Holy Days : the World of a Hasidic Family

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· 218 ratings · 27 reviews

Starting time your review of Holy Days: The World Of The Hasidic Family

Like many Americans of WASP extraction, I have slim knowledge of Jewish history between the Book of Acts and Elie Wiesel. This book is a fascinating and useful introduction to a modest slice of that rich history. Written in the mid-1980s past The New Yorker staff writer Lis Harris, the book weaves together Harris'due south experiences with a Lubavitcher Hasidic family unit in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with her research into three centuries of Hasidic history. The issue is compelling reading; I consumed information technology as I m Like many Americans of WASP extraction, I accept slim knowledge of Jewish history between the Book of Acts and Elie Wiesel. This book is a fascinating and useful introduction to a pocket-size slice of that rich history. Written in the mid-1980s by The New Yorker staff writer Lis Harris, the book weaves together Harris'due south experiences with a Lubavitcher Hasidic family unit in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with her research into iii centuries of Hasidic history. The result is compelling reading; I consumed it as I might a well-written thriller, seeking forth with the author to sympathise how practise these intensely religious people live and why practice they alive this way? She presents a well-rounded depiction of the positives and negatives of Hasidic life, although I could non help but wonder what and how much has changed since she wrote 30 years ago. Harris succeeded in a author's near difficult task: she left me wanting to know more. ...more than

Mar 03, 2008 Jen rated information technology actually liked it

I came across this book on the heels of having read The Chosen, then I was interested to learn more than about the Hasidim. I liked getting a more every-day feel for what their life is like in more contemporary times, although this book is at present over twenty years-old; however I'one thousand hard-pressed to believe much has inverse for this community in that time, since "new and improved" is absolutely *non* their motto.

I liked the writer--a Jewish adult female who grew up in a not-religious household--and appreciated her

I came beyond this book on the heels of having read The Chosen, so I was interested to learn more about the Hasidim. I liked getting a more than every-mean solar day feel for what their life is like in more than contemporary times, although this book is at present over twenty years-erstwhile; however I'm hard-pressed to believe much has inverse for this community in that time, since "new and improved" is absolutely *non* their motto.

I liked the writer--a Jewish woman who grew up in a not-religious household--and appreciated her observations as "my" ambassador into this by and large private world. She has two capacity on the history of the Hasidic movement, and the second one specially was kind of tedious--I skipped out of that nearly half-way through to get dorsum to the more fascinating stuff, ie the Hasidic family that was her ambassador into the community and her interactions with them. The writer's goal in learning beginning-mitt nigh the Hasidim was to learn more about the religious aspect she felt missing from her own life, simply with this being the driving strength behind her quest, I felt she dropped the brawl on it in her book. She does talk over along the manner how she's afflicted by her periodic immersions into the Hasidic world and definitely gives her take nigh their practices, merely she didn't sum upwards her experience on a personal level. And so in the cease I felt similar I was left hanging because she didn't respond her ain bigger questions. However, I certain did learn a lot nigh Hasidic life!

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A receptive New Yorker columnist spends about a year visiting the Lubuvitcher community in Crown Height and tells the tale in this book. Information technology really is well written, fair, and quite absorbing if you are interested in the discipline matter. Along the fashion you learn a lot about Judaism and about the Hasidic strain of Judaism that the Lubuvitchers are part of. The portrait that emerges is both flattering and embarrassing . . . in other words, real. She plainly did not want to offend the hosts who so gr A receptive New Yorker columnist spends virtually a yr visiting the Lubuvitcher community in Crown Height and tells the tale in this book. It really is well written, off-white, and quite arresting if y'all are interested in the subject matter. Along the way you learn a lot almost Judaism and near the Hasidic strain of Judaism that the Lubuvitchers are part of. The portrait that emerges is both flattering and embarrassing . . . in other words, existent. She obviously did not desire to offend the hosts who so graciously took her into their inner globe for a year and still she does not shy abroad from expressing her sincere reactions and to discussing the non so dandy side of the scene in Crown Heights as well as the impressive parts. The effect is a balanced portrait based, of course, on the limitations of the author. Fortunately, Ms. Harris was up to the task in both a literary sense and in the sense that she basically carried out an anthropological written report in which she was the participant observer. This book continues to exist relevant to anyone who would like to sympathize the Lubuvitcher community and the Chabad philosophy and teachings. ...more

November 12, 2007 Lucy rated it really liked it

Lis Harris is Jewish, merely not observant. But she feels compelled to explore the Hassidic roots of her family, so she finds a Hassidic family, the Konigsburgs, to shadow and acquire from.

