Judaism, Mathematics, and the Hebrew Calendar

Judaism, Mathematics, and the Hebrew Calendar
Author: Hyman Gabai
Publisher:
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2002
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN:

The author explores several connections between mathematics and the history and tradition of Judaism, including the use of gematria to discover deeper meanings of words and phrases in the Torah. this book analysis the mathematical structure and properties of the Hebrew calendar, including probabilities assoiated with the calendar and computation of correspondences between Hebrew and civil dates. Intended for the scholar and layperson alike, this volume will appeal to reders with an interest in Judaism and/or mathematics.

Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions

Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions
Author: Anne Runehov
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2013-05-18
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781402082641

"To all who love the God with a 1000 names and respect science” In the last quarter century, the academic field of Science and Theology (Religion) has attracted scholars from a wide variety of disciplines. The question is, which disciplines are attracted and what do these disciplines have to contribute to the debate? In order to answer this question, the encyclopedia maps the (self)-identified disciplines and religious traditions that participate or might come to participate in the Science and Religion debate. This is done by letting each representative of a discipline and tradition answer specific chosen questions. They also need to identify the discipline in relation to the Science and Religion debate. Understandably representatives of several disciplines and traditions answered in the negative to this question. Nevertheless, they can still be important for the debate; indeed, scholars and scientists who work in the field of Science and Theology (Religion) may need knowledge beyond their own specific discipline. Therefore the encyclopedia also includes what are called general entries. Such entries may explain specific theories, methods, and topics. The general aim is to provide a starting point for new lines of inquiry. It is an invitation for fresh perspectives on the possibilities for engagement between and across sciences (again which includes the social and human sciences) and religions and theology. This encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work for scholars interested in the topic of ‘Science and Religion.’ It covers the widest spectrum possible of academic disciplines and religious traditions worldwide, with the intent of laying bare similarities and differences that naturally emerge within and across disciplines and religions today. The A–Z format throughout affords easy and user-friendly access to relevant information. Additionally, a systematic question-answer format across all Sciences and Religions entries affords efficient identification of specific points of agreement, conflict, and disinterest across and between sciences and religions. The extensive cross-referencing between key words, phrases, and technical language used in the entries facilitates easy searches. We trust that all of the entries have something of value for any interested reader. Anne L.C. Runehov and Lluis Oviedo

The Abrahamic Religions

The Abrahamic Religions
Author: Charles L. Cohen
Publisher:
Total Pages: 175
Release: 2020
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0190654341

Connected by their veneration of the One God proclaimed by Abraham, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share much beyond their origins in the ancient Israel of the Old Testament. This Very Short Introduction explores the intertwined histories of these monotheistic religions, from the emergence of Christianity and Islam to the violence of the Crusades and the cultural exchanges of al-Andalus.

Time, Astronomy, and Calendars in the Jewish Tradition

Time, Astronomy, and Calendars in the Jewish Tradition
Author: Sacha Stern
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 387
Release: 2013-11-07
Genre: History
ISBN: 900425966X

The study of time, astronomy, and calendars, has been closely intertwined in the history of Western culture and, more particularly, Jewish tradition. Jewish interest in astronomy was fostered by the Jewish calendar, which was based on the courses of the sun and the moon, whilst astronomy, in turn, led to a better understanding of how time should be reckoned. Time, Astronomy, and Calendars in the Jewish Tradition, edited by Sacha Stern and Charles Burnett, presents a wide selection of original research in this multi-disciplinary field, ranging from Antiquity to the later Middle Ages. Its variety of approaches and sub-themes reflects the relevance of astronomy and calendars to many aspects of Jewish, and more generally ancient and medieval, culture and social history. Contributors include: Jonathan Ben-Dov, Reimund Leicht, Marina Rustow, Francois de Blois, Raymond Mercier, Philipp Nothaft, Josefina Rodriguez Arribas, Ilana Wartenberg, Israel Sandman, Justine Isserles, Anne C. Kineret Sittig, Katharina Keim, and Sacha Stern

Transcending Tradition: Jewish Mathematicians in German Speaking Academic Culture

Transcending Tradition: Jewish Mathematicians in German Speaking Academic Culture
Author: Birgit Bergmann
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2012-10-22
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN: 3642224644

A companion publication to the international exhibition "Transcending Tradition: Jewish Mathematicians in German-Speaking Academic Culture", the catalogue explores the working lives and activities of Jewish mathematicians in German-speaking countries during the period between the legal and political emancipation of the Jews in the 19th century and their persecution in Nazi Germany. It highlights the important role Jewish mathematicians played in all areas of mathematical culture during the Wilhelmine Empire and the Weimar Republic, and recalls their emigration, flight or death after 1933.

