• Why was the practice of tearing a garment (Keria) instituted?
• Why are coffins commonly fashioned from raw pine wood?
• Why does Jewish law require speedy burial?
• Why may Kaddish be recited only in the presence of a minyan (religious quorum)?
• Why do mourner's sit on low stools during the seven-day Shiva period?
• Why is Yahrzeit generally observed on the anniversary of the date of death?

The Jewish Mourner's Book of Why features a selection of readings that will bring comfort to the bereaved. The useful appendices include an unveiling service that can be conducted by a family member; the various forms of the Kaddish prayer in Hebrew, in transliteration, and in English translation; as well as a Yizkor service for those who are homebound. Also included are detailed notes, bibliography, and index.

About the Author

Alfred J. Kolatch, a graduate of the Teachers' Institute of Yeshiva University and its College of Liberal Arts, was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which subsequently awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa. From 1941 to 1948 he served as rabbi of congregations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Kew Gardens, New York, and as a chaplain in the United States Army. In 1948 he founded Jonathan David Publishers, of which he has since been president and editor-in-chief.