Jewish Customs of Kabbalistic Origin

“Dr. Faierstein’s book is long awaited. There are many books on Jewish customs, but none in English that specifically addresses customs that are kabbalistic in origin. Their impact on all aspects of Jewish religious life and culture has been profound. This important volume is the first in English to collect and explain the origins, meaning, and symbolism of these customs. It is a work of great erudition, yet presents this material in a way that is accessible for a wider audience.” ~Zeev Gries, David Berg and Family Professor of East European Jewish History, Ben-Gurion University

“Over the past 35 years, Morris Faierstein has created a body of work that is among the most varied and impressive among contemporary scholars of Jewish life. His oeuvre extends from mysticism to Yiddish poetry, from refined thought to popular registers of practice. Among students of early Yiddish, Faierstein is unique in his mastery of the religious sources. The current book on kabbalistic customs is a signal contribution to the study of popular religion, and shows how pervasive (and early) the influence of Kabbalah was on early modern Jewish life. The book is informed by a deep scholarship, yet it manages to be gloriously accessible —written in the clear and concise style that Faierstein is known for. This book should find a wide and enthusiastic audience.” ~Elliot K. Ginsbur, Professor of Jewish Thought and Mysticism at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

"Rabbi Faierstein’s book is a fascinating collection of kabbalistic customs which are practiced today in many Jewish quarters." ~Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, JewishMediaReview

“Very highly recommended for academic library Judaic Studies reference collections, Jewish Customs of Kabbalistic Origin: Their Origin and Practice is so exceptionally well-written and presented that it would be completely accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in the Kabbalah.” ~Wisconsin Bookwatch (The Midwest Book Review), February 2014