The book is respectful, but not awed. Harris clearly respects her subjects, and she is impressed by much of what they say and do, merely she doesn't accept it all blindly. She both lauds and criticizes, sometimes in the same paragraph. She explores the celebrated roots of the Hassidic customs, interspersing chapt

Lis Harris is Jewish, but not observant. Just she feels compelled to explore the Hassidic roots of her family unit, so she finds a Hassidic family, the Konigsburgs, to shadow and learn from.

The book is respectful, just not awed. Harris conspicuously respects her subjects, and she is impressed by much of what they say and do, simply she doesn't accept it all blindly. She both lauds and criticizes, sometimes in the same paragraph. She explores the celebrated roots of the Hassidic customs, interspersing chapters of straight history with chapters detailing her experiences in the Konigsburg dwelling.

This is a readable, interesting, well-written exploration of Hassidic Jewry that gives a clear, well-rounded outsider'due south view. If this is a subject that you lot are interested in, I highly recommend this book.

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Jul 12, 2020 Marilyn rated it liked it

There is errors, such as chabad believing the rebbe is still live, spelling mistakes and grammatical issues in this book and author does present herself as quite ignorant of her own culture and heritage besides every bit being duped into believes a lot of garbage the world says virtually homemakers, traditional women'south roles and what really majors people happy

Jun 26, 2012 Rachel rated it liked it

Interesting information, but the editing was so bad that I checked to run across if it was self published. I will wait for some other book on the topic, a book in which the editing and sentence structure exercise not detract from the information.

May 09, 2018 Tim Nason rated it really liked it

A wonderfully well-written report of Lis Harris'south interactions with a young Lubavitcher Hasidic family in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It is empathetic, beholden and very thorough, providing an insider view of an intensely devout and closed religious society. Harris is not uncritical in her description of the group'due south insular attitude, but she is accepting of its value in preserving the Hasidic customs that thrives and expands despite its shut proximity to ethnically- and culturally diverse A wonderfully well-written report of Lis Harris's interactions with a immature Lubavitcher Hasidic family in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Information technology is compassionate, appreciative and very thorough, providing an insider view of an intensely devout and airtight religious society. Harris is not uncritical in her description of the group's insular attitude, but she is accepting of its value in preserving the Hasidic customs that thrives and expands despite its close proximity to ethnically- and culturally diverse neighborhoods. The volume also effortlessly slips in a groovy bargain of history, and also explains many of the customs and rituals that guide Hasidic daily life through the twelvemonth.

Reading "Holy Days" has led me to greatly savor reading Chaim Potok'due south "My Proper noun is Asher Lev," a coming-of-historic period novel that takes place within the Lubavitcher society (termed "Ladover" in the novel).

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Jun xiii, 2020 Scott Thomson rated information technology really liked it

Very interesting insights. Technical problem with my copy; ii page 62's and no page 118.

May xix, 2013 Carla rated it it was astonishing

Just finished this wonderful volume. Like the author, I come from a background where the ultra-religious world of the Hasidim is function of a family heritage most which no ane has always been willing to speak to me. Harris'southward loving examination of this earth within a world of worlds is both respectful and skeptical, and it never seeks to approximate or to encourage its reader to judge; it simply illustrates how the realm of the Hasidim works for those who choose to live within information technology. A wonderful reading experie Just finished this wonderful book. Like the author, I come from a background where the ultra-religious earth of the Hasidim is office of a family heritage about which no one has ever been willing to speak to me. Harris's loving examination of this world within a world of worlds is both respectful and skeptical, and it never seeks to estimate or to encourage its reader to judge; it merely illustrates how the realm of the Hasidim works for those who cull to live inside it. A wonderful reading feel! ...more

Feb 15, 2012 Michelle rated information technology really liked information technology

I really enjoyed this investigation of a Lubavitcher Hasidim family by a secular Jew. I could feel Harris's respect for the family unit even if at times she was frustrated past them; 1 could likewise experience a certain wistfulness past Harris as she explored the religious life of this family and experienced holidays and life events with them. I wonder if she ever became more religious. I felt the historical chapters on the history of Hasidism were less well washed; I preferred her accounts of time spent with the I really enjoyed this investigation of a Lubavitcher Hasidim family by a secular Jew. I could experience Harris'due south respect for the family fifty-fifty if at times she was frustrated past them; one could likewise feel a certain wistfulness by Harris as she explored the religious life of this family and experienced holidays and life events with them. I wonder if she ever became more religious. I felt the historical chapters on the history of Hasidism were less well done; I preferred her accounts of fourth dimension spent with the family. ...more

