Book of Customs, The

By Scott-martin Kosofsky

Book Description

Drawing from a remarkable 1645 Yiddish manuscript, book designer Scott-Martin Kosofsky has revived a lost treasure of Jewish spiritual practice. The Book of Customs resurrects the ancient Minhogimbukh tradition, bringing back a comprehensive guide that had vanished for over a century.

This beautifully crafted volume serves as both historical artifact and practical companion for modern spiritual seekers. Kosofsky has thoughtfully adapted the original customs book format, weaving together historical perspective with contemporary application to create something entirely fresh yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Within these pages, readers discover a complete roadmap through the Jewish spiritual calendar. The book illuminates the rhythms of sacred time, from weekly Sabbath observance to the full cycle of monthly festivals and holy days. Beyond the calendar, it explores the profound rituals that mark life's most significant passages: birth, coming of age, marriage, and death.

What makes this work particularly special is its visual richness. For the first time since the 1760s, all the original woodcuts appear together, creating a stunning visual vocabulary that brings ancient Jewish life into vivid focus. These images, combined with clear explanations of rituals, liturgies, and texts, make complex traditions accessible to contemporary families.

Whether you're deepening existing practice or exploring Jewish spirituality for the first time, this restored guide offers both beauty and practical wisdom for integrating sacred customs into daily life.