The Jewish Calendar Controversy of 921/2 CE

The Jewish Calendar Controversy of 921/2 CE
Author: Sacha Stern
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 598
Release: 2019-09-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9004388672

In the year 921/2, the Jewish leaders of Palestine and Babylonia disagreed on how to calculate the calendar. This led the Jews of the entire Near East to celebrate Passover and the other festivals, through two years, on different dates. The controversy was major, but it became forgotten until its late 19th-century rediscovery in the Cairo Genizah. Faulty editions of the texts, in the following decades, led to much misunderstanding about the nature, leadership, and aftermath of the controversy. In this book, Sacha Stern re-edits the texts completely, discovers many new Genizah sources, and challenges the historical consensus. This book sheds light on early medieval Rabbanite leadership and controversies, and on the processes that eventually led to the standardization of the medieval Jewish calendar.

The Jewish Book of Why

The Jewish Book of Why
Author: Alfred J. Kolatch
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 321
Release: 2003-03-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0142196193

Why do Jews eat gefilte fish? Why is a glass broken at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony? Why must the chapter of curses in the Torah be read quickly in a low voice? Why are shrimp and lobster not kosher? Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur? Why are some Matzot square while others are round? If you've ever asked or been asked any of these questions, The Jewish Book of Why has all the answers. In this complete, concise, fascinating, and thoroughly informative guide to Jewish life and tradition, Rabbi Alfred J. Kolatch clearly explains both the significance and the origin of nearly every symbol, custom, and practice known to Jewish culture-from Afikomon to Yarmulkes, and from Passover to Purim. Kolatch also dispels many of the prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings that surround Jewish observance and provides a full and unfettered look at the biblical, historical, and sometimes superstitious reasons and rituals that helped develop Jewish law and custom and make Judaism not just a religion, but a way of life. L'chaim!

A Time to Every Purpose

A Time to Every Purpose
Author: Jonathan D Sarna
Publisher: Basic Books
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2009-02-23
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0786731664

At the turn of the twenty-first century, the central question confronting Jewish leaders in America is simple: Why be Jewish? Jonathan D. Sarna, acclaimed scholar of American Judaism, believes that "Why be Jewish?" is the wrong question. Judaism, he believes, is not so much a "why" as a way -- a way of life, a way of marking time, a way of relating to the environment, to human beings, to family, and to God. Judaism is experienced through doing -- doing things Jewish, doing things for fellow Jews in need, doing things as a Jew to improve the state of the world. The more Judaism one does, the more one comes to appreciate what Judaism is. Using the Jewish calendar as his starting point, Sarna reflects on the major themes of Jewish life as expressed in a full year of holidays -- from Passover in the spring to Purim eleven months later. Passover, for instance, yields a discussion of freedom; Shavuot, a discussion of Torah; Yom Kippur, the role of the individual within the Jewish community; Chanukah, issues of assimilation and anti-assimilation. An essential brief introduction -- or reintroduction -- to the major practices of Jewish life as well as the many complexities of the American Jewish experience, this book will be essential reading for American Jews and the perfect gift for the holiday season.

The Jewish Pregnancy Book

The Jewish Pregnancy Book
Author: Sandy Falk
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2004
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1580231780

In addition to information on medical issues, this book features ancient and modern prayers and rituals for each stage of pregnancy, as well as traditional Jewish wisdom on pregnancy.

The Mathematics of the Calendar

The Mathematics of the Calendar
Author: Marc Cohn
Publisher: Lulu.com
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2007-07-29
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 1430324961

This book will explain the mathematical details behind the Jewish calendar and Easter calculation with a mathematical proposal to fix the Jewish Calendar from an actuary.In addition, we will explore the mathematics behind the Mayan calendar, Islamic calendar, and our everyday calendar, the Gregorian calendar. First, I will demonstrate how the Jewish calendar works, and how to convert dates between the Jewish calendar to the Gregorian/Julian calendar. I will then explain the Easter calculation and demonstrate how to use the methods from the Easter calculation to fix the Jewish calendar so that the Jewish calendar stays consistent with the solar cycle. In 1582, there were two competing proposals to reform the Julian calendar. I will explain the mathematics behind the two proposals. I will explain the proposal that placed Washington, DC on the 77th meridian.