Sep nineteen, 2015 Nancy rated it actually liked it

Doing some earthworks into Judaism, and this book was recommended equally an oldie but goodie in the anthropological category. Good for understanding the strengths and attractions of a deeply connected, dominion-spring community in a highly transitory, disconnected social club. The volume reads smoothly, for the well-nigh part--the "interesting parts," not only enquiry. Harris is respectful and digs out the significant and value in a lifestyle that might be considered anachronistic or fifty-fifty rigid and demeaning. Doing some digging into Judaism, and this volume was recommended as an oldie merely goodie in the anthropological category. Good for understanding the strengths and attractions of a deeply connected, rule-spring community in a highly transitory, disconnected society. The volume reads smoothly, for the most part--the "interesting parts," non merely research. Harris is respectful and digs out the meaning and value in a lifestyle that might be considered anachronistic or even rigid and demeaning. ...more than

Apr 03, 2015 Kathy Knapp rated it really liked information technology

Nigh of my friends, having grown up in the Midwest, have limited feel with Orthodox Judaism, let solitary Hasidism. I came upon a need to understand for a very personal reason - a family member's conversion. This book does a fair job of representing a close knit group of Religious in New York that is enlightening and respectful. It was an easy read - non technical - it was presented in layman's terms. I have much to learn. This volume was a primer, of sorts, for me. Virtually of my friends, having grown upward in the Midwest, have limited experience with Orthodox Judaism, let alone Hasidism. I came upon a need to understand for a very personal reason - a family member'due south conversion. This book does a off-white job of representing a close knit group of Religious in New York that is enlightening and respectful. It was an easy read - not technical - it was presented in layman's terms. I accept much to acquire. This volume was a primer, of sorts, for me. ...more

Jan 12, 2008 molly rated it liked it

you take to be really interested in hasidim to like this book. the family is harris profiles is interesting but my secularism kind of turned me off from all the religious stuff but the sociology of it all is pretty fascinating. what is fifty-fifty crazier is what is going on with the lubabvitcher community at present and there "messiah has a come!" vs. "no, that'south just some guy from crown heights" debate you lot take to be really interested in hasidim to like this book. the family unit is harris profiles is interesting but my secularism kind of turned me off from all the religious stuff merely the sociology of information technology all is pretty fascinating. what is even crazier is what is going on with the lubabvitcher community now and there "messiah has a come!" vs. "no, that's just some guy from crown heights" debate ...more

Contemporary story of the Hasidic customs in East New York, Brooklyn. The author is a Jewiosh woman who is an outsider to the community.
Some found it interesting and educational. Others felt the writer was condescending.

Interesting survey of the life of Hasidics. I agree with some other reviewer, however, that the historical capacity were harder to follow and less engaging. I would exist interested to learn if annihilation has changed in the community since Lis published the book in 1985.

Sep 24, 2009 Nicole rated information technology really liked it

An intriguing look within the lives of Brooklyn Hasidic Jews. Lis Harris takes united states inside many places that helped me to better empathize the lives and values of my Jewish neighbors. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend information technology to anyone with a curiosity about Hasidism.

There was a lot of interesting data in this book. However in that location were a few really irksome chapters. It was worth reading and skimming the tedious chapters. The book was written in the 1980s and most of the tedious chapters were not as relevant today as when the book was written.

This true store gave me a look into a different civilisation. Skilful read

Jul 01, 2007 Inez rated information technology liked it

I read this volume when I was in college (like a hundred years ago :D) I don't have much to tell except information technology was a book with lots of basic data to educate a non-Jewish reader. I read this book when I was in higher (similar a hundred years agone :D) I don't have much to tell except it was a volume with lots of basic data to educate a non-Jewish reader. ...more

Sep 06, 2008 Sandra rated it really liked it

What seems to be a factual intro to Hasidic life and beliefs. Lots of myths debunked.

if you're interested in this topic, so I recommend this book. At that place is likewise a lively give-and-take of the Lubavitcher / Satmare conflict. (Lesson #i: Not all Hasidic peoples are the same!) if you're interested in this topic, so I recommend this book. In that location is also a lively discussion of the Lubavitcher / Satmare conflict. (Lesson #1: Non all Hasidic peoples are the same!) ...more