The Home and the Synagogue of the Modern Jew. Sketches of Modern Jewish Life and Ceremonies - Published by The Religious Tract Society, London [1871] - First edition - Nice copy.
A description of rituals, customs and lifestyle of Jews accompanied by dozens of illustrations of scenes from Jewish life - The description is from an eyewitness who visited many Jewish communities around the world in Morocco, Belgium, Eretz Israel, France, Russia and Poland, describing each community's unique customs, as well as how the Jewish holidays were uniquely observed in each community. The book includes dozens of illustrations of Jewish scenes and ritual objects the author witnessed firsthand. In the introduction, he attests that the illustrations faithfully depict what he saw in the communities. Differences in clothing styles characteristic of each community can also be discerned.
One interesting chapter describes the author's observations of Purim. Seeing the drunkenness and revelry did not align with the seriousness and strictness he encountered year-round, especially on Yom Kippur which he describes, it was impossible to withstand the fear that gripped the Jews on this day . On one Purim in Amsterdam, he attended a costume parade before the feast, questioning a local who explained one should not look for rationality in Jewish Purim behavior - the day's purpose is irrational acts. He later studied the source of the mitzvah Purim day and better understood the reason for the customs of the day .
VII, 243 [4] p. 19 cm. Nice copy. Original cover with gilt embossing, gilt page cutting, few stains. Condition good - very good.
