fasts and feasts

The author tells the story of Hanukkah which includes the history, customs and significance of this Jewish holiday.

A collection of recipes associated with different Hindu holidays that are appropriate for cooking with children.

At Christmas, Marta, a Polish girl, unhesitatingly breaks off pieces of her own blessed Nativity straw to share with her ill grandmother and other humble villagers, and in giving them away, her blessings return to her.

Describes the five Jewish holidays that are celebrated in the springtime. Explains how each holiday relates to a special occurrence in Jewish history.

Investigates the history of sanctioned public revelry, from the Dionysian winter dance to twenty-first-century sporting events and concerts, looking at attempts by churches and other institutions to squelch ecstatic displays, and concluding that humans are inately social beings prone to sharing joy.

Presents recipes for foods associated with various festivals and holidays around the world.

A young boy tells how his family celebrates the Jewish Passover holiday. Includes the story of Passover.

Describes the different foods prepared in various religious ceremonies by Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and Sikhs.

Provides an account of the Jewish holidays of the Days of Awe, Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, and the Sabbath, detailing the history and customs of each, with poems, stories, and traditional songs and music.