the
removal of chametz to the final Seder night. As well, he reminds us
to continue to follow the tradition of our sages to read the Pirkei
Avot on each Shabbos in the summer months.
Every observant Jewish person should read this 3-volume set in
order to easily understand as to how to be Jewish and why we are
Jewish.
Moishe Alexander