Agnon, S.Y. Days of Awe: A Treasury of Jewish Wisdom for Reflection, Repentance, and Renewal. Schocken Books, 1948, 1975, 1995.
An indispensable classic by one of the great Hebrew writers of the 20th century; readings and selections from the entire range of Jewish writings to enhance our experience of this sacred season.
Apisdorf, Shimon. Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Survival Kit. Leviathan Press, 1992.
An accessible guide to the prayers and themes of the High Holidays and their relevance to contemporary life.
Elkins, Rabbi Dov Peretz. Moments of Transcendence: Inspirational Readings for Rosh Hashanah and Inspirational Readings for Yom Kippur. Jason Aronson, 1994.
An impressive, diverse range of inspirational reflections on the themes of the High Holidays such as sin and personal change, forgiveness, life and death, and social justice.
Goodman, Philip. The Rosh Hashanah Anthology. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1988.
A thorough guide to how Rosh Hashanah was observed from antiquity until the present, including recipes, Hasidic teachings, Jewish literature and children’s stories for Rosh Hashanah.
Goodman, Philip. The Yom Kippur Anthology. Jewish Publication Society, 1988.
A thorough guide to how Yom Kippur throughout Jewish history and in many different lands.
Hammer, Reuven. Entering the High Holy Days: Complete Guide to History, Prayers, and Themes. Jewish Publication Society, 1998, 2005.
An approachable, thorough resource for making High Holiday services personally meaningful; useful both for knowledgeable Jews and those just beginning their Jewish learning.
Kates, Judith A. and Gail Twersky Reimer. Beginning Anew: A Woman's Companion to the High Holidays. Touchstone, 1997.
Essays and commentary exploring to the biblical women and female imagery in the Torah and Haftorah portions read publicly on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as the themes in the High Holiday prayer book; an essential resource for contemporary women.
Olitzky, Kerry M. and Rachel T. Sabath. Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days. Jewish Publication Society, 1996.
Not just a book to read, but also one to write in, this book uses excerpts from a wide range of Jewish sources and writers to guide the reader through the spiritual journey of the High Holidays.
back to